Leavenworth Reachon Wenatchee River
What's working on Wenatchee River
- 01Cooler fall temperatures mean active fish throughout the day.
- 02Strong Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are expected, particularly on overcast afternoons.
- 03Peak October caddis activity will provide excellent dry fly opportunities in faster water.
- 04Deeper pools, eddies, and tailouts are key holding areas for Steelhead and larger trout.
- 05A floating craft can provide access to otherwise unreachable prime water on the Wenatchee River.
What to tie on at Leavenworth Reach
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Pheasant Tail Nymph
Mimicking various small mayfly nymphs, the Pheasant Tail is a classic and consistent subsurface pattern for trout and other species in the Wenatchee River throughout the year.
Buy at AmazonElk Hair Caddis
Caddis hatches are active from late spring through fall on the Wenatchee River, making this a reliable dry fly choice for trout and other species looking up.
Buy at AmazonFlashback Hare's Ear Nymph
An excellent general searching nymph, the Flashback Hare's Ear effectively mimics various aquatic insects and scuds active year-round in the Wenatchee River's currents.
Stimulator (Yellow)
Large attractor dry flies like the Stimulator can imitate golden stoneflies or large terrestrials, drawing aggressive strikes from opportunistic fish during summer, especially in the faster runs of the Wenatchee.
Schroeder's Hi-Vis Hopper
Hoppers are a prime food source for trout and other species along the grassy banks of the Wenatchee River during summer, making this a great terrestrial imitation.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A highly versatile and effective streamer year-round, the Olive Woolly Bugger imitates leeches and baitfish, enticing aggressive strikes from predatory trout and steelhead in the Wenatchee River.
Pale Evening Dun
PMD hatches continue throughout June on the Wenatchee, offering consistent dry fly opportunities, particularly in the evenings.
Zebra Midge
Midges are the most prolific and consistent food source in the Wenatchee during the winter. A size 18-22 in black or red is a staple for local Rainbows.
Buy at AmazonGlo Bug (Orange)
Resident trout and char remain keyed into egg patterns year-round, particularly with the upcoming spring rainbow spawn and lingering salmon eggs.
Washington season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.