Upper Cle Elum River – Salmon la Sac, Washington

Fished Upper Cle Elum River at first main bridge south of Salmon la Sac Campground upnear Salmon la Sac, Washington. Nice spot, water was clear , access was good, but fishing was not very productive. Attempted Lightning bugs, Elkhair Caddis, San Juan worm, and Prince Nymph. Had a couple bites on Prince, none hooked. Kids also fished with the Spiderman and Barbie rigs…with very little success, unless you count catching rocks.
Fished the “washout” area just south of Salmon la Sac on Upper Cle Elem. The “washout” is an area where the river has washed out Hwy 903/Salmon la Sac Road, some gravel repair has restored it to where passage is capable. Some very excellent riffles and holes here along the road. Attempted to Czech Nymph through some of rocky area…wow, not bad for first try. Caught and released unharmed two 10-12in Rainbow trout. Used a lighting bug behind an Elkhair Caddis. Wind was picking up pretty good, so only fished 1.5 hours.
Time: Saturday, June 20th, 2009, Saturday, 10am-12pm, 5-6:30pm
Weather: 70-75 F, WINDY
Water: Clear, cold, fast
Access: Great
Rig: Green Lightning bug trailing Elkhair Caddis, 7.5ft 4x Rio Leader, not optimal but worked some
Notes: Drove to Tucquala Lake (10mi up in alpine lake area), not very accessible for shore fishing this early, snow still on ground. Ranger suggested that there could be a couple in the beaver ponds, but probably would wait until Aug/Sept.