Updated October 15, 2026
    March – May

    Spring in Washingtonthe fly fishing guide

    Your complete guide to fly fishing in Washington during spring (March – May).
    March – MaySpringJune – AugustSummerSeptember – NovemberFallDecember – FebruaryWinter
    The full spring guide for Washington is on its way. In the meantime, here are the flies and waters to start with.

    Top Spring flies for Washington

    Ranked by how often they show up in this season's reports.

    All flies
    eggOrange Tungsten EggsExplicitly mentioned in recent angler reports as a highly effective pattern for trout keying into eggs during the spring spawning season.nymphTactical Peeping Caddis TH JigExplicitly highlighted in recent angler reports as highly effective for targeting larger fish on undercut banks, mimicking actively emerging caddis nymphs.nymphFlashback Baetis NymphRecommended in recent angler reports and aligns with the strong early spring Baetis nymph activity, particularly for midday feeding fish.dryStimulatorA strong general attractor dry fly, particularly effective for prospecting in faster water, and explicitly listed in recent angler reports for the Yakima River.nymphFlashback Pheasant Tail NymphAn excellent general searching nymph, mimicking various small mayfly nymphs, and aligning with the 'Tunghead Pheasant Tail Jig' explicitly listed in recent angler reports.dryMother's Day CaddisThe prolific Mother's Day Caddis hatch is expected in late April through May, and recent angler reports indicate active caddis, making this an essential pattern for rising fish.nymphPat's Rubber LegsA year-round stonefly nymph imitation, explicitly mentioned in recent angler reports as 'Pat's Stonefly', it's excellent for getting deep in faster runs.nymphDamsel Nymph (Olive)Damsel nymphs become active in late spring as they migrate towards shore to hatch. This olive pattern is effective when stripped slowly along weed beds and can attract Cutthroat Trout and other opportunistic feeders.

    Waters in Washington 6 to fish

    All of Washington

    Fly shops nearby

    Local flies, current advice and guided trips.

    All fly shops
    56MIEllensburg AnglerEllensburg56MITroutwater Fly ShopUnknown56MIWorley Bugger Fly Co.Ellensburg58MIRed's Fly ShopEllensburg

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    Need gear or a guide?

    Find fly shops near Washington's best spring waters for local flies, advice and guided trips.

    Washington fly shops
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