Jack Mitchell
Fly Fisher, Guide, Host
Jack Mitchell started fishing at the early age of one. The first 16 summers of his life were spent fishing at Neah Bay, with his parents and grandparents as "Kelpers" - catching and selling salmon caught in the Straits of Juan de Fuca and the Pacific Ocean. Prior to the families years at Neah Bay, Jack's grandfather owned a very well known fishing resort on Camano Island called 'Camp Lagoon', where he hosted thousands of people on fishing excursions.
Listen to Jack Mitchell's Show...
Yakima River A Blue Ribbon Trout Fishery
Jack Mitchell is a seasoned guide and well-traveled fly fisher, having fished throughout North and South America from Alaska to Chile. He considers the Yakima his home water and has guided there for over 35 years. This designated Blue Ribbon fishery is one for your bucket list. Join us and learn everything you need to know about how to fish this outstanding fishery.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What characteristics make the Yakima River stand out as a blue ribbon trout fishery?
- What species of fish are available to fly fishers?
- How do fishing conditions and strategies vary across the different seasons on the Yakima?
- Can you describe the differences in fishing approaches between the upper, middle, and lower sections of the river?
- What are the typical water flow patterns throughout the year, and how do they influence fishing tactics?
- What rod and line setups do you recommend for effectively fishing the Yakima?
- Are there specific leader lengths or tippet materials you prefer for the Yakima's conditions?
- Which insect hatches are most significant on the Yakima, and when do they typically occur?
- What are your go-to fly patterns for the Skwala hatch in early spring?
- During the summer months, how do you adjust your fly selection to account for terrestrial activity?
- How do you decide between fishing dry flies, nymphs, or streamers on a given day?
- What signs do you look for when identifying productive water on the Yakima?
- How have conservation efforts impacted the health and sustainability of the Yakima River fishery?
After high school Jack went on to college at Washington State University and was on the 7 year plan for his BA in Sport and Recreation Management. While at college he fished, hunted and played a large amount of Rugby, hence the 7 year plan. Soon after graduation he found himself in Ellensburg and realized that his love of fishing had brought him to the right place.
His fishing trails have led him to Alaska, Canada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon and South America. In Chile, he explored many watersheds and guided in South America for a total of 7 winters. The Evening Hatch started as a small dream in 1988 and since the company has grown from a small red pick-up, an Achilles raft and doing a seasonal 30 trips a year, to a year round operation. Our services range from day trips to all inclusive programs featuring our post and beam overnight programs in four locations including the Yakima, Klickitat, Upper Columbia, Olympic Peninsula and the Kvichak river in Alaska. Jack started the credited fly fishing class at CWU in 1994. The class is still ongoing and very popular. He has spoke on the topic of fly fishing at sport shows, clubs and seminars.
Jack, The Evening Hatch and his guide staff have been featured in numerous publications over the years including ...
Northwest Backroads, The Drake, Grays Sorting Journal, Catch Magazine, Seattle Times, New York Times, American Angler, Fly Fisherman, Northwest Fly Fishing, Trout TV, This is Fly, Seasons on the Fly, Field and Stream, and Cabelas Outdoor Adventures.
The company goal is and always has been to have fun on the water, provide you with an enjoyable fishing experience, teach you some new technique, and create appreciation for the wonderful resource; We thank you for your continued support.
