By Austin Bennett

Troutwater Fly Shop has been flourishing in downtown Ellensburg. Troutwater recently moved to their downtown location at 425 N. Pearl St. this past April but the business has been operating since 2010 .

Troutwater chose to move downtown due to traffic and the accommodations. “The boats are in and out before the businesses are open or closed, it works out perfectly,” Ted Truglio, a fly fishing guide at Troutwater said.

Guided fishing

“We probably run the biggest non charter guide service in the state of Washington,” Truglio said. Taking all saltwater charters out of the equation, Troutwater is one of the biggest in the state of Washington.

It fishes six different rivers including the Methow, Wenatchee, Klickitat and Yakima. Unlike most rivers, the Yakima is open year round, giving Troutwater the majority of their business.

Troutwater guides the Yakima River in four different sections Ellensburg guides the lower two sections and Cle Elum guides the upper two sections.

Fish

Most fish caught by Troutwater are rainbow trout, steelhead, and salmon.

Truglio specified that salmon and steelhead are not being caught in the Yakima, as they are protected when they pass the Rosa Dam.

Troutwater uses specific tackle to protect the salmon and steelhead from being caught.  The fish eat the same thing, so it’s the hook size that matters. They use a single barbless artificial hook that is small enough to pop out of the fish’s mouth before the fisherman lands it.

Gear

Troutwater will supply all gear for guided fishing. If you have your own gear you may bring your own rods or waiters.

Patagonia partners with Troutwater and supplies most of their gear and apparel. However, Troutwater has to buy their own rods and reels for their guides and customers.

One of the unique advantages Troutwater has is that they tie their own flies. With each guide having at least ten years experience they understand which fly is working throughout certain periods of the year.

“Golden stoneflies are working really well right now,” Ted Truglio said. Each guide has a secret fly that they will tie for their customers.

Experience is what separates Troutwater from the rest. Ten-plus years of experience for each guide you are guaranteed to catch fish.