25th Annual Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival

This weekend Winthrop hosts the 25th annual Rhythm and Blues Festival out at the Blues Ranch on Highway 20 just west of town.  The music starts on Friday at 7pm and runs through Sunday night.  This year's headliners include Elvin Bishop, John Mayall, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band and Ruthie Foster, plus many, many more.  Tickets are $80 in advance and $90 at the gate.  A $10 pass for Friday night only is available and is a fundraiser for The Cove food bank in Twisp.

Made in the Methow

Take a look at this week's Methow Valley News for a great special section:  "Made in the Methow".  It features many of the local businesses, artists, craftsmen, farmers and others that create their wares right here in the Methow Valley.  A plethora of food products including specialty coffees, grains, beers, wine, baked goods, hot sauces, meats, cheeses, herbs and more.  A large gallery of local artists producing all types of works including pottery, oils, water colors, woolens, fabrics, jewelry and metalworks.  Read all about it, then go out and pick up some local products

NOAA Says Summer is Here!

According to NOAA, summer temperatures will be here for at least the next six days.  Their forecast for Friday through next Wednesday calls for sunshine and high temperatures at or above 85 degrees.  Patterson Lake starts to look mighty inviting when the thermometer is up there.  Go swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing or just lie on the beach.  Or sit by the pools up at the Lodge.  Either way, it's a great way to beat the heat.

Early July Fishing Report

The Methow river is fishable but still a bit high. As of 4th of July, the river is coming down slightly, but may bump up again with warmer weather predicted and a stubborn snowpack still in the mountains. The Chewuch is also still a bit higher than perfect early season conditions but an option (remember, it is closed above 8 mile). Nymphing is probably your best. There are some hatches occuring and a dry stone or caddis make pick up some fish. Please be careful wading, the river can be deceiving at this water level. A mistake at this level can be very costly. The lakes are still a great option as we have had a cool spring. The damsels and mayflies are out of course. Fishing the dry or nymph patterns, depending on time of day, can be very successful. Big Twin, Davis and Campbell have provided for lots of fun for fisherman, all requiring single, barbless catch and release gear. Black Pine is another great option this time of year, especially with kids and something green at the end of you line; deep. For more info. on the Methow watershed or lakes, please feel free to email or call our shop, 509 996 4735.  Bret and Kevin in the Sun Mountain Lodge Activities and Fly Shop.

4th of July Family Fun

Lot's of family fun in Twisp for the Fourth of July.  The annual Independence Day parade kicks off down Glover Street at 11am.  Followed by the 25th annual Methow Arts Fest in the Twisp Park beginning at 11:30am.  Lots of hands-on art making booths and entertainment until 4:30 in the afternoon.