Yakima River Fish Report

Yakima River Fly Fishing Report

Yakima River

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Orvis Company

by Orvis Company
11-3-2019

Break out those trout Spey and euro-nymph rigs. Low water makes for great wade fishing and access to most runs.

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby:Ellensburg Angler

Water flow: 830@ Umtanum

Visibility: 40 inches

Water temperature at mid-day: 60 Degrees F

Water condition: Clear

Best time of day to fish: Seasonally dependant

Best stretch: Depending on flows, both the Upper and Lower Yakima have great stretches - most well-known is between Easton and Roza Dam.

Best access point: The Upper Yakima has easy access along I-90, between Easton and Cle Elum. Between Cle Elum and Ellensburg, there are multiple launch points for boats. There is accessible wading, depending on flows, from the BLM campgrounds in the Lower Canyon.

Fly fishing hatches in order of importance:

January - February: midges, small winter stoneflies, mayflies March - May: skwala stones, golden stones, caddis, mayflies June - August: short-wing stoneflies, salmonflies, caddis, crane flies, mayflies, terrestrials September - December: October caddis, mayflies, midges

Fish species: Westslope Cutthroat, Wild Rainbows and Whitefish

Fishing season: Year-round; seasonal hatches make for great spring, summer, and fall fishing.

Nearest airport: Seattle Tacoma International Airport

Recommended fly fishing leader: 9 Foot Leader

Recommended fly fishing tippet: 3X Tippet

Best fly fishing rod: 9' 5 Weight Fly Rod

Best floating fly line: WF Trout Fly Line

Best sinking fly line: Bank Shot Sink Tip Fly Line