Yakima River
Washington · Central Washington
Rainbow TroutBrown Trout
Top 5 Fishing Locations on Yakima River
Roza Dam Tailwater
Below Roza Dam the Yakima River's lower canyon is Washington's most important wild trout fishery with exceptional wild rainbow trout. Fish averaging 14-18 inches are present throughout this productive section. The famous Yakima caddis hatch from September through November is one of the premier fly fishing events in the Pacific Northwest.
💧 Ideal flow: 800–2,500 CFS. The canyon section between Ellensburg and Yakima fishes best at moderate flows — wild redsides throughout.
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Ellensburg Canyon
The Yakima through Ellensburg Canyon offers classic Washington dry fly fishing with excellent wild rainbow populations. Float fishing in drift boats covers the canyon's productive water most efficiently. Fall caddis hatches bring enormous numbers of fish to the surface.
💧 Ideal flow: 600–2,000 CFS. The upper Yakima near Cle Elum fishes well at moderate flows — PMD and caddis hatches are excellent in summer.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Cle Elum
Near Cle Elum the upper Yakima maintains cold clear conditions for excellent wild rainbow trout fishing. This section transitions from the canyon to valley character with more accessible wading. PMD and caddis hatches from June through October create consistent dry fly opportunities.
💧 Ideal flow: 800–2,500 CFS. The lower canyon fishes best at moderate flows — float fishing preferred on this technical tailwater.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Umtanum Recreation Area
Umtanum Recreation Area provides camping and excellent access to prime Yakima River trout water in a remote canyon setting. Wild rainbow trout average 14-16 inches throughout this section. The basalt canyon scenery rivals any fishing destination in Washington state.
💧 Ideal flow: Fishes best at stable moderate flows — check TroutBible live gauge as Yakima flows are controlled by irrigation releases.
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Naches Confluence
Where the Naches River joins the Yakima near Yakima city creates an important mixing zone for wild trout. Large rainbows use this confluence as a staging area throughout the year. Below this point the Yakima transitions toward warmwater species as it approaches the Columbia.
💧 Ideal flow: 600–2,000 CFS. Fishes best in fall when irrigation season ends and flows stabilize — October caddis hatches are exceptional.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
About Yakima River Fishing
The Yakima River is Washington's only designated Wild Trout river and the most productive wild trout fishery in the state, flowing through stunning arid canyon country east of the Cascades. The canyon section between Ellensburg and Yakima provides exceptional opportunities for both float and wade fishing, with no hatchery stocking allowing pure wild trout populations to thrive.
Best Time to Fish Yakima River
Spring and early summer bring excellent Pale Morning Dun and caddis hatches that drive consistent dry fly fishing from April through June. Fall offers ideal conditions with cooler water temperatures and fewer crowds, making September through October prime time for productive wade fishing and floats.
Species
The Yakima River supports wild rainbow trout exclusively, with no stocking program ensuring genetically pure, native populations perfectly adapted to the river's ecosystem. These wild rainbows are known for their strength and selectivity, rewarding anglers who match the prolific PMD and caddis hatches with precise presentations.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current Washington fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on Yakima River may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid Washington fishing license is required.
Live River Data
Live flow and gauge readings are sourced from the USGS National Water Information System and updated every 15–60 minutes. CFS (cubic feet per second) and gauge height give you a current snapshot of river conditions before your trip.