Yakima River Fishing Report

Date
Monday, 18 Apr, 2016
Water Clarity
Muddy
Report
Overall tough conditions. Most likely isn't going to get better in the near future with the weather pattern we have.....which is warmer then normal.

Upper Proper 1 foot
Upper Flatlands 1.5 + foot
Upper Canyon 1
Farmlands - 1 foot
Lower Canyon 6 inches

If you are going to fish, the 12 noon to 3 PM time frame is the window.....March Browns are hatching and over the years in this situation we have been able to find some rising fish during the hatch. Prior and post hatch is difficult.

We will keep you updated as conditions become more favorable.
 
Fishing Water Report
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As the only official “Blue Ribbon” river in the State of Washington, the Yakima is in a class of it’s own. Being close to the quaint town of Ellensburg adds to its allure. Originating ... morehigh in the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountain’s Snoqualmie Wilderness and ending at Richland, this 214-mile long Columbia River tributary is a managed flow tailriver, controlled by the US Bureau of Reclamation and fed by three main reservoirs – the Kachess, Keechelus and Cle Elum.

Despite the controls, a mix of both bottom fed and top water releases create water conditions more like a freestone river than one encumbered by dams. Unlike most western waterways, its waters are low during the spring/fall months and high during summer when demand for irrigation is greatest.

The Yakima’s official 75-mile Blue Ribbon stretch starts where the three tailwaters merge near the town of Cle Elum, and continues on until reaching Roza Dam. The upper river down to the confluence of reservoirs tends to be braided and difficult to float. A flat section follows, known for wading and long rifles. At East Cle Elum the river runs 14 miles through its “upper canyon” section, populated with large boulders and an abundance of cutthroats.

From Diversion Dam to Wilson Creek is the farmland section. Known for apple orchards, Cottonwoods and Timothy Hay, the fishing is good but access difficult due to private landholdings. Arid Yakima Canyon that runs from Wilson Creek to Roza Dam is the most fished part of the river, typically by drift boat.

The river is open year round with runoff in May. While anglers come from afar to fish Yakima’s waters, it’s rarely over crowded. There’s a wide variety of fish, including rainbow, cutthroat, browns, brook, kokanee, burbot and smallmouth bass. Fish range in size from 12-14 inches.

Before booking a trip, be sure to check anticipated water levels and remember that this is a catch and release river.
Reporting Outfitter
The Evening Hatch started by Jack Mitchell, began guiding on the Yakima in 1988. We are one of the remaining original outfitters on 'Our Home River.' Since then our services have expanded ... moresubstantially, including three post and beam lodges. For those who have fished with us, we appreciate your loyal support as this is our 27th year of operating and it continues to be a fun adventure. If you haven't fished with us, we invite you to join us waterside and experience a day, two, three or more on the water with The Evening Hatch.

Over the years The Evening Hatch has seasoned a good number of the guides that are on the Yakima and in Central/Eastern Washington today. Some are with us and some may be out there on their own or with other outfitters. One thing is for sure, The Evening Hatch set the standard of excellence and continues to do so.

..The reputation of The Evening Hatch is based directly on our developed and original programs, quality facilities and our staff that greets you at the Yakima river fly shop, at one of our lodges or the guide that shows you the best of the fishery. We are fortunate to have our crew. These dedicated professionals are hard working, fleece wearing, sunglass bearing, weather tattered, sun lined, oar pulling, fish netting, fly tying, genuine fly fishing guides, bums, chefs, hosts and more. At first glance they may appear to be aloof, out there, glaze eyed, robotic and/or just 'guide like.' A closer look reveals a group of people that will do whatever it takes to make your day the best it can be, period! Our programs have always been 'the first' on the east slope of the Cascades. We guarantee our service, and were the FIRST to do so! - See what our guests have to say.!

Most of our guide staff are full time for The Hatch and some are freelancers roaming the waters... Regardless of their origin, rest assured the experience will be an enjoyable adventure. We guarantee our service! Some of our guide staff have been on the water with us for over 26 years now.....No other Washington or Yakima guide service can quote that statistic... Link below to learn more about our guide staff...

A good guide is your link between the knowledge you already have and the knowledge you would like to gain when it pertains to fishing with the fly.

We are grass roots, from the get go... We won't presume to tell you how to fish; Whether it be dry flies, streamers, nymphing or swinging...We are well versed in all techniques with a fly rod, both single hand and double handers and can teach you the intricacies of the methods you are interested in. If there is something you would like or not like on your trip, let us know and we will make it happen!
Reported Trip
The Yakima River is located on the eastern “dry side” of the Cascade mountains in Central Washington. With over 75 miles of prime, diverse trout water in the Blue Ribbon section of ... morethe Yakima and one of the longest dry fly seasons in the West, March through mid-November, the Yakima River is the top fly fishing destination for wild trout in Washington.
Fishing Waters:
Destination:
  • Expert Guide
  • Riverside lunch, beverages and snacks for spring, summer and fall
  • Flies, tippet, and tackle
Washington is blessed with an incredibly diverse selection of watersheds to chase fish with the fly. The Yakima river is listed as a Blue Ribbon trout fishery from the headwaters at ... moreEaston Dam to Roza dam. We call this river our "Home Water". With over 27 solid years of guiding on this river and well over 10,000 floats you won't find a more seasoned crew with the sincere desire to make your day the best it can be.

The Yakima river watershed is a gem: From the multiple eagles inhabiting the waterway during the winter, to the Bighorn sheep calling the banks its home, to the mule deer, the heron, the hawk, the cougar, bobcat, black bear, elk and the trout. From the water it supplies the farmer and the recreational venue it provides for water sports, to the basalt daisy which is only indigenous to the Yakima river canyon and the incredible white ash line in the lower canyon in remembrance of a time that man was not here and Mt Mazama deposited its mark. It is a river of many faces from its terrain and seasons to the tactics and methodology used to fool the trout. 

Our day trip adventure has been our bread and butter for 27 years now. A day waterside with one of our guide staff is an invaluable experience. Ninetynine percent of our guided trips on the Yakima are based on a drift trip from point A to point B. During low water season there is ample wading opportunities if so desired, but the heart and soul of a day on the water with our crew is a drift trip.

There are many watersheds that offer significant beauty. While the Yakima is not the only beautiful river it most certainly is dramatic, unique and a Blue Ribbon stream centrally located in Washington

What is included in your Yakima day trip; (This refers to our Washington Day Trips)

April 1 - Oct 31 Your Full day trip includes a riverside lunch, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks that while not quite gourmet will most definitely satisfy, all your flies, rods and reels if needed, tippet, floatant and of course all your guides wisdom. What is not included; your fishing license and wading attire

Nov 1 - March 31 Your Yakima Winter rates trip includes flies, tippets and such and of course all your guides wisdom. What is not included; your fishing license, wading attire and lunch
Fishing Waters:
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