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Yakima River Fishing 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.

Game Fish Opportunities:

Burbot

Smallmouth Bass

Westslope Cutthroat Trout

All 6 Fish Species

Guide Reports:

Yakima River Fishing Report

Fishing Trips:

Yakima River Float Trip

Yakima River Wade Trip with Troutwater Outfitters

Yakima River Float Trip with Troutwater Outfitters

All 7 Fishing Trips

Ellensburg, Washington Fishing Reports

Get up to date information on fishing conditions in Ellensburg, Washington. Learn about water flows, fish species, and current weather. Download maps and locate fishing access sites in Ellensburg, Washington. Discover the best guided fly fishing trips in Ellensburg, Washington. Plan a Ellensburg, Washington fishing trip today.

Ellensburg, Washington Fishing Trip Resources