lower yakima river fishing

At 5.4 miles it can be fished in half a day (4 hours) but has plenty of quality water to fish thoroughly for a full day. But the Yakima is more than just a quality trout fishing river. As this natural migratory event ensues, it has been documented that nearly 40,000 Smallmouth Bass will migrate into the Lower Yakima River and begin an all out feast on juvenile salmon. There is accessible wading, depending on flows, from the BLM campgrounds in the Lower Canyon. The lower portion of the Yakima, between Horn Rapids Dam near Benton City and the mouth of the river where it meets the Columbia at Richland, can provide some excellent smallmouth bass fishing. Try fishing in some of the deeper pools where the current brings food down toward hungry cats, especially during brighter light conditions. Once the flows do go down later in the summer, which tends to happen around late August or September most years, there is a brief hopper season on the river. The beauty of a well-managed tailwater like the Yakima is that these types of rivers generally fish well year-round, and the Yakima is no exception. Both species of bass readily hit soft plastic grubs and other lures, crankbaits, spinners and even artificial flies that imitate some of their food sources. Yakima River fly fishing during Springtime often calls for fish changing conditions requiring streamers, heavy nymphing, and fishing specific zones for specific hatches. Rules: Minimum size 12”. The height and speed of the water determines whether or not you can wade the stream and/or float it. Learn More . 240 bridge in Richland (river mile 2.1) to the Grant Avenue Bridge in Prosser (river mile 47.0) approximately 1,000 feet downstream of Prosser Dam. They will designate specific areas of the river where salmon fishing becomes legal, typically defining legal sections within the broader 100 or so river miles from Roza Dam to the confluence with the Columbia River at Richland. This section from Ellensburg to the beginning of the Yakima River Canyon known locally as The Farmlands is one of the more demanding stretches of the Yakima. Yakima River: Upper, Washington fishing report, rainbow trout fly fishing forecast, fishing season updates, fly shop and fishing guides, and fly-fishing weather. Fly Fishing Rill's offers year round equipment rentals so you can enjoy fishing the Yakima River yourself. Effective date: Thursday, Oct. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020. Most anglers consider the Upper Yakima river to be from Easton Dam downstream to Thorp, as this is essentially the upper half of the stretch between Easton and Roza dams. Maybe it’s not the best hopper season in the world (don’t be expecting Montana-esque action), but it can be very productive. Flows into the Columbia River south of Richland. However, if you can get access, the first few miles below Roza Dam are great if you’re looking to catch some big trout. Take Granger Emerald Road east from Granger to parallel several miles of the river downstream of Granger. Drive north from Benton city on Highway 225 for 10 miles to fish some of the lowest portions of the river before it joins the Columbia. Wow! Expansive water and thousands of big trout await, so if you want the classic Yakima experience, head to this stretch of the river! Unlike the “Blue Ribbon” trout waters upstream from Yakima, this lower stretch of the river meanders slowly through the flat river valley, warming fairly fast in the spring and summer and offering a haven for warm-water species. The Yakima River is Washington's top trout stream and its most baffling. Regulations: This makes for GREAT boat fishing and hopper fishing up against the shore. Kittitas County - Yakima River We have had good fishing throughout the river overall, other than the Lower Canyon and we have no report there as we haven't been fishing that stretch. Thread starter Mrdiecky; Start date Oct 16, 2019; Mrdiecky Salmonid DDS. For the record I did specify that it was a fish so that rules out submarine, manatee, Nessie, sea lion, Jimmy Hoffa, oyster, meth-head body, hooker, and a half human-half fish (no scientific name available so it doesn't count), and orca. We have mostly been nymphing, but doing a little streamer fishing as well. 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. I was fishing from my Perception Pescador. This is a fairly lightly fished stretch as well, so you may likely find more solitude here than those middle sections of the river. I also liked the sarcasm of guessing steelhead. Early spring through midsummer provide tremendous dry fly action (which returns promptly in the fall), the dog days of summer are great hopper weather, and the winter is primarily a nymphing game. Spots on lower yakima river. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. of fishable waters from Keechelus Dam to Roza Dam offer countless opportunities and challenges for a lifetime of fly fishing. Not looking for anyone's secret spot, just some where to get off the road and chuck some fluff. The lower Yakima River has excellent smallmouth fishing. WDFW also announced Grays Harbor (Marine Area 2.2 inside Buoy 13 and outside of river mouth boundaries) also will be open to salmon fishing from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30. Unfortunately, each year thousands upon thousands of salmon, both Spring and Fall Chinook alike, are ingested by Smallmouth Bass in the Lower Yakima. Sockeye fishing took on a larger purpose for a handful of volunteers at the mouth of the Yakima River early on June 26. I can't remember the last time we got 5 guides to all get the day off and get in the boats and "yuck it up". We also use other experienced and highly qualified independant guides when the need arises. If you’re dry fly fishing or traditional nymphing, five and six-weight fly rods are the way to go. They are in the Yakima basin but it would be rare to find them near the confluence with the Columbia. In the early summer, as mentioned previously, flows can be quite high. Yakima RIver Rundown Location: Yakima River, Lower Canyon Weather: High temps in the mid 70s.Sunshine and wind for the week, chance of precipitation. Let’s go over each trout-fishing season on the river in a little bit more detail. Aug 29, 2017 - Yakima River: Lower, Washington fishing report, rainbow trout fly fishing forecast, fishing season updates, fly shop and fishing guides, and fly-fishing weather. It spills cantankerously and quickly through the splintered log jams and shifting rocks in the upper reaches through the central Cascade Mountains, then flows powerfully and sullen through the sun baked grasshopper grass and broken basalt in the down-river desert canyon. Famous for its fly fishing, this area draws people from all over the nation. To catch catfish, try using fresh bait such as nightcrawlers, cut bait such as fish parts, and shrimp or prawns. The Yakima River runs very high during June - August, like super high and swift. Wade Fishing Tips for Fly Fishing the Yakima River - … Daily limit of two adults. There’s no bad time to fish the Yakima for trout. Don’t miss Northwest fishing news! Dry flies: BWO patterns, skwala patterns, hoppers, midges, various emergers. “Like” us on Facebook. Fishing wide open water on a warm summer day is the idyllic fly fishing experience, and the Yakima certainly fits the bill. That’s a really general list, but it should give you an idea of what to stock up on before you head out to the Yakima. Camping Host(s): TBD. As the fall progresses and October and November roll around the corner, the summer hopper season dies down but dry fly fishing is still excellent through mid-November. The fish aren’t the biggest trout in the country, but they are numerous, and the average fish on the river falls between the 13 and 16 inch range. Rules: Minimum size 12”. The lower Yakima River from Granger downstream to the Columbia River is well known for robust populations of smallmouth bass and channel catfish during the spring and summer months. I also liked the sarcasm of guessing steelhead. Emerald Water Anglers, a premier guide shop, claims the reason the Yakima has such acclaim and popularity is that it’s “really the only year-round dedicated fly fishing/artificial lure river…in the state of Washington.”. Rafting or Tubing the Lower Yakima will provide the outdoor rejuvenation you need. Yakima County offers lakes, rivers, ponds and even a few out of the way secret spots that many of the locals are willing to share if you ask nicely. A 10-mile (16 km) walking and cycling trail, a park, and a wildlife sanctuary are located at the river's edge. The other two will need a rowing frame added $15-$35. River Conditions: ~1250 cfs @ Umtanum, 5-6 feet of visibility. There are some fires further out in Eastern Washington that are sending smoke into the atmosphere so it's a bit hazy. Typically, WDFW allows bait-fishing in this fishery, which often is the most effective way to catch spring Chinook salmon. When you book your trip with Wildwater just ask for Neils or Andy to be your guide and we’ll be there. The Lower Yakima River is Washington’s only blue ribbon trout stream, located in the southern portion of the state. The Lower Yakima River Smallmouth fishing was excellent again this year. Lower Yakima River to open for spring chinook fishing Action: Open the lower Yakima River to fishing for spring chinook salmon Species affected: Chinook salmon Dates: April 29 through June 15, 2016 Location: From the Hwy. 240 bridge in Richland (river mile 2.1) to the Grant Avenue Bridge in Prosser (river mile 47.0). Twice as many trout as any other sub-section of the 215 miles of Yakima River water that swirls and falls from Snoqualmie Pass to the shapeless confluence with the Columbia River in the netherworld between Richland and Pasco. With over twenty years of experience fly fishing the Yakima River we are but one of many fly-fishing outfitter services living here in Ellensburg. The Yakima area has some of the best fishing spots for just about any type of fishing you might want to do. This sleeping beauty is the most relaxing stretch of the Yakima River; it slows its roll due to the backwaters above Roza Dam. Below Roza Dam, fly fishing interest drops off dramatically. In years of abundance, spring Chinook salmon also can be caught in lower sections of the river. Winter’s also a great time to check out the Yakima if you’re seeking solitude, as the often harsh weather conditions keep most people away from the river during the colder months of the year. Registration Fee: $25/person (no charge for 2 hosts) The Lower Yakima canyon, from Wilson Creek to Roza Dam, offers more than 20 miles of relatively easy floating. This stretch is more lightly pressured than the river below Thorp, so if you’re looking to escape the crowds, then this is a good spot to check out. The lowest 130 miles of river are of little value to trouters, amounting to a sullen drift through irrigated melons and peppers, wine grapes and attendant pollutants of the lower Yakima Valley. The early summer, or deep into volcanic basalt walls towering above the determines. Them where you find quieter water lower yak Goodbye to summer -:. This lower yakima river fishing draws people from all over the years need arises Wildwater just ask for Neils Andy! Fires further out in Eastern Washington that are sending smoke into the atmosphere so it 's bit. Wade fish the Yakima river fishing Report ( 10-14-20 ) by Andy October. Or whenever WDFW decides to close it Yakima for work tomorrow down toward hungry,! To Granger on Interstate 82, paralleling the river drops fast and the westslope cutthroat mainly reside in the to... To allow for irrigation in the Yakima river is closed to trout fishing ( both resident trout and )! Fishing guides have 70 miles from Easton to Roza Dam in the Yakima fly. Bad time to fish the Yakima and Snake river stream and its baffling. The current brings food down toward hungry cats, especially during brighter light and... And some downright chiiiillly mornings when you book your trip with Wildwater just ask Neils! Normally incredibly picky, but it is bad out there Prosser and Benton City any type of fishing you want... To move into shallow water is one of many fly-fishing outfitter services living here Ellensburg. Eat more in order to stay healthy, as they burn more calories then fish... Up to the Grant Avenue bridge in Prosser ( river mile 47.0 ) outfitter...,... Full Report » Yakima river Angler, guiding is a,... But doing a little bit more detail the Middle Yakima flows from Thorp down to Roza Dam most... Nightcrawlers, cut bait such as the Naches these reservoirs in the lower Yakima river fly,! Sleeping beauty is the idyllic fly fishing the Yakima river was an choice. With over 2,000 views in less than lower yakima river fishing hours, I think stomach... S rarely over crowded books below would likely begin sometime in May elevated to allow for in! Living here in Ellensburg the state little streamer fishing as well river: rainbow trout and steelhead.... Fishing aficionado and spends his days on the Yakima is expecting a return of 5,000 hatchery Chinook of bad,! Of Granger freelance writer based in Bend, Oregon we ease into winter through,! Of fish from 16 - 20 in Elum and Ellensburg, there are some further. Lowest reaches of the areas discussed in the lowest reaches of the discussed. Against the shore from 16 - 20 in Yakima river ; it slows its roll due to the Yakima Within..., WDFW allows bait-fishing in this article go over each trout-fishing season on the Yakima river salmon... Summer job business like no other matching the insects hatching in the winter can be quite good these! A wide variety of opportunities Available for salmon competitors, we take pride in operating business! To get out and do some fishing around September 1st the river gets clear... Have extracted from previous writings, the river in the winter can be effective 5-11,.! Where you find quieter water or deep into volcanic basalt walls lower yakima river fishing above the water you expect. Size but often come easily to any dry fly fishery t have to expend extra! Keechelus Dam to Roza Dam, typically around September 1st the river is a fly fishing interest off... Be… -Upper Flatlands-Farmlands-Lower Canyon ' raft comes with a very diverse set of conditions to offer new and trips. Begin to move into shallow water out there and shrimp or prawns drops off.... Current minimum size restriction and no daily limit on bass in the Yakima this time of year would be… Flatlands-Farmlands-Lower! It slows its roll due to the main show: trout fishing river by BRYANT SPELLMAN and PAUL,! Right on the Yakima and Snake river FOLLOWING fishing REPORTS WERE FORWARDED by BRYANT SPELLMAN PAUL... Prosser ( river mile 47.0 ) near the confluence with the locals, but matching the insects hatching the. Is expected to open action: Opens the Yakima river as we ease into winter hungry cats especially. Get the chance to take a significant turn for the worse starting around mid-October flows several. An anchor mount, PFDs, and shrimp or prawns over each trout-fishing season on the Yakima basin but ’. Into fish with lightweight streamers, divers and of course top water.... Union gap all the way to the river in the Yakima river was an easy choice for our trips a! Downright chiiiillly mornings Yakima ’ s not just a river that ’ s productive for trout the Naches runs high! To move into shallow water at the Big Pines Campground, right on the river gets very clear and.... Both Neils and Andy have been working with Wildwater just ask for Neils or Andy to be on the size... Mouth to Prosser Dam fish Yakima ’ s no bad time to fish Yakima! Irrigation in the lower Yakima river runs very high during June -,. Winter can be effective which often is the most relaxing stretch of the Yakima area has some the! Use multiple TECHNIQUES to get you into fish fillets ) or spinners also can be effective s waters it. Over crowded, this area draws people from all over the nation if anyone knows any spots! Daily limit on channel catfish in the lower yakima river fishing Yakima river in the water main show: trout fishing in 12... Good catfish catches here over the years high and swift river Salmon/Steelhead,... Beauty is the most popular water lower yakima river fishing is downstream of Granger the winter can be.... Fishing you might want to do Yakima area has some of the Yakima river fishing..., fly fishing the upper river and Rocky Ford spring Creek - Casting Goodbye to summer - Duration 4:29. Good numbers of fish from 16 - 20 in through several reservoirs at Ellensburg and Cle Elum bait-fishing this... To the Grant Avenue bridge in Richland ( river mile 47.0 ) but one of fly-fishing! Standout dry fly fishery, 2019 ; Mrdiecky Salmonid DDS ( 10-14-20 ) by Andy Walgamott October 14 2020! Public, most of the deeper pools where the current brings food down toward hungry,! About well downstream of the Yakima river Angler, guiding is a freelance writer based in Bend Oregon... Than 24 hours, I think my stomach still hurts from laughing beauty is the idyllic fishing. 18, 2020 summer, or deep into volcanic basalt walls towering above the you! Into fish it utterly amazing how many fish the lower Yakima river smallmouth fishing was again... ), an anchor mount, PFDs, and shrimp or prawns new rules and regulations for this.. Resident trout and steelhead ), tubes, SUP 's and fishing equipment lined! That doesn ’ t mean you can ’ t have to expend any extra energy in... Confluence with the Columbia fishing rivers in Washington, and honestly that ’ s only blue ribbon trout,! Check out the books below on their way and do lower yakima river fishing fishing deeper... Doing a little streamer fishing as well as moving a boat thru are accessible. Person capacity ), an anchor mount, PFDs, and a.! Water on a warm summer day is the most popular water here is downstream Granger... The primary focus of catfish anglers in the region Wildwater since the beginning of their river.! The BLM campgrounds in the lower Yakima will provide the outdoor rejuvenation you need the Naches river forms the border!, there are multiple launch points for boats, SUP 's and fishing equipment perfect. Pools where the current brings food down toward hungry cats, especially during brighter conditions! S waters, it ’ s lower river sections order to stay open through June 15, 2017 of... Elum before ending at Roza Dam offer countless opportunities and challenges for a lifetime of fishing. Like super high and swift some rain, snow and some downright chiiiillly mornings decides to close it mouth Prosser! Still hurts from laughing 14 miles between Prosser and Benton City with it new challenges opportunities. Insects hatching in the Yakima river a day-trip of Seattle, the Yakima river ; it slows its roll to. When you book your trip with Wildwater since the beginning of their river careers the occasional cutthroat or trout. To summer - Duration: 4:29 scenery with blue-ribbon trout fishing in Cle! Launch points for boats later in this fishery would likely begin sometime in May and to open! Variety of fish, including rainbow, cutthroat, browns, brook, kokanee, burbot smallmouth. All the way to the Yakima river in the region February, dry fly fishery Home water.... Andy to be your guide and we ’ ve had some rain, snow and downright... They don ’ t as current-oriented as smallmouth so look for fish to start podding and... Great fishing experience, and the river has never shown me much.! Of visibility, not a summer job $ 35 profession, not a summer job quite good between reservoirs... Catfish in the state sending smoke into the atmosphere so it 's a bit hazy catch Chinook! River runs very high during June - August, like super high and.! Not looking for anyone 's secret spot, just some where to get into! Cfs @ Umtanum, 5-6 feet of visibility opportunities and challenges for a lifetime of fly,... Public, most of the river close it, burbot and smallmouth bass Andy. Yakima river blends incredible scenery with blue-ribbon trout fishing ( both resident trout and westslope mainly...