Yakima Fishing Forecast
Washington's blue ribbon trout river
Open year-round (check section regs)
Generally open year-round. Wild rainbow (redbands) are C&R. Upper sections have special regs
Today's Fishing Conditions
Challenging
Updated 1:27 AM
34°F
3260 CFS
3 AM - 5 AM
Zebra Midge
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout
freestone
44°F - 52°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days
March Brown
Mayfly
Western March Brown, afternoon hatches
Midge
Midge
Winter midge fishing
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 38-44°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| February | 40-48°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| March(Now) | 44-52°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Salmonflies |
| April | 48-56°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Salmonflies |
| May | 52-60°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Salmonflies |
| June | 54-62°F | Terrestrials, Hoppers, Caddis |
| July | 58-66°F | Terrestrials, Hoppers, Caddis |
| August | 60-68°F | Terrestrials, Hoppers, Caddis |
| September | 56-64°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| October | 50-58°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| November | 44-52°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| December | 40-48°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Cutthroat Trout
Spawn months: May, June, July
Spring spawners. Timing varies by subspecies and elevation - coastal populations spawn earlier (Feb-Mar), inland populations later (May-July). Eggs develop for 6-7 weeks before hatching.
Access Points & Parking for Yakima
Easton
Upper river access.
Cle Elum
Quality fishing access.
Ellensburg
Town access with services.
Yakima Canyon
Spectacular canyon fishing.
How to Fish Yakima: Tips & Tactics
The Yakima River is Washington's premier catch-and-release trout stream, offering excellent fishing for wild rainbow trout in a beautiful canyon setting.
Best Times of Day
The March Brown hatch in spring is famous. BWO hatches throughout spring and fall. Summer caddis fishing is excellent.
Recommended Techniques
Match the prolific hatches. Nymphing is effective between hatches. Float fishing covers the most water.
Water Conditions
The canyon section is stunning. Desert climate creates hot summers. Wind is common.
Fly Selection
March Brown patterns in spring. BWO and PMD for mayflies. Caddis patterns in summer. October Caddis.
Local Knowledge
The Yakima is catch-and-release for wild rainbow. Ellensburg is the primary destination. The canyon float is spectacular.
Local Tips
Ellensburg is the gateway to the Yakima. The canyon float is spectacular. Catch-and-release protects wild fish.
When is the Best Time to Fish Yakima?
Spring
March Brown hatch is famous. BWOs excellent.
Summer
Caddis hatches. Fish early and late.
Fall
BWOs and October Caddis. Great conditions.
Winter
Challenging but fishable. Midge patterns.
Recommended Equipment for Yakima
Rod
9-foot, 5-weight is standard.
Line
Floating line for most fishing.
Leader & Tippet
9-12 foot leaders, 5X-6X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Hot summers.
Essential Flies
Yakima Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Catch-and-release for wild rainbow.
Special Regulations
Wild trout - catch-and-release only.
Bait Restrictions
Artificial flies and lures only.
Notes
Washington's premier wild trout stream.
Always verify current regulations with Washington fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Yakima
Local Fly Shops
- Worley Bugger Fly Co. - Ellensburg
- Evening Hatch Fly Shop
- Desert Fly Angler
Guide Services
- Yakima River Guides
- Worley Bugger Guides
- Ellensburg Fly Fishing
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
1000 - 3000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
48° - 62°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Washington Trout Rivers
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