Trip brief · Yakima River
How to go fish the Yakima River
The months we list for the Yakima River are March, April, May, June, September, October. August is outside that window, so this brief is written for September, the next month we list.
September
No USGS gauge is mapped to this river.
Flies to tie — September
Blue-Winged Olive#18-22
Parachute BWO
October Caddis#8-10
October Caddis Stimulator
Access
Ringer Loop / BLM Canyon Access
46.830, -120.480parking
Roza Recreation Area
46.750, -120.420parking
Umtanum Recreation Site
46.860, -120.530parking
Cle Elum Boat Launch
47.190, -120.930parking
Regs — check current rules before you go
The Yakima River Canyon (Highway 821 corridor) requires barbless hooks and is selective gear only in designated sections. The river is open year-round for trout fishing. A valid Washington State fishing license is required. Daily limit regulations and gear restrictions vary by section — check the current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regulations pamphlet before fishing. Most anglers practice voluntary catch-and-release to protect the wild trout population.
Pack list
- A current state fishing licence
- Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
- Net, nippers, forceps
- Floatant and desiccant
- Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
- Water, sun cover, polarised glasses
Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.
Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Yakima River page →