Yakima River
river in Washington
Tailwater fisheries below Rimrock/Roza and other dams produce reliable flows and large trout; popular for dry-fly, nymph and Euro nymph techniques.
What's working on Yakima River
- 01Yakima River is running high with consistent flows from irrigation releases.
- 02Summer hatches are in full swing, with caddis, stoneflies, and terrestrials providing surface activity.
- 03Air temperatures are warm (88°F) and skies are clear, indicating prime terrestrial fishing conditions.
- 04Wading options are limited due to high water, making boat access advantageous.
- 05Fish are concentrated in softer water and slower currents, offering targeted angling opportunities.
Past reports week by week
5 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Zebra Midge
The absolute staple for winter on the Yakima. Red or black versions in sizes 18-22 imitate the prolific midge larvae active in the substrate year-round.
Buy at AmazonMicro Leech (Pine Squirrel)
Small, dark leeches moved very slowly through deep pools can trigger an aggressive response from larger, territorial trout in cold water.
Buy at AmazonIced Out Midge Pupa
Specific to cold-water tailwater environments, this pattern mimics the gas-filled shuck of an emerging midge pupa common during February afternoons.
Buy at AmazonIntruder (Steelhead)
For those targeting winter-run steelhead, swinging large, flashy intruders through deep slots is the standard Pacific Northwest winter method.
Buy at AmazonTungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
Winter stonefly nymphs are active now. The extra weight helps get this 'anchor' fly to the bottom while providing a substantial meal for opportunistic trout.
Buy at AmazonGriffith's Gnat
If surface midges cluster during a calm afternoon, this is the go-to dry fly for technical rising fish in the film.
San Juan Worm
Provides a high-visibility, high-protein target in deep winter holes, especially effective if there is any minor snowmelt or bank wash.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Roza Dam Tailrace
Primary tailrace section with dependable flows and large trout; major summer dry-fly water.
Selah Gap / Yakima River Canyon Access
High-quality dry-fly and nymph water in the canyon reach above Yakima.
Union Gap Access / Burbank Rapids
Popular lower Yakima float/wade access near Union Gap with long productive runs.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Red's Fly Shop
Worley Bugger Fly Co.
Ellensburg Angler
Get Yakima River reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
Washington season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
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Quick answers
Common questions about Yakima River.
What flies work best on Yakima River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Yakima River right now are Tactical Peeping Caddis TH Jig (95% confidence), Flashback Baetis Nymph (95% confidence), Orange Tungsten Eggs (95% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Yakima River?
Yakima River holds Steelhead, Whitefish. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Yakima River?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Yakima River are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Yakima River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Yakima River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.