The Yakima River has settled into a solid summer rhythm, currently flowing around 3,300 CFS out of Cle Elum. Expect small fluctuations as irrigation demands continue through the summer, but overall the river has been fishing well. These higher summer flows continue to push trout into predictable holding water, making it easier to narrow down where fish are likely to be.

If you're hoping to target trout on large stonefly dries, plan on fishing the bookends of the day. Early mornings and, especially, the last few hours before dark have been producing the best dry fly action, with fish sliding tight against the banks to feed. During the middle of the day, cloudy conditions can still provide some quality surface fishing, particularly with PMDs and Yellow Sallies, but most anglers will find consistent success fishing a dry-dropper rig or nymphing deeper water.

At these flows, trout are holding along outside bends, cutbanks, and any soft water created by current breaks. Make your casts count by landing flies as close to the bank as possible. High water gives trout the confidence to sit in surprisingly shallow water tight against the shoreline, and accurate presentations are often rewarded with aggressive eats.

Where the Trout Will Be

The most productive water continues to be:

• Outside bends and cutbanks

• Soft seams along fast banks

• Current breaks behind structure

• Eddies and softer pockets near the shoreline

Tactics That Matter Right Now

• Fish large stonefly dries early and late in the day.

• During midday, switch to a dry-dropper setup or a short-leash nymph rig.

• Cloud cover can extend dry fly opportunities well into the afternoon.

• Focus on accurate casts tight to the bank, especially when fishing stoneflies.

Wading vs. Floating

At approximately 3,300 CFS, the Yakima is still on the high side for wading. While there are certainly places to get out and fish, wading should be approached cautiously. As a general rule, stay in water below knee height and avoid crossing fast current. Floating remains the most effective way to cover water and access productive holding lies.

The good news is that all BLM access sites are fully open once again. Lmuma Creek, Big Pines, and Roza are all back in full swing, making access throughout the canyon easy for both float and wade anglers.