Yakima River Conditions and Report
River Flow: 2,320 cfs at Umtanum
Water Temp: Temps - 34 - 40F
Trending: Slowwww..... rise.
Hatches Upcoming and Current:
Yakima River Fishing Report
Winter Special trips have been rolling hard, and the canyon has been treating anglers well. Our $349 Winter Special focuses on the best four hours of the day, and with cold mornings, that means late starts—no need to rush to the put‑in before the sun warms things up.
Subsurface fishing continues to be the most productive approach. We're nymphing the majority of the time, leaning heavily on small olive stonefly nymphs to imitate Skwalas as they migrate toward the banks. Underwater, San Juan Worms, Skwala nymphs, and small jig-style nymphs round out the lineup, with olive Perdigons remaining the undisputed workhorse. Ambitious anglers are still finding grabs on streamers using sink tips and sculpin patterns, but it’s definitely a commitment bite. Trout Spey is an option, though spring never fishes quite as aggressively as the fall swing window.
We’re already seeing a few adult Skwalas, which is very early—could be a teaser, could be the real deal. Historically, meaningful dry-fly fishing doesn’t arrive until mid‑March, but this year feels ahead of schedule. If you're coming out (and you absolutely should), try a few Skwala dries in the softer water late in the afternoon. Even moving one or two fish on top this early is a thrill, and that first dry‑fly eat of the year is worth remembering.
Conditions overall are excellent for both wading and floating. Flows are stable, clarity is good, and the fish are feeding consistently through the warmest stretch of the day. Great time to get out, learn something, and shake off the winter rust.
Consider a Fly Fishing Class This Year
Winter is the perfect time to slow down, learn, and sharpen your skills. Whether you’re dialing in a new tactic or focusing on a specific hatch, the off-season is when real progress happens. For anglers serious about taking the next step, our University of Fly Fishing offers a structured education program with multiple learning paths. It’s the only program designed to guide your fly fishing education consistently, from fundamentals to advanced techniques. Take a look at our current offerings and build a stronger foundation for the season ahead.
Full Course Calendar
Vehicle Shuttle Service
We move cars, not bodies. Just choose your float, leave us a key and we will valet your rig from the launch point to take-out.
River Flow Links
Yakima River Flow Prediction Chart
While the chart is only a "prediction", it is based on historical data, weather forecasts, current weather, current snow-pack etc. You can use this to get a rough idea of how the river is going to react to predicted rainfall, run-off, etc.
Yakima River Flow Prediction Chart at Umtanum
Yakima Water Temperatures
