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Yakima River Conditions and Fishing Report // January 13th

Yakima River Conditions and Fishing Report // January 13th

Yakima River Conditions and Report

River Flow: 2900 cfs at Umtanum

Water Temp:  Temps - 36 - 40F

Trending: Rising the next 24 Hours, then dropping

Hatches Upcoming and Current:

  • Mini Crawfish
  • Worms 
  • Pat's... of course. All types of Stonefly Nymphs are a good idea. 
  • BWO (#18/20 nymphs and dries in the afternoons)
  • Mayfly Nymphs (emphasis on #18-20 BWO or attractant colors such as a Mouse Jig)
  • Crane Flies (on the warm afternoons in the shade)


Yakima River Fishing Report

We have had a slew of fluctuations already this year following the flood event late last year.  With this, fishing has been average to stellar.  It's winter fishing on the Yakima River—trout settled into slower seamlines, conserving energy, and setting up where calories come easy.  With the above average flow and water temps, don't hesitate to check the spring type water if the winter water isn't producing.

On the tactics side, nymphing a stone and worm in the walking speed inside seams has been very consistent.  If they aren't eating both of those offerings, try a small (18-20).  Streamer fishing will likely remain sluggish until flows continue to drop. Cold-water trout prefer to receive their meals rather than chase them. That said, a tight-line nymph rig with a small sculpin jig can be absolutely deadly right now. 

Looking ahead, we expect fishing to remain consistent with the fluctuations.  We are not seeing any upcoming frigid temps with ice flow.  Fish the sun, avoid the shade, and enjoy a few quality winter hours in the Yakima Canyon. It’s a special place—let’s keep it that way.

Our annual Yakima River Winter Special kicked off on November 15th, so if you’re looking for a discounted way to enjoy a few productive hours in the afternoon before the cold snap settles in, now is a great time to take advantage of it.

Up Your Game with Fly Fishing Classes

Winter is a great season to put in the time to research and learn.  Maybe a new tactic... perhaps a new hatch you want to focus in on.  For those of you that are serious about upping your game, we have an amazing education program with multiple offerings.  Our University of Fly Fishing is the only program that walks you through your fly fishing education consistently.  There is nothing else like it!  Feel free to take a look at the list of our multiple offerings.  

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

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