Yakima River Conditions and Report
River Flow: 3,670 cfs at Umtanum
Water Temp: 60-65
Clarity: Green, 3'+ in the Canyon (Great fishing visibility)
Trending: Stable.
Hatches Upcoming and Current:
Yakima River Fishing Report
What is new?
Fishing has remainedconsistent for summertime on the Yakima! For a detailed breakdown on the fishing and river conditions look below. We are seeing some fires popup around our area, but nothing major in the canyon. Yakima has seen a few fires over the last few days, but none have affected us or the canyon seriously! We are hoping this stays true for the rest of the summer!
Rafters are taking advantage of the warm weather, and anglers looking to avoid the plastic hatch should aim to fish evenings, mornings, and weekdays. Most who raft the river are done by 7pm and don't put in till 10am. If you can only fish during the day on the Weekends, don't let that put you off. The fish see rafts going down river all summer long! Extra boats and float tubes does not kill the fishing, it just makes it a bit more crowded.
Current Fishing
Our flows have steady and are currently around 3,670 CFS out of Cle Elum. These higher summer flows have been remarkably consistent and are keeping trout exactly where you'd expect—tight against the banks in soft water where they're easy to target with the right presentation. Fishing has been best early morning and late evenings if you are looking to fish dry flies. Anglers are putting in around 5am and/or fishing late to 9:30pm to find the best fishing.
Fishing can be good during the day but will be primarily subsurface. Mid afternoon fishing has been slowing considerably but fish can still be caught. Contact nymphing can be effective in pockets and turbulent water, where the trout hide when the sun gets high. Hopper droppers are a popular and effective choice this time of year to carry a nymph down river. Click here to watch Joe's new short on Chubby Chernobyl's and modifications you can make to enhance your chances!
Anglers are still getting fish on stoneflies, on top and underwater, and we are seeing mayflies and caddis coming off and laying eggs at night. While most anglers are concentrating on stoneflies we are finding success on all three bugs. Even if you don't see stoneflies on the surface don't be afraid to tie on a big dry! Trout are keyed in on large meals on the surface right now. Think Chubbies, PMDS, and Pat's, and consider trying some darker colored (black/purple) hoppers or Chubbies. Your standard attractor patterns are also still working under the surface like a Red Tag, Perdigon, or Duracell. Try a hopper dropper with a Chubby on top and size 18-14 Red Tag underneath if stumped on where to go!
Our water temperatures are starting to climb especially during the middle of the day. Other outfitters in Ellensburg have announced their move to voluntary hoot owl closures, however we have not yet done the same. Our water temp readings still show safe fishing for trout (around 65 degrees). But we are monitoring and especially if we have some hot nights, we would not be surprised to do the same. Keep monitoring the water temp in your own fishing and consider wrapping up your session shortly if the temperature reaches 68 degrees.
Hoot owl closures are closures on trout fishing after 2pm. At 70 degrees water contains too little oxygen for trout to properly rest after a stressful fight and release. Even if a trout swims off in hot water, there is a good chance they are unable to rest and purge the lactic acid from their system--killing the fish.
Our water outlook for the season is still a looking solid! Reservoir storage across the Yakima Basin is currently roughly 150,000 acre-feet higher than it was this time last year. While we're still just below the long-term historical average, it's excellent news for anglers. Expect healthy flows to stick around throughout the summer, keeping trout positioned along the banks and providing the kind of consistent conditions both fish and anglers love.
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
- Shallow water tight against grassy shorelines
- Eddies and softer pockets along the bank
Tactics That Matter Right Now
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Fish large stonefly and mayfly dries early and late in the day.
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During midday, switch to a dry-dropper setup or a short-leash nymph rig.
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Cloud cover can extend dry fly opportunities well into the afternoon.
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Focus on accurate casts tight to the bank, especially when fishing stoneflies.
Wading vs. Floating
At approximately 3,670 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.
We have GREAT water storage in the reservoir network right now, at this time we have +/- 150,000 acre/feet more than last year at this time. While it's slightly below the historic average, it should make for high flows all summer long. Just the way the trout and the anglers like it!
Naches River Fishing Report
The river is still very low but is still fishing. Please make sure to check water temperatures if you are going to fish the Naches, although anglers are reporting fishable temps. Dries will be the name of the game with low flows currently, but nymphs and streamers can always produce. Consider some of the higher elevation streams and tributaries in the area if the Naches is getting too hot! We still have some opp's for guided float trips down there, but the flows are dropping quickly. By the time we get you booked, we might only be able to run single-angler trips (1 angler + 1 guide). Just email dallas@redsflyshop.com to try and carve out a date! Maybe we can run a traditional 2 angler trip if the flows hang in there!
Small Stream Fishing is Here!
With the Yakima running high and healthy, now is also an excellent time to explore the region's smaller mountain streams. With our snowpack being reduced this year don't be surprised if a few of the streams you know are lower than normal. But many of these creeks are in their prime conditions, with flows dropping into shape and eager wild trout looking up for dry flies throughout the day. Look at tributaries a long the Yakima and Naches river! Whether you're hiking into a favorite blue-line creek or exploring new water, summer offers some of the year's most enjoyable small-stream fishing and a welcome change of pace from the big river.
Latest Podcast
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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
