Yakima River Fishing Report // May 22nd, 2025

River Flow: 2,311 cfs at Umtanum (good wading or floating level)

Water Temp:  Wet wading for the hearty anglers ok! Low 50’s F 

Trending: Bumped up, won't rise much more. 

Water Clarity:  20"+ Vis

• Real Time Flows at Umtanum (Near Red's Fly Shop)

Hatches Upcoming and Current:

• Caddis Dry Flies 
• Salmon Flies (above Ellensburg)
• March Browns
  
• Mayfly Nymphs (emphasis on #16 PMD colors)
• #10 - #6 Stonefly Nymphs (stoneflies live 2-4 years, so any color/size is typically good)
• Sculpin and Various Streamers #6 - #8
• Olive Streamers
• Caddis Larvae (flashy stuff, they move and struggle a lot during emergence)

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Flows just bumped thanks to a strategic release out of Lake Cle Elum—what we lovingly call a “smolt push.” This flush of water helps nudge young salmon smolt downstream on their way to the ocean (and out of our fly lines). There’s been a ton of them in the system lately, so hopefully they’re getting the message. While the smolt get moving, so should you.

Despite the increase, flows are still totally manageable for wading anglers and prime for a DIY float. Our guide crew? They’re loving the extra juice. The river looks great, and with Memorial Day weekend here, it’s time to quit daydreaming and get on the water.

Hatch Scene

The caddis party has fizzled out, but a few stragglers are still showing up fashionably late around dusk. The real action right now is the PMD hatch, which has been downright silly good on cloudy days. Between 1 and 3 PM, keep your eyes peeled for heads breaking the surface—those are your “sippers.” This is delicate, high-stakes dry fly fishing at its finest. Don’t blow it. Long leaders, light tippet, and your stealth game need to be on point. This is what 9’ 3-weights were made for.

When there’s no surface action, nymphing remains the meat and potatoes. Fish are moving into faster seams and mid-river buckets, so don’t waste too much time pounding the edges. Look for structure: big rocks, sudden drops, and those slick seams that just look fishy. Odds are, they are.

Memorial Day Weekend Forecast

The weather is shaping up beautifully... if you like your weekends hot. Saturday looks dreamy, Monday’s pleasant, and Sunday? Bring extra water and maybe a popsicle—it’s going to be a scorcher. Early starts and late evenings are your friends. 85 degrees on Sunday!