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Rivers & Streams

Yakima River Fishing Guide

Washington

Washington's only Blue Ribbon trout river, with year-round fishing in the canyon.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Yakima River for rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. The best months overall are Mar to Nov. In October, rainbow trout is in season, and Parachute Adams, Blue-Winged Olive and Pheasant Tail Nymph are a good place to start. There are 11 shops within 60 miles (5 fly, 6 bait and tackle); the closest is Troutwater Fly Shop in Ellensburg, 3 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Potholes Reservoir is 57 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

Mar to Nov

In October

Rainbow Trout

Methods

Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

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What You'll Catch

Yakima River Species

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

9 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

  • Parachute Adams #12-20

    Fly

    Dry Fly · Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout

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  • Pat's Rubber Legs #4-10

    Fly

    Nymph · Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout

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  • Woolly Bugger #2-10

    Fly

    Streamer · Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout

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  • Blue-Winged Olive #16-22

    Fly

    Dry Fly · Rainbow Trout · Overcast days.

    Shop This Fly
  • Pheasant Tail Nymph #14-20

    Fly

    Nymph · Rainbow Trout

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  • Hare's Ear Nymph #12-18

    Fly

    Nymph · Rainbow Trout

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  • San Juan Worm #10-14

    Fly

    Nymph · Rainbow Trout · After rain.

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  • Egg Pattern #8-16

    Fly

    Nymph · Rainbow Trout

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  • Inline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz

    Lure

    Spinner · Rainbow Trout

    Shop This Lure

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Rainbow Trout

Fly 9 ft 5 wt rod, weight-forward floating line, 9 ft 4X to 5X leader. Add a sink-tip and 3X for streamers.

Spin / Cast 6 to 7 ft ultralight or light spinning rod, 1000 to 2500 reel, 4 to 6 lb mono or fluorocarbon.

Cutthroat Trout

Fly 9 ft 5 wt rod, floating line, 9 ft 4X leader. Big foam dries and hoppers in summer.

Spin / Cast 6.5 ft light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 4 to 6 lb line.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Yakima River

Fly Rods

Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod

A smooth, moderate-action rod that is forgiving for new casters and protects light tippet.

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Fly Rods

Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit

A complete rod, reel, and line outfit that covers most trout water and small-stream bass.

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Fly Reels

Redington Behemoth Fly Reel

A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.

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Fly Lines

RIO Gold Fly Line

A trout line that casts dries delicately and turns over nymph rigs.

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Fly Lines

Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line

A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.

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Leaders & Tippet

RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet

Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.

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Leaders & Tippet

RIO Tapered Trout Leaders

Nine foot tapered leaders in 3X to 6X for dries and nymphs.

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Waders & Boots

Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders

Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.

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Within 60 Miles

Shops Near Yakima River

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water