What You'll Find on the Yakima River

The Yakima River runs 214 miles from the Cascade Range down through central Washington to the Columbia River, and it holds three distinct fisheries depending on the season and where you fish. The upper river above Ellensburg is a cold-water trout stream with wild rainbow and cutthroat, best in spring and fall. The middle section from Ellensburg to Prosser is known for steelhead — both winter-run fish arriving November through March and summer steelhead in June and July. The lower river below Prosser warms considerably and holds chinook and coho salmon in late summer and fall, along with some steelhead.

Access varies sharply along the river. Much of the upper Yakima flows through private land, but several public access points exist near Ellensburg and Cle Elum. The middle section has more public water, including the Yakima Sportsmen State Park near Selah and several Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) access areas. The lower river is heavily managed for irrigation, which affects water levels and fishing conditions throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

  • The upper Yakima above Ellensburg holds wild rainbow and cutthroat trout year-round, with best conditions in spring and fall when water temperatures are coolest.
  • Winter steelhead run from November through March in the middle section near Ellensburg and Prosser, while summer steelhead arrive in June and July.
  • Chinook and coho salmon enter the lower river in August and September, but water releases for irrigation can make conditions unpredictable.
  • You must have a current Washington fishing license and follow species-specific regulations, which change annually and vary by river section.
  • Public access is limited on much of the upper river; check WDFW maps before you go to confirm where you can legally fish.

Upper Yakima: Trout Water Above Ellensburg

The upper Yakima from its headwaters down to Ellensburg is a fly-fishing and light-tackle stream for wild rainbow and cutthroat trout. Water here stays cold year-round because of snowmelt and elevation, making it fishable from April through October. Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are peak seasons when water temperatures are in the 50s and trout are most active. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday heat slows the bite.

Access on the upper river is limited because much of it flows through private property. Public access points include the Cle Elum area (near the town of Cle Elum), where WDFW maintains several pull-offs and informal access points along Highway 903. The Irene Rinehart Park near Ellensburg offers another public entry point. Always confirm access before you arrive — posted land and locked gates are common. The river here is narrow and technical, favoring small flies (size 14 to 18) and light tippet.

Regulations on the upper Yakima change annually. Check the current WDFW fishing pamphlet for the specific section you plan to fish — some areas have catch-and-release-only rules, while others allow retention. Cutthroat trout often have special protections, so verify before you keep any.

Middle Yakima: Steelhead from Ellensburg to Prosser

The middle Yakima, roughly from Ellensburg downstream to Prosser, is the river's primary steelhead destination. Winter steelhead (December through March) are the main draw here. These are ocean-going fish returning to spawn, typically 8 to 12 pounds, and they hold in deeper pools and behind large rocks. Summer steelhead arrive in June and July but are less abundant than winter fish.

Winter steelhead fishing on the Yakima is done with drift fishing (using a float and bait or small lures) or spey casting (a two-handed fly rod technique). Drift fishing is more common and effective for most anglers. You'll fish from the bank or from a boat, working the deeper runs and pools. Water temperature is critical — steelhead bite best when the river is between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. High water from winter rains can make the river unfishable for days; low water in late winter can concentrate fish but also make them spooky.

Public access is better here than on the upper river. Yakima Sportsmen State Park near Selah has parking and river access. WDFW maintains several public access areas along Highway 82 between Ellensburg and Prosser. The Roza Dam near Prosser marks a natural boundary — steelhead cannot pass it, so fishing below the dam is not productive for steelhead.

Steelhead regulations are strict. Washington requires a Puget Sound Steelhead Endorsement in addition to your fishing license. Retention rules vary by year and section — some years the river is catch-and-release only, while others allow a limited harvest. Check the current WDFW pamphlet before you fish.

Lower Yakima: Salmon and Irrigation Challenges

The lower Yakima below Prosser is warmer and slower, shaped heavily by irrigation dams and water withdrawals. Chinook and coho salmon are the primary target here, arriving in August and September on their way upstream to spawn. These are large, powerful fish — chinook often exceed 30 pounds — but the lower river's conditions make them unpredictable to fish.

Water levels on the lower Yakima are controlled by irrigation releases from upstream dams. During peak irrigation season (summer and early fall), water can be pulled down dramatically, concentrating fish in remaining pools but also making the river difficult to navigate. Sudden releases can raise water levels quickly, pushing fish through and making fishing difficult. The best strategy is to call the WDFW Yakima office or check their website for current water conditions before you go.

Salmon fishing here is done by drift fishing with bait, casting spinners, or fly fishing in pools. Access is available at several WDFW areas and through private boat launches near Prosser and Yakima. Some anglers fish from boats, drifting the deeper sections. Bank fishing is possible but often limited by private land.

Salmon regulations include specific harvest limits and gear restrictions. Chinook and coho have different rules, and some years certain species are catch-and-release only. The WDFW pamphlet lists current rules by species and river section.

Seasons and Water Conditions

The Yakima's fishing calendar is driven by water temperature and dam operations. Spring (April to May) brings snowmelt and high water; the upper river is fishable for trout, but the middle and lower sections are often too high and turbid. Summer (June to August) sees the upper river warm and lower-elevation sections become warm and slow; summer steelhead arrive in June, and water levels drop as irrigation demand peaks. Fall (September to October) is excellent for upper-river trout and marks the start of salmon season on the lower river. Winter (November to March) is peak steelhead season on the middle river, though high water from rain and snow can shut down fishing for stretches.

Water temperature is the single most important factor. Trout bite best between 50 and 65 degrees. Steelhead prefer 40 to 50 degrees. Salmon are less temperature-sensitive but move more readily when water is cool and high. You can check current water temperatures and flow rates on the USGS website (search "Yakima River near Selah" or "Yakima River near Parker") — these gauges update hourly and are essential for planning a trip.

Regulations, Licenses, and Gear Restrictions

All anglers on the Yakima must carry a current Washington fishing license. Steelhead fishing requires an additional Puget Sound Steelhead Endorsement. Both are available online through the WDFW website or at sporting goods stores and license vendors throughout the state.

Gear restrictions vary by section and species. The upper river often has fly-fishing-only or artificial-lure-only rules. The middle river allows drift fishing with bait. The lower river allows both bait and lures. Some sections prohibit barbed hooks or require catch-and-release for certain species. The WDFW publishes an annual fishing pamphlet specific to the Yakima River that lists all current rules by section — this is the document you need to carry or consult before you fish.

Bag limits (the number of fish you can keep) change annually and depend on the species and section. Trout limits are typically 2 to 5 fish per day. Steelhead limits vary from zero (catch-and-release only) to 2 fish per day depending on the year. Salmon limits are set by species and can change mid-season if the run is stronger or weaker than expected.

Getting There and Where to Stay

The Yakima River runs parallel to Interstate 90 and Highway 82 through central Washington, making it accessible from Seattle (about 2 hours to the upper river), Spokane (about 3 hours to the middle river), and Portland (about 4 hours to the lower river). The towns of Ellensburg, Selah, and Yakima all have motels, restaurants, and tackle shops.

For the upper river, base yourself in Cle Elum or Ellensburg. For the middle river and steelhead, Ellensburg or Selah are central. For the lower river and salmon, Yakima or Prosser are closest. Several fly shops in Ellensburg and Yakima sell local flies, offer guide services, and can provide current conditions reports — these are worth calling before you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish the Yakima?

No, but a guide is valuable if you are unfamiliar with the river or want to learn steelhead or salmon techniques. Guides know current water conditions, access points, and which sections are fishing well. Several outfitters in Ellensburg and Yakima offer half-day and full-day trips.

What's the best time to catch steelhead on the Yakima?

Winter steelhead (December through February) are most abundant and aggressive when water is between 40 and 50 degrees. January and February are peak months, though high water from rain can shut down fishing. Summer steelhead (June and July) are fewer but less pressured.

Can I fish the Yakima year-round?

The upper river is open year-round for trout, though it's best April through October. The middle river is open year-round but is primarily fished November through March for steelhead. The lower river is open year-round but salmon are only present August through October. Check the current WDFW pamphlet for exact season dates.

What should I do if the river is too high or too low?

Check the USGS water gauge before you go. If the river is above 8,000 cubic feet per second, it's usually too high and turbid to fish effectively. Below 2,000 cfs, steelhead become spooky and hard to catch. If conditions are poor, consider fishing a different section or waiting a few days for conditions to improve.

Are there any catch-and-release-only sections?

Yes, and these change annually. Some years the entire middle river is catch-and-release for steelhead; other years retention is allowed. The upper river often has catch-and-release rules for cutthroat. Check the current WDFW pamphlet to confirm what applies during your visit.