What Yost Park offers and who should fish there
Yost Park sits on the Spokane River in central Spokane and holds smallmouth bass, walleye, and some northern pike. The park itself is a day-use area with a boat launch, parking, and river access — useful if you want to fish from shore or launch a small boat into moving water. The Spokane River here is slower than it is upstream, making it more forgiving for anglers who are newer to river fishing or who prefer calmer conditions.
The park works best for people fishing from a boat or who are comfortable wading in current. Shore fishing is possible but limited to a few spots along the bank. If you are planning a half-day outing and want to avoid a long drive from Spokane proper, Yost Park is close enough to reach in 15 minutes from downtown. The river here does not have the reputation of the upper Spokane or the Kettle River for trophy fish, but it is consistent and accessible.
Key Takeaways
- Yost Park has a boat launch and day-use facilities on the Spokane River, making it practical for a short outing from central Spokane.
- Smallmouth bass and walleye are the primary species; northern pike show up occasionally but are not the main draw.
- You will need a Washington fishing license and a Puget Sound/Snake River endorsement if you plan to keep any fish.
- The park is open during daylight hours year-round, but river conditions and fish activity change significantly between seasons.
- Parking and the boat launch are free, but the park has limited facilities and no overnight camping.
Seasons and what to expect month by month
Spring (March through May) brings rising water levels as snowmelt feeds the Spokane River. Walleye begin to move into shallower water in April and May, and smallmouth bass start feeding more actively as water temperatures climb. Water clarity can be poor during heavy runoff, so darker lures and slower presentations work better than bright colors. This is a good window for walleye on jigs and live minnows.
Summer (June through August) sees warmer water and lower flows as snowmelt tapers off. Smallmouth bass become more active in the morning and evening; midday fishing often slows. Walleye move deeper during the day and feed more reliably at dawn, dusk, and after dark. The park fills with day-use traffic on weekends, so a weekday visit is quieter. Water levels are stable and predictable, making it easier to learn the river structure.
Fall (September through November) brings cooling water and shorter days. Walleye feed more consistently throughout the day as temperatures drop. Smallmouth bass are still present but less aggressive than in early summer. This is often the most reliable season for consistent fishing. By late November, water temperatures drop into the 40s and fishing slows noticeably.
Winter (December through February) is cold and the river can be icy in places, though it rarely freezes solid. Some anglers fish for walleye on jigs tipped with live minnows, but activity is low. Many people skip winter fishing here and focus on other waters. If you do fish, dress for cold water and be cautious around ice.
How to reach Yost Park and what to bring
Yost Park is located at 1401 East Riverside Avenue in Spokane, just east of downtown along the Spokane River. From downtown, take Riverside Avenue east for about 1.5 miles; the park entrance is on your right. Parking is free and the lot usually has space except on summer weekends. The boat launch is a single-lane concrete ramp suitable for small to medium boats; launching fees are not charged.
Bring a valid Washington fishing license before you arrive — you cannot purchase one at the park. If you plan to keep any fish, you also need the Puget Sound/Snake River endorsement, which is added to your base license. Both are available online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at most sporting goods stores in Spokane.
For boat fishing, bring a depth finder if you have one; the river bottom here is uneven and structure holds fish. For shore fishing, wear wading boots with good grip because the rocks are slippery and current can be strong. Bring more water and sun protection than you think you need — the river reflects light and you will burn faster than you expect. A net is useful for landing smallmouth bass and walleye without tiring them unnecessarily.
Regulations and catch limits
Washington's statewide rules apply at Yost Park. Smallmouth bass have a minimum size of 12 inches and a daily limit of five fish. Walleye have a minimum size of 15 inches and a daily limit of five fish. Northern pike, if you catch one, have a minimum size of 24 inches and a daily limit of one fish. These limits can change, so check the current Washington fishing pamphlet before you go.
The park itself has no special restrictions beyond state law. You may fish from shore or from a boat. Night fishing is allowed. Catch-and-release is always an option and is encouraged if you want to preserve the fishery for future trips.
What tackle and techniques work here
For smallmouth bass, use 1/4- to 1/2-ounce jigs tipped with crawfish or tube baits, or throw small crankbaits that mimic baitfish. Smallmouth in this part of the river respond well to structure — rocks, fallen trees, and deeper holes. Cast along the banks and work your lure slowly. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive.
For walleye, live minnows on a jig are the standard approach. Use minnows 2 to 4 inches long and fish the bottom, especially in deeper holes and along drop-offs. Walleye here are not aggressive; a slow, vertical presentation works better than casting and retrieving. If you do not have live minnows, small spoons and crankbaits can work, but they are less reliable.
The Spokane River at Yost Park is not fast enough to require heavy current-fishing techniques, but it does move. Cast upstream or across and let your lure drift naturally, then retrieve slowly. Do not rush — walleye especially will follow a lure for several feet before deciding to strike.
Nearby alternatives if Yost Park does not fit your plan
If Yost Park is too crowded or you want a different experience, the Spokane River has other access points. Holmberg Community Park, also in Spokane, offers similar river fishing with less traffic. Upriver, the Spokane River near Riverside State Park offers faster water and a different fish population, though it requires more skill and equipment.
If you want to fish a lake instead, Sprague Lake and Williams Lake are within 45 minutes of Spokane and hold largemouth bass and panfish. Both are shallower and calmer than the river, making them easier for beginners. The tradeoff is that you lose the river's structure and the walleye fishing that Yost Park offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish at Yost Park without a boat?
Yes, but your options are limited. Shore fishing is possible from a few spots along the bank, but most of the park's best water is accessible only by boat. If you do fish from shore, wear wading boots and be cautious — the current is stronger than it looks and the rocks are slippery.
What time of day is best for fishing Yost Park?
Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late afternoon (two hours before sunset) are most productive for both smallmouth bass and walleye. Midday fishing often slows, especially in summer. Night fishing can be good for walleye if you have a light and are comfortable on the water in darkness.
Do I need a boat launch pass or permit?
No. The boat launch at Yost Park is free and does not require a permit or pass. Parking is also free. The park is day-use only, so you cannot camp overnight.
What is the water temperature like, and does it change the fishing?
Water temperature ranges from the high 30s in winter to the low 70s in mid-summer. Walleye feed more consistently when water is cool (fall and spring), while smallmouth bass are more active in warmer water (summer). Cold water slows all fish, so expect slower fishing in winter and early spring.
Are there fish here year-round, or should I avoid certain months?
Fish are present year-round, but activity is lowest in winter (December through February). Fall and spring offer the most reliable fishing. Summer is good for smallmouth bass if you fish early and late in the day. Winter fishing is possible but slow and requires patience.