Yakima River

[Imr1966]

Started fishing the Yakima river for whitefish Dec.1. Just a reminder for some,TROUT CLOSED Oct.31.I keep seeing a lot of people still taking them,and some are really big.If you make a catch,cut them loose.There just doesn't seem to be enough wildlife agents in the field anymore.This may offend some,don't really care,if you are from south of the border,GO BY OUR RULES! 

[sirfunkeybut]

I wish i could get out for some whitefishing. I haven't been in yuears, actually the last time was today about 4 years ago

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

What's the best way to catch them? And what type of water do they hang out in? Sounds fun!

[Swiftkid]

Started fishing the Yakima river for whitefish Dec.1. Just a reminder for some,TROUT CLOSED Oct.31.I keep seeing a lot of people still taking them,and some are really big.If you make a catch,cut them loose.There just doesn't seem to be enough wildlife agents in the field anymore.This may offend some,don't really care,if you are from south of the border,GO BY OUR RULES! 

I wouldn't assume that only mexicans from the border are the only ones keeping fish they shouldn't be on the yakima.

[sirfunkeybut]

What's the best way to catch them? And what type of water do they hang out in? Sounds fun!

The area i fish is a little swift, we just use a small black fly with one maggot and let it drift

[whackemstackem]

I'm sure it's only the Mexicans too huh.  Being that I live on the reservation which none of you that have posted before me do.  It is sure a big undertaking to have polled all of the fisherman that you saw undertaking these illegal activities, found out their actual race, which I guess was Mexicans only and then posted on this forum……Or were you just ASSUMING.  Making you an A$$ But I have to call a spade a spade.  I have grown up in the valley my entire life and when people assume that a certain group of folks are responsible for the entire issue at hand (Native americans, Rusians, Mexicans), is just a bad way of portraying those who have all the correct licenses and may be following all of the rules of Washington State, Yakama Nation and Federal regulations.  But what do I know, guess I'm just a dumb Mexican. 

[Imr1966]

I have been fishing mostly the slower drifts lately,with much success.They are moving into some of the slightly faster drifts.Fish the bottom,slinky or speedo cable on the bottom of your main line with a #7 snap swivel..Tie a dropper loop 8 to 10 in.above your weight.Size 14 whitefish flies only.Tipped with good fresh maggots.Colors,you just have to play their game.Black,brown,red,greens,yellows,gold.What ever works.Opener on Dec.1 produced 11 out of 15 fish limit.Got cold,took a week,week and a half off because of icing.Saturday 15,today 13.Sizing anywhere from 9 to 18,20 inches,they will get bigger.Yakima canyon should produce some lunkers soon.This is the way I have always done it.It works for me.Does not mean I know every thing,I suppose someone will try and say I do.Just trying to help,go give it a try,have fun.IF I PISSED ANYONE OFF,SORRY,I KNOW WHAT I HAVE BEEN SEEING.WILL I CALL WDFW YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!One other thing,don't leave any valuables in your rigs,the*******will bust out your windows to steal you blind,yes this I know.

[sagewalker]

yeah some of those "really nice trout" are probably steelies. When I float the yak I see plenty of shady stuff going on. Its a sad deal, this town needs cleaned up for sure!! Use a white fish fly and tip it with two maggots, drift fishing works the best!

[Imr1966]

I did miss post.Sat,15,Sun,14,Yesterday 13.It is really good right now.I have the week off,don't know one day from the next.One thing I do know,it is a week of whitefish harassment.All I will say,is yeah,there is some big boys cruising around in the Yakima.Caught and released several nice Bows yesterday.It will surprise you on how the big fish will take that little fly.I caught a giant yesterday,you could not have paid me to keep it.It was cool to watch him swim off.He revived well with no problems.I hate taking today off,but they will be there tomorrow.Loading the smoker in a few,waiting on daylight.If some of you guys want me to post pics on how I set up I can.Merry Christmas to you,have a good day!

[Imr1966]

The way I set up.

[Imr1966]

Tues. catch,ready to smoke.

[go4steelhd]

Looks like some good jerky to come soon...
Right on

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

   Good deal!

[quadrafire]

I'm curious. Where do the whitefish hang out during the summer? I have never caught one in the summer/fall, only in the winter.

[sagewalker]