Kittitas and surrounding area fishing

[mtmn35rem5]

Just moved to the Kittitas area from the west side. What are the fishing opportunities like within say half hour/hour of kittitas? Mostly a saltwater guy but would love to fish trout, walleye, and bass,etc. both streams and lakes. Any general info to know about?

[bassquatch]

Mattoon Lake in Ellensburg and the Columbia at Vantage.  Other than that you're running to Moses or Potholes.  Lots of little lakes around Eburg but in the summer they look carpeted from all the grass.

[7mmfan]

The Yakima is the top trout stream in the state. Anywhere from Easton down to Roza Dam is good. Selective gear rules, catch and release.

Maroon and Fio Rito are the two closest lakes, planted with trout, plenty of bass and pan fish too. The Columbia mother far away.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Check the weekly plant list, lots of decent size trout being planted.

[castie2504]

Went to Fio Rito on Saturday. Bank fishermen did extremely well on the trout. I was on a pontoon and got skunked  . Nice lake with easy access, must have discover pass or wdfw’s access pass to park there.

[mtmn35rem5]

Thanks for the info. Would the columbia have good shore fishing for smallmouths?

[Moe the Sleaze]

Quincy Lakes are close to you and offer some diverse opportunities.

[7mmfan]

Thanks for the info. Would the columbia have good shore fishing for smallmouths?

Not a bunch of great shore access that I'm aware of. Others may know more than me.

[castie2504]

Thanks for the info. Would the columbia have good shore fishing for smallmouths?

Yes, the Columbia River offers great smallmouth action. Look for structure. In cold water offer a slower presentation like a jig and bounce it on the bottom. The slower the presentation the better in cold water.  A senko worm work great. As the water temp picks up and the bass move into prespawn and spawn they will become more aggressive. You can target them with faster action offerings as they will defend their spawning bed. Something like a shad rap, spinners or crankbaits. Tubes on a 3/8 ounce jug head also work well. After the spawn (mid to late summer) top water does well. Things like whopper ploppers, frogs and buzzbaits have worked well for me.

[Hard2handle]

Hey man, welcome to the burg, holler at me when you get a chance...509-899-9946. I live off hwy 10, I also have a bass boat and I roll solo more than ever...let me know if your game, best regards, Randle. 

[Hard2handle]

I fish potholes, moses and a few more....

[Skillet]

Hey man, welcome to the burg, holler at me when you get a chance...509-899-9946. I live off hwy 10, I also have a bass boat and I roll solo more than ever...let me know if your game, best regards, Randle.

Man, if you get a chance to fish with this guy - take it. 

[Hard2handle]

Skillet, what's up brother? How long are you in town, give me a ring if your gonna be around for more than a week...hope all is good buddy....pretty sure I'm suppose to "pm" you...but that's to much work...I'm still rocking the 45..

[Hard2handle]

Yes, I keep her greasy.....

[Special T]

http://www.kittitasfieldandstream.org/?fbclid=IwAR1Oq4WTi9ebmGvlSEL_kPmIDjBzGaCgNGDa6EguAkdHYjafYY5eZsWdwdU

You might want to attend one of these guys meetings and join. They are a pretty good organization.

They also have a FB page. 

[mtmn35rem5]

Thanks for all the information guys!

Hard2 handle thanks! I may give you a ring although the next month or two I will be out of the county a lot.

Looking forward to checking things out.

Cheers
Zach