Fishing the Yakima??

[Jslinger663]

So it’s been awhile since I have even been fishing and I would like to get back at it! I am planning a trip this summer over by the Yakima river and would like to take my wife and boys fishing while there. Can one of you experienced guys lend a hand and tell me what is a good setup to fish the river and any other helpful tips to be successful fishing the Yakima.

[7mmfan]

Where on the river will you be?

[Jslinger663]

I do not have any specific location on the river, if you have suggestions would be great. I am just looking to get back into fishing and would like to get into some river trout!

[ribka]

Above the confluence of the Naches the Yakima River I believe is selective gear , barbless hooks, no bait I believe

Tough river to take kids fishing.

I would go to  the ponds by Ellensburg, Moses Lake , banks lake or Evergreen reservoir and nearby lakes.

[Pegasus]

If your kids are going to fish from the shore on the Yak make sure they pay attention where they step. Fair amount of rattlesnakes close to the shores.

[boneaddict]

The Yakima is wonderful but it is tough.  It sees boat after boat of presented flies, literally every couple minutes.   Matching both fly and presentation becomes key.  It’s tough for a novice.

The Yakima River is different from many rivers as it’s high water is during the summer.  Manipulated for irrigation.   Generally it’s a boat fishery in the summer.  Wading is mostly done winter time.   Bare that in mind.    Of course this will all depend where you plan to fish it. 

[boneaddict]

If your kids are going to fish from the shore on the Yak make sure they pay attention where they step. Fair amount of rattlesnakes close to the shores.

Not much of a bank fishery in the summer, but he is correct, lots of Rattlers.   And even more fun than that, A LOT of poison oak.   

[Pegasus]

If your kids are going to fish from the shore on the Yak make sure they pay attention where they step. Fair amount of rattlesnakes close to the shores.

Not much of a bank fishery in the summer, but he is correct, lots of Rattlers.   And even more fun than that, A LOT of poison oak.

I forgot about the poison oak. I had a rattler strike at me over there. I had stepped over it thinking it was a root across a trail. I realized half way over it that it was not a root so I took a quick hop to clear it. My son who was directly behind me got to watch the whole scene unfold and saw the strike. He said that it barely missed me.

[Jslinger663]

Thanks for the info everyone! So it sounds like the Yakima would not be ideal
For the kind of fishing I would like to do. Any of you guys have and suggestions on some good streams to catch some nice trout in?

[Iveexcaped3]

the Yakima is basically only boat or float fishing from spring to fall. Yakima also gets hammered by Reds fly shop daily doing guided tours. Its also catch and release only with specific fishing gear. I haven't fished it yet but was gonna try the Teannaway once snow melt dies down a little hopefully dropping the river. In the Yakima canyon theres almost 0 bank fishing for little ones as well.

[7mmfan]

I'll second what others have said, the bulk of the river is tough for bank access in the summer. You can do quite well tossing a spinner pretty much all year, but you have to pick your spots. If you have access to a boat or raft, floating the canyon tossing spinners can be a lot of fun for young anglers.

Otherwise, there isn't a bunch of accessible creek fishing for trout in this state. Rock Creek can be good, but it gets pounded and theres 3 times as many rattlesnakes. Lots of little creeks in the NE corner of the state have brookies in them. The Kettle River can be fun, but access is tough. Same with the Methow. You get the idea.