Yakima River
Cle Elum to Ellensburg
Central Washington, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 12484500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
The Yakima is running 3,160 cfs — higher than ideal but still very fishable with 2-3' visibility in the canyon. Golden Stones and PMDs are in full swing, with shops reporting excellent nymphing on #12-16 Pheasant Tails and #10-12 Prince Nymphs for active Drake nymphs. Water temps in the 58-62°F range have triggered the prime stonefly emergence window. Focus on the deeper runs and protected banks where fish are holding in the current push. Evening caddis fishing from 6-9pm should remain productive despite the elevated flows.
- Flow: 3,160 cfs — elevated but fishable. Canyon visibility 2-3', stabilizing after weekend smolt run. Higher than typical summer range.
- Hatches: Golden Stones and PMDs active. Shops report Drake nymphs moving. Evening caddis 6-9pm. #12-16 Pheasant Tails producing.
- Water Temp: 58-62°F — prime stonefly emergence range. Cool enough to keep fish active through midday with steady water temps.
- Best Window: Nymphing all day in current flows. Evening caddis hatch 6-9pm remains the crown jewel despite higher water.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: May–Oct, peak June (stones) & Oct (October Caddis)
The Yakima River in central Washington is the only blue-ribbon trout fishery in the state — a freestone river running through the dry side of the Cascades from Easton to the agricultural Yakima Valley. The river produces wild rainbow and cutthroat trout in fishable numbers throughout, with the Cle Elum, Roslyn, and Ellensburg reaches each offering distinct character. Float trips dominate the productive water. Hatches are reliable: stoneflies in late spring, caddis through summer, and the famous October Caddis emergence in fall.
The Yakima is Washington's only state-designated Blue Ribbon trout stream — a single river holding the entire status in a state better known for steelhead and salmon than trout.
January Outlook
January on the Yakima is the off-season. The regulated tailwater keeps flows and temperatures stable but surface activity is minimal. Midges and Baetis nymphs produce fish in the slower pools. Steelhead are available in the upper river above Ellensburg.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Baetis Nymph
- Soft Hackle
Tips
Winter Yakima fishing is quiet and technical. The canyon section from Ellensburg to Yakima holds fish in the slower deep runs. Nymph fishing with midges and Baetis patterns close to the bottom. The canyon is beautiful in winter light.
Water Notes
1,200–2,500 cfs. Water 38–46°F. Regulated flows keep the river stable. Minimal hatches — nymph fishing dominates.
February Outlook
February on the Yakima brings the first hints of Baetis activity on warm afternoons. The canyon is still cold but midges can trigger rising fish by mid-February.
Productive Patterns
- RS2
- Zebra Midge
- Baetis Sparkle Dun
- Soft Hackle Emerger
Tips
Late February Baetis hatches on the Yakima are an exciting preview of the spring season. Fish the slower sections near Ellensburg on sunny afternoons. The winter steelhead in the upper river sections provide an exciting alternative.
Water Notes
1,200–2,500 cfs. Water 40–48°F. Early Baetis activity possible by late February on warm afternoons.
March Outlook
The Yakima River in March offers excellent Skwala stonefly activity — often the first significant hatch of the year in Washington State.
Productive Patterns
- Skwala Stone #10
- Baetis Sparkle Dun
- Brown Rubber Leg
- RS2
Tips
The lower Yakima canyon above Ellensburg is the most productive in March. Skwala adults appear on the rocks in the morning. Nymph fishing is consistent all day.
Water Notes
1,500–3,000 cfs. Water 42–50°F. Regulated flows from Keechelus and Kachess Reservoirs. Manageable and fishable.
April Outlook
Skwala activity peaks in April on the Yakima. One of the best early-season rivers in the Pacific Northwest.
Productive Patterns
- Skwala Dry #8
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The Yakima's Skwala hatch is reliable and predictable each April. The canyon from Ellensburg to Yakima is productive. Float fishing is efficient for covering the gravel bar water.
Water Notes
2,000–4,000 cfs. Water 46–54°F. The Yakima is one of Washington's best spring dry fly rivers.
May Outlook
PMDs and Caddis join the Skwala activity. The Yakima Canyon is one of the finest freestone rivers in Washington.
Productive Patterns
- PMD
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Golden Stone
- Stimulator
Tips
Float the canyon from Ellensburg to Selah Gap for the full Yakima experience. The river is productive throughout but the canyon section has the best population density.
Water Notes
2,000–5,000 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Prime spring conditions.
June Outlook
Golden Stone and Caddis season on the Yakima. Excellent dry fly fishing throughout the canyon.
Productive Patterns
- Golden Stone
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD Cripple
- Stimulator #10
Tips
The evening caddis hatch on the Yakima from 6–9pm is one of Washington's finest dry fly experiences. The canyon offers multiple public access points and several float options.
Water Notes
1,500–3,500 cfs. Water 54–62°F. Prime Yakima Canyon conditions.
July Outlook
Hopper-dropper and caddis season. The Yakima's warm, dry canyon is ideal hopper habitat.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper-Dropper
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD Cripple
- Chubby Chernobyl
Tips
The Yakima Canyon in July is beautiful — dry hillsides, basalt walls, and clear green water. The hopper-dropper rig covers all the water efficiently.
Water Notes
1,200–2,500 cfs. Water 60–67°F. Good summer conditions.
August Outlook
August hopper fishing is excellent on the Yakima. The dry canyon environment produces abundant grasshoppers.
Productive Patterns
- Dave's Hopper
- Chubby Chernobyl
- Parachute Ant
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
Fish the bank edges in the morning when hopper activity is building. The evening caddis hatch continues to produce fish through August. The canyon remains beautiful and uncrowded relative to summer.
Water Notes
900–2,000 cfs. Water 63–69°F. Monitor temps — some sections approach stress levels. Fish morning and evening.
September Outlook
Fall BWO season on the Yakima — one of the Northwest's finest autumn rivers. Steelhead enter the upper river later in fall.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- PMD Cripple
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Mahogany Dun
Tips
The September BWO hatch is exceptional on the Yakima. Fish the flat riffles and pools from 1–4pm on overcast afternoons. The canyon provides beautiful fall scenery.
Water Notes
800–1,800 cfs. Water 55–63°F. Excellent fall conditions.
October Outlook
Excellent October BWO fishing and the beginning of fall steelhead entering the upper river sections.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Mahogany Dun
- Streamer
- Soft Hackle
Tips
October on the Yakima is underrated. Excellent BWO dry fly fishing in the canyon with very little pressure. The fish are in peak condition before winter.
Water Notes
700–1,500 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Good fall conditions.
November Outlook
November on the Yakima transitions to winter nymphing. BWO activity continues through early November. The canyon begins to show fall color in its last stages. Steelhead continue in the upper river.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Zebra Midge
- Soft Hackle
- Streamer
Tips
November is the last of the Yakima's significant hatch activity before winter. Fish the canyon section while BWOs continue. Nymphing takes over by month's end. The steelhead in the upper river near Cle Elum are a worthy alternative.
Water Notes
800–1,800 cfs. Water 44–52°F. Late BWO activity then transitioning to winter nymphing.
December Outlook
December on the Yakima is winter nymphing and midge fishing. The regulated flows keep the river stable. The canyon is quiet and beautiful in its winter state.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Baetis Nymph
- Soft Hackle
Tips
December Yakima fishing is for the dedicated angler. Midge pupa in the slow pools, Baetis nymphs in the riffles. The canyon from Ellensburg to Yakima holds fish year-round. A peaceful winter outing with very little competition.
Water Notes
1,000–2,000 cfs. Water 38–46°F. Minimal hatches. Nymph fishing dominant. Canyon roads may have ice — check before traveling.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skwala Stonefly Skwala americana |
Mar | Feb, Mar, Apr | #8–10 |
|
| March Brown Rhithrogena morrisoni |
Apr | Mar, Apr, May | #12–14 |
|
| Golden Stonefly Hesperoperla pacifica |
May, Jun | Apr, May, Jun | #6–8 |
|
| Salmonfly Pteronarcys californica |
May | May, Jun | #4–6 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella inermis |
Jun, Jul | Jun, Jul, Aug | #16–18 |
|
| Caddis Hydropsyche spp. / Brachycentrus spp. |
Jul, Aug | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #14–16 |
|
| Hopper / Terrestrial Melanoplus spp. |
Jul, Aug | Jul, Aug, Sep | #6–10 |
|
| October Caddis Dicosmoecus gilvipes |
Sep, Oct | Sep, Oct | #8–10 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis tricaudatus |
Oct | Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
Access & Approach
Ellensburg and Cle Elum are the main bases. Float trips through the canyon and Cle Elum reaches dominate. Washington fishing license required; selective gear regulations apply on most of the river.
Nearby Fly Shops
- The Evening Hatch
- Red's Fly Fishing
Regulations & License
Fishing in Washington requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Washington fishing regulations & license →
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
More in This Region
About Current
Yakima River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Yakima River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.