Where to bank fish on the Yakima?

[tumblefly]

Going for the first time to the Yakima. Any of you folks have suggestions of good areas / sections of the river to bank fish?
I do have a lot of river fishing experience, just not there.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[Sam Roffe]

If you're fishing in the Canyon below Ellensburg, look for turn outs. Plenty of them.

 

[tumblefly]

If you're fishing in the Canyon below Ellensburg, look for turn outs. Plenty of them.

Thank you Sam. I will check them out.

 

[Old Man]

I used to fish it below the Easton Ponds. Park by the ponds and there are trails down to the river all over the place. But I don't think you can fish the ponds. There is a salmon hatchery there and they use the pond as for the Salmon to grow a little before they release them into the river. Don't know if they still do that as I haven't been there in over 17 years.

 

[Dave G]

There's an absolutely killer spot right..... there! No - a bit more to the south. Yes... right there. Please don't share this info with anyone!

In all seriousness, the canyon has the most extensive and easily accessed banks. Just go out and try some place that looks good. You'll learn a lot more from field-testing your assumptions about what is and isn't fishy - especially since this often changes over time of day and season; high water and low. The pullouts along the roadway will give you some clues about what others consider good access spots.

 

[Richard Olmstead]

When I was figuring out the Yakima, I would record the flow levels at the Umtanum gauging station each time I went. This becomes a great predictor for where you can access the river safely and effectively and save some drives over the pass when the river isn't in condition.

 

[longputt]

I am not trying to discourage you, but be aware that the snakes are probably out on warmer days. When you climb in out of the water just watch where you put your hands and feet. Again not trying to discourage you just be aware. I hate snakes and shore fish the Yakima it's not too bad...

Not like a certain lake in E WA!

 

[Buzzy]

Some handy data and a nice fly shop too: http://www.worleybuggerflyco.com/yakima_river_conditions.html

 

[Creatch’r]

Grass, rocks and sometimes logs provide the best places to stand while fly fishing the Yakima river from the banks in my experience.

 

[tumblefly]

There's an absolutely killer spot right..... there! No - a bit more to the south. Yes... right there. Please don't share this info with anyone!

In all seriousness, the canyon has the most extensive and easily accessed banks. Just go out and try some place that looks good. You'll learn a lot more from field-testing your assumptions about what is and isn't fishy - especially since this often changes over time of day and season; high water and low. The pullouts along the roadway will give you some clues about what others consider good access spots.

Good advice. That all sounds like the way to go.

 

[tumblefly]

Grass, rocks and sometimes logs provide the best places to stand while fly fishing the Yakima river from the banks in my experience.

Thank you.

I am not trying to discourage you, but be aware that the snakes are probably out on warmer days. When you climb in out of the water just watch where you put your hands and feet. Again not trying to discourage you just be aware. I hate snakes and shore fish the Yakima it's not too bad...

Not like a certain lake in E WA!

I fish the "D" in Oregon and have the snake concept down. Thank you.

 

[tumblefly]

When I was figuring out the Yakima, I would record the flow levels at the Umtanum gauging station each time I went. This becomes a great predictor for where you can access the river safely and effectively and save some drives over the pass when the river isn't in condition.

That's good advice. Heading over there today. Thank you.

 

[Stonedfish]

I really like areas with rip rap.
Quite a few areas with it along the river.
I’ve caught some nice fish off of them without getting my feet wet.
Look for the soft pockets of water that form behind the rocks.
Have fun.
SF

 

[cedarslug]

That's good advice. Heading over there today. Thank you.

Best of luck! I wonder how the recent snowfall affected the river

 

[Burt Dagger]

Grass, rocks and sometimes logs provide the best places to stand while fly fishing the Yakima river from the banks in my experience.

You can take that advice to the bank.

 

[Dloy]

One sure honey hole beacon is a boat ramp and crapper. You’ll know you’re in a prime spot when a drift boat anchors in front of you.

 

[tumblefly]

Best of luck! I wonder how the recent snowfall affected the river

It was so cold there was no snow melt. The level was good.

 

[flybill]

Join me and a few friends on Saturday at Reds.. 10am .. I'll show or tell you where to go..PM me!