In a state known for steelhead and salmon, the Yakima River in
The river is now managed for wild trout, with catch and release, and smashing barbs a must. The result has been some great fly fishing, followed by head scratchingly slow days, but that only adds to the mystique if trying to solve this fishery.
The prime fishing water begins below
When the
Below this comes some daunting canyon water, with the addition of the
Below this stretch is some of the most premier water, boaters have this stretch to themselves, with take-outs conveniently located at the end of the best water.
The hatch chart reads like an insect all-star steam, and keeps the angler and fish heightened for most of the seasons.
Yakima River, Washington
Insect | Size | Begin | End | |
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Midges | 18-22 | January 1 | May 31 |
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Skwala | 8-10 | January 1 | March 30 |
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BWO | 18-24 | January 1 | May 21 |
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BWO | 18-24 | September 15 | November 30 |
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March Brown | 12-14 | March 1 | May 30 |
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Green Drake | 10-12 | March 1 | May 30 |
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Caddis | 12-18 | April 1 | September 15 |
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Salmonfly | 6-8 | April 1 | May 15 |
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Golden Stonefly | 10-14 | May 10 | July 31 |
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PMD | 14-16 | May 1 | August 31 |
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Yellow Sally | 14 | May 1 | September 30 |
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Trico | 22 | July 1 | October 15 |
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Mahogany Dun | 14 | October 1 | November 30 |
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October Caddis | 8-10 | July 15 | October 31 |
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Midges | 22 | November 1 | December 31 |