Umtanum / Canyon

Yakima River Fishing Report

As of September 11, 2026, the Yakima River is fishing Great (8.7/10): flows are 1,520 cfs, Terrestrials (Hoppers and Ants) activity, reported by 3 shops.

Last updated

High confidence3 sources · freshest data Today

Reports indicate good conditions. flow at 1520 cfs.

Conditions are holding steady since the previous update.

Washington's premier blue-ribbon trout river, represented by the Umtanum gauge in the canyon fishery.

rainbow trout · cutthroat trout · whitefish
8.7
Great

Current Yakima River fishing conditions

A quick view of the latest report, gauge, hatch, and fly data available for this water. Missing observations are left unreported rather than estimated.

Fishing outlook
Great · 8.7/10
Current flow
1,520 cfs
Water temperature
Not reported
Water clarity
clear

Hatches & recommended flies

Current reports mention Terrestrials (Hoppers and Ants), Stonefly, Caddis. Recommended flies include Stonefly Nymph, San Juan Worm, Blue Wing Olive, Pheasant Tail.

Access, closures & regulations

Recent reports mention Umtanum (near Red's Fly Shop), canyon, Canyon; Umtanum (near Red's Fly Shop).

Access and seasonal rules can change. Check current regulations and closures with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Yakima River location

46.8626, -120.4801

Flow Data

Current Flow

1,520cfs

9/9/20269/11/2026
1,430 cfs1,650 cfs

Signal Breakdown

Overall Signal
8.7Great
River Flow
10.0
Shop Reports
7.1
Report Agreement
10.0

Recommended Flies

Stonefly NymphSan Juan WormBlue Wing OlivePheasant TailRoza's Tags #14-18Mini CrawfishSculpzillaChubbies

What's Hatching

InsectStageTiming
Terrestrials (Hoppers and Ants)adult
Stoneflyadult
Caddisadultevening
PMDnymph
BWO
October Caddis
Crane Flyadult
Hopperadult
Mayfly
Baetisnymph
Summer Stoneadult
PEDadultevening
Summer Stoneflyadult

Keep exploring

Current options in Yakima.

Recent Reports

Reds Fly Shop

2026-09-10GOOD

The Yakima is transitioning out of high summer flows toward a natural late-season pattern, concentrating trout and improving conditions. Full-day float trips have resumed after voluntary Hoot Owl restrictions, with midday nymphing in riffles and pocket water being most productive.

PMD pheasant tail variations #14-18Roza's Tags #14-18Pat's Stones #6-10San Juan WormMini CrawfishOlive SculpinOlive Streamer #6-8Crane FlyChubbiesRed TagBWO
View original report ↗

Avid Angler

2026-09-08GOOD

Flows are still a bit high for comfortable wading but expected to drop in coming weeks. Fish are actively taking hoppers, small mayflies, and small nymphs.

View original report ↗

Reds Fly Shop

2026-09-07GOOD

The Yakima is transitioning out of high summer flows toward a more natural late-season pattern at ~2,000 cfs, with excellent clarity and improving fishing. Nymphing riffles and pocket water is most productive, with dry fly and streamer opportunities also available, especially in low-light periods.

PMD pheasant tail variations #14-18Roza's Tags #14-18Pat's Stones #6-#10San Juan WormMini CrawfishSculpinOlive Streamers #6-#8Crane FliesRed TagHopperChubbiesBWO
View original report ↗
Show 7 older reports

Evening Hatch

2026-09-05GOOD

River is in great condition with no hoot-owl restrictions. Fall fishing calls for small nymphs in #16-20, with October Caddis and Crane Flies also producing on top. Salmon counts are low (~1500) but late September fishing behind spawning salmon in the upper river can be productive.

Duracel #16-20YB's #16-20Hares Ear #16-20Walts Worm #16-20RS2 #16-20Baetis nymph #16-20October Caddis Nymph #10-12Orange Pats Stone #10-12Black Pats Stone #10-12Crane Fly Adult #8-12October Caddis dry #8-12Purple Haze #14-18Hoppers #8-12Sparkle Dun #16-18
View original report ↗

Reds Fly Shop

2026-09-03GOOD

The Yakima is transitioning into fall conditions as flows drop from 3,500 cfs toward 2,000 cfs, with improving fishing throughout the river. Hoot Owl restrictions have ended, full-day float trips have resumed, and trout are responding well to cooler temperatures and declining flows.

PMD pheasant tail variations #14-18Roza's Tags #14-18Pat's Stones #10-#6San Juan WormsMini CrawfishSculpinOlive Streamers #6-#8Crane FliesChubbies
View original report ↗

Reds Fly Shop

2026-09-01GOOD

Flows are dropping from 3,500 cfs toward 2,000 cfs and the river is transitioning to a natural late-season pattern, concentrating trout and improving wade access. Hoot owl restrictions have ended and full-day float trips have resumed as afternoon temps are no longer approaching 70°F.

PMD pheasant tail variations #14-18Roza's Tags #14-18Pat's Stones #10-#6San Juan WormsMini CrawfishSculpinOlive Streamers #6-#8Various Streamers #6-#8Crane Flies
View original report ↗

Reds Fly Shop

2026-08-29GOOD

Flows are dropping from recent highs and conditions are improving noticeably, with trout responding well and full-day float trips resuming after Hoot Owl restrictions. A mix of dry flies, nymphing, and streamers is recommended throughout the day.

PMD pheasant tail #14-18Roza's Tags #14-18Pat's Stones #10-#6San Juan WormsMini CrawfishSculpinOlive Streamers #6-#8Crane Flies
View original report ↗

Evening Hatch

2026-08-16GOOD

Nymphing has been productive with Pat's Stone and a second fly. Hopper fishing is in full swing along with summer stones; Caddis and PED evening fishing is being avoided due to high water temps under a self-imposed Hoot Owl program.

Pat's StoneDuracelYB'sHares Ear #14-18PMD Trigger Nymph #14-18Walt's Worm #14-18Sparkle Minnow #4-10Sheila Sculpin #4-10Thin Mint #4-10Sculpzilla #4-10Dave's Hopper #6-12Morish Hopper #6-12CFO Ant #6-12Rubber Legged Stimulator #6-12Chubby #6-10Purple Haze #12-16Yellow Humpy #12-16Royal Wulff #12-16
View original report ↗

Evening Hatch

2026-07-23GOOD

Fishing is good with hoppers, summer stones, and caddis active. A self-imposed Hoot Owl restriction limits guided trips to early morning through noon due to elevated afternoon water temperatures.

View original report ↗
Reports sourced from