Washington · Central Washington · Cascade rain shadow
Yakima River fishing guide
Central Washington's premier trout river and the state's only blue-ribbon trout stream, the Yakima flows through the Cascades' rain shadow with strong wild rainbow and cutthroat populations, catch-and-release rules, and canyon access along the highway.
Current conditions
As of September 1, 2026, Yakima River is running around 2,500 cfs. The nearest streamgage reports flow but not water temperature, so no temp is shown. Conditions look good for fishing right now.
- State
- Washington
- Public access
- Yes
- Access points
- 12
- Species recorded
- 17
These conditions are read from our data about once a day and may not reflect the current moment. For real-time conditions, open Guidepole Fish.
Public access & launches
Extensive public bank access along the Yakima River, computed from public land ownership and hydrography.
- Big PinesBoat launch
- ChamnaBoat launch
- Benton City Boat LaunchCity of Benton CityBoat launch
- Mabton Bridge Boat LaunchWashington Department of Fish and WildlifeBoat launch
- Mile Post 10 Boat LaunchWashington Department of Fish and WildlifeBoat launch
- Mile Post 8 Boat LaunchWashington Department of Fish and WildlifeBoat launch
- Tapteal BendBoat launch
- Snively Road Yakima River AccessBoat launch
- Hudson Ponds AccessBoat launch
- StateWDFWBoat launch
- Green River BridgeWDFWBoat launch
- Three BridgesBoat launch
Regulations
- All speciesBENTON/KITTITAS/YAKIMA CO. · from the downstream side of the westbound I-82 Bridge in Prosser to the Grant Ave. Bridge in Prosser CRC (690)
- Gear
- Barbless hooks required for steelhead
Barbless hooks required for steelhead. Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) required for salmon and steelhead fishing (ages 15 and older). Two-Pole allowed. Chumming permitted.
- All speciesBENTON/KITTITAS/YAKIMA CO. · from the downstream side of the westbound I-82 Bridge in Prosser to the Grant Ave. Bridge in Prosser CRC (690)
- Season
- Sept. 15-Nov. 15
Fishing from any floating device prohibited.
- All speciesBENTON/KITTITAS/YAKIMA CO. · from 200’ upstream of the USBR Chandler Powerhouse to the downstream side of the westbound I-82 Bridge at Prosser CRC (690)
- Gear
- Barbless hooks required for steelhead
Barbless hooks required for steelhead. Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) required for salmon and steelhead fishing (ages 15 and older). Two-Pole allowed. Chumming permitted.
- All speciesBENTON/KITTITAS/YAKIMA CO. · from 400’ downstream of Horn Rapids (Wanawish) Dam to Horn Rapids Dam
CLOSED WATERS.
- All speciesBENTON/KITTITAS/YAKIMA CO. · from Horn Rapids Dam to 200’ downstream of the USBR Chandler Powerhouse CRC (690)
- Gear
- Barbless hooks required for steelhead
Barbless hooks required for steelhead. Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) required for salmon and steelhead fishing (ages 15 and older). Chumming permitted. Two-Pole allowed.
- All speciesBENTON/KITTITAS/YAKIMA CO. · from Grant Ave. Bridge in Prosser to Prosser Dam
CLOSED WATERS.
- All speciesBENTON/KITTITAS/YAKIMA CO. · from mouth (Hwy. 240 Bridge) to 400’ downstream of Horn Rapids (Wanawish) Dam CRC (690)
- Gear
- Barbless hooks required for steelhead
Chumming permitted. Barbless hooks required for steelhead. Two-Pole allowed. Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) required for salmon and steelhead fishing (ages 15 and older).
- All speciesBENTON/KITTITAS/YAKIMA CO. · from 200’ downstream of the USBR Chandler Powerhouse to 200’ upstream of the USBR Chandler Powerhouse CRC (690)
- Gear
- Barbless hooks required for steelhead
Two-Pole allowed. Barbless hooks required for steelhead. Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) required for salmon and steelhead fishing (ages 15 and older). Chumming permitted.
- All speciesBENTON/KITTITAS/YAKIMA CO. · from 200’ downstream of the USBR Chandler Powerhouse to 200’ upstream of the USBR Chandler Powerhouse CRC (690)
- Season
- Sept. 1-Oct. 31
CLOSED WATERS.
- All speciesBENTON/KITTITAS/YAKIMA CO. · from Prosser Dam to Hwy. 223 Bridge CRC (690)
- Gear
- Barbless hooks required for steelhead
Barbless hooks required for steelhead. Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) required for salmon and steelhead fishing (ages 15 and older).
As of 2026-08-28.Guidance, not legal advice — always confirm current rules with the state.Official Washington regulations
What’s in it
Recorded in/near this water. Occurrence-based unless a higher-confidence source is shown — see it per-species in the app.
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Yakima River fishing — FAQ
Can you fish the Yakima River?
Yes — the Yakima River in Washington has public access (extensive public bank access). Open the guide to see the public access, launches, and current regulations.
Do you need a license to fish the Yakima River?
Yes — Washington requires a valid fishing license for most fishing. The current official state regulations are linked on this page.
What fish are in the Yakima River?
Species recorded in the Yakima River include Chinook Salmon, Channel Catfish, Bullhead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie. The full list is on this page.
Where can you access the Yakima River?
Access points include Big Pines, Chamna, Benton City Boat Launch. See every launch and access site on this page.
Get detailed fishing conditions for the Yakima River on your phone
The full access map, live conditions, and an agent you can just ask — on your iPhone.
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