A Guide to Fly Fishing in Cen tral Washington: Connect With Nature on the Water

IN CENTRAL WASHINGTON

CONNECT WITH NATURE ON THE WATER

Story by Omar Benitez | Photos by Dylan Hanson Design by Edgar Roa & Katie Jo Stewart

It’s time to see why the Yakima Canyon is Washington State’s fly fishing paradise, and the best place for you to cast your line.

At 214 miles in length, the Yakima River is one of the state’s longest rivers. It’s also the state’s only blue ribbon trout stream, meaning all trout are naturally reproducing and it meets fish per mile requirements. The Yakima Canyon in particular has the highest number of fish per mile of any river in Washington, averaging around 1200 fish per mile.

WHERE TO GET STARTED: FISHING SPOTS ON THE YAKIMA RIVER:

Getting equipped properly is the first step in fly fishing. A basic beginner setup will cost you under $200.

BASIC GEAR NEEDED:

• Fly Rod • Fly Reel • Fishing Line • Flies • Big Pines Recreation Site • Luma Creek • McPherson Canyon • Umptanum Road Bridge

But the Yakima River isn’t the only place you can cast. Check out some of these other spots.

EXTRA OPTIONAL GEAR:

• Leaders • Waders • Wading Boots • Net • Nippers • Polarized Glasses • Hemostats or Fishing Pliers • Stream Thermometer

Red’s Fly Shop in the Yakima Canyon has been serving Ellensburg and Central Washington fly fishers since the early 1990s and is an outfitters shop for anything you need for fly fishing. Apart from gear, the shop also provides many services.

OTHER GOOD FISHING SPOTS NEAR TOWN:

• Lake Easton • Manastash Creek • Teanaway River • Cle Elum Lake • Cle Elum River • Kiwanis Pond • Mattoon Lake • McCabe Pond • Taneum Creek

SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Classes • Guided Fishing Tours • Specific Fishing Style Courses • Fishing Boat and Raft Rentals • Destination Fishing Trips Around the World

Now that you’re ready to go fishing, let’s look at some good fishing spots around the Yakima River. The Yakima River remains open to fishing year round.

For students interestested in giving fly fishing a try, CWU Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals has rafts with fishing row frames available for rent. Rental options include for daily, weekend and weekly rentals, with rates depending on the option you select.

(Note: no gear rental options are offered by CWU OPR)

Pictured to the left, Bob Miller, manager of Red’s Fly Shop and contributor to the information above.