Water Experiences Fishing, Floating, Boating & Watersports

water experiences

Kittitas County has some of the country’s best fly fishing in the Yakima River, quiet mountain lakes, plus opportunities for boating on the Columbia.

Quick contact number for current river conditions: Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office 509-925-8534 n FISHING

Kittitas County offers unparalleled fishing opportunities, from fly fishing the Yakima to reeling in a sturgeon on the Columbia.

The Yakima River is a year-round fly-fishing destination. It is a catch-andrelease river for wild trout. There are multiple fly fishing gear and guide services in the county, including Red’s Flyshop, Troutwater, The Evening Hatch, WorleyBugger Fly Co., Ellensburg Angler, and Emerging River Guide Services.

The Columbia River on the eastern edge of the county is also a prime spot for sturgeon, walleye, salmon and steelhead.

In addition to the rivers and streams, the county is dotted with lakes. Lake fishing opportunities begin at Snoqualmie Pass with Keechelus and Kachess and continue through the lower valley. In the lower county, Mattoon Lake, Fiorito lakes and Lavender Lake are popular destinations, particularly for families with children. Other options? Cooper Lake, Easton Ponds, Kiwanis Ponds, Lost Lake and Quartz Creek Pond.

Many of the ponds are stocked by the Department of Fish and Wildlife and there are derbies and events at the lakes in the spring and summer. A license is required to legally fish in Washington, except for children under 14 years old.

For those looking for fishing off the beaten track there are a multitude of lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area.

n FLOATING

Floating the Yakima through the Yakima River Canyon is an awe-inspiring adventure. The canyon features massive and weathered basalt cliffs, and rolling, high shrub-steppe hills.

The stretch of river southeast of Ellensburg from Ringer Loop Road to the Roza Recreational Site sees the most float and raft traffic when temperatures rise in Central Washington.

Although a Yakima River float trip

provides spectacular scenic views and wildlife viewing, it can be dangerous for those who don’t pay attention to common sense safety practices, recreational rules and hazardous river sites.

Well before planning a trip, call the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office marine patrol at 509-925-8534 to find out current river conditions and problem spots.

The nonprofit Kittitas County Field and Stream Club has produced a recreational users’ map of the Yakima River, and it is valuable for those boating, floating or rafting the river. The map, in a booklet form, is sold by a number of Kittitas County area retailers, including Mountain High Sports in Ellensburg, (509) 925-4626.

n BOATING & WATER SPORTS

The area’s many lakes and rivers offer exciting boating, kayaking and, in designated areas, jet skiing.

The Columbia River east of Ellensburg is a favorite in the summer with boaters, jet skiers and water skiers. Multiple boat launches are available in the Vantage area.

The Roza Recreation area between Yakima and Ellensburg on the Yakima Canyon is a good spot for boating and water sports. Motorized vessels are permitted from the Roza boat launch down to the Roza dam. Upstream from the launch is limited to nonmotorized boats only.

Lake Cle Elum, eight miles northwest of Cle Elum, is a good spot for water spots. Boat launch sites are available.

Lake Easton is a popular destination for fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding during the summer.

DiscoverHistoryToday

Discoverthe amazingpastof KittitasCounty

Displaysandinterestingartifactsonlocal farming,NativeAmericans,pioneers, technology,militaryserviceand businessallwithinEllensburg’s historicCadwellBuilding. Walking Tours, Monday-Saturday10am-4pm Evening Lectures,

Special Events,

KITTITAS COUNTY andMuchMore HISTORICAL ORICAL MUSEUM

Free Admission

1745398