Yakima River - Kiona - Washington
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Yakima River – Kiona - Water Flow Chart
Yakima River – Kiona - Weather report & radar
Yakima River – Kiona - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Late Afternoon | #16-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| February | Midges | Midday | #18-22 | Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Afternoon | #16-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| March | Squalla Stonefly | All Day | #10-12 | Weighted Stonefly Nymph |
| March Brown | Afternoon | #12-14 | March Brown Emerger, Dry Fly | |
| Midges | Midday | #18-22 | Zebra Midge | |
| April | Squalla Stonefly | All Day | #10-12 | Rogue Foam Stonefly |
| March Brown | Afternoon | #12-14 | March Brown Comparadun | |
| Caddisflies | Evening | #16-18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| May | Caddisflies | Evening | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis |
| Pale Morning Dun | Mid Morning | #16-18 | PMX Dry Fly | |
| June | Pale Morning Dun | Mid Morning | #16-18 | Sparkle Dun |
| Caddisflies | Evening | #14-16 | X Caddis | |
| Green Drakes | Afternoon | #10-12 | Drake Parachute Dry Fly | |
| July | Caddisflies | Evening | #12-14 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Yellow Sally Stonefly | Afternoon | #14-16 | Yellow Sally Dry Fly | |
| August | Green Drakes | Afternoon | #10-12 | Green Drake Cripple |
| Hopper | All Day | #10-12 | Dave’s Hopper | |
| Caddisflies | Evening | #12-14 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| September | Hopper | All Day | #10-12 | Joe’s Hopper |
| October Caddis | Evening | #8-10 | Orange Stimulator | |
| October | October Caddis | Evening | #8-10 | Orange Stimulator |
| Baetis | Afternoon | #18-20 | BWO Emerger | |
| November | Baetis | Afternoon | #18-20 | BWO Comparadun |
| Winter Stoneflies | Late Afternoon | #16-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| December | Winter Stoneflies | Late Afternoon | #16-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph |
| Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
Yakima River – Kiona Access Points
The Yakima River in Kiona offers various access points making it a prime spot for fly fishing.
- Red’s Fly Shop: This fly shop provides boat launch options to make river access seamless.
- The Canyon Stretch: Running alongside Highway 821, this stretch east of Ellensburg provides access along much of the river.
- State Route 10: This route offers several public fishing access points.
- Roza Recreation Site: It’s a spot with ample access to the Yakima River, suitable for anglers preferring wade fishing.
- Umtanum Recreation Area: It offers walk-in access and a boat launch.
- Mile Marker 20: You can access the Yakima River comfortably through a pull-off by the highway bridge.
Yakima River – Kiona Fishing Spots
The Yakima River in Kiona offers a plethora of amazing spots for fly fishing, bountiful in nature’s riches and renowned among avid anglers. Here are the best spots to indulge in this serene activity:
- Richland Channel: Equip your gear and enjoy abundant Rainbow Trout found in these crystalline waters.
- Columbia Park: With easy access and parking, this location is perfect for beginners.
- Chamna Natural Preserve: Connect with nature and fish in tranquil surroundings.
- Amon Basin: Legendary for its Brown Trout, it’s a favorite among seasoned anglers.
- Badger Island: This secluded spot teems with White fish that put up a good fight, great for those seeking a challenge.
Note: Always make sure to follow local fishing regulations and practice catch-and-release to help maintain these incredible fishing spots for future generations.
Yakima River – Kiona Local Fish Species
- Rainbow Trout: Predominantly found throughout the Yakima River, especially around Kiona, these fish are a top choice for fly fishing due to their strong fights and impressive jumps.
- Cutthroat Trout: Known for their unique red or orange marking under the jaw, these trout present a challenge, as they generally remain in deeper, faster water.
- Brown Trout: These fish offer a rewarding catch and are known to grow quite large in the Yakima River.
- Brook Trout: Brook Trout in the Yakima River are typically smaller, but are still admired for their beautiful colors and patterns.
- Mountain Whitefish: These fish, known for their robust population in the Yakima River, are frequent targets for winter fly fishing.
- Salmon: While less common, salmon runs on the Yakima River can provide an exciting fishing experience.
- Steelhead: While not as prevalent in the Yakima River as in other waters, these migratory rainbow trout are still highly sought after, especially during winter months.
- Bull Trout: These large and aggressive trout species are considered a prized catch for any fly fisherman.
About the Yakima River – Kiona
Meandering through south-central Washington, the Yakima River has a rich tapestry of tales to tell. Originally named “Tapteal” or “the willow” by the indigenous Yakama tribe, the river got its current name from the English interpretation of the tribal name. The river is especially famous for its fertile Kiona region.
- The Yakima River begins its journey from the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range, travelling for a remarkable 214 miles before merging with the Columbia River.
- This river is beloved by avid fishermen who relish the thrill of casting their lines for cutthroat trouts, Chinook salmons, and steelheads.
- The Kiona region, irrigated by the Yakima River, is a haven for master vintners who produce world-class wines. In fact, the area is home to some of the oldest vineyards in the state.
From thrilling water adventures to sipping sun-drenched wines in a scenic vineyard, the Yakima River – Kiona region offers a unique slice of Washington’s history and its vibrant culture.
Community Contributions
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