Rivers in Yakima County
Ahtanum Creek
Ahtanum Creek: This stream normally offers fair fishing for 8- to 10-inch rainbow trout and an occasional whitefish. The South Fork, bordered by the Yakima Indian Reservation, produces small rainbows and cutthroat. The Middle and North Forks contain mainly cutthroat. All of these creeks are closed to bull trout fishing. Selective gear rules are in effect for the mainstem, Middle and North forks. Check the regulations pamphlet for closed areas. June 1 through October 31 season.
American River
American River: This moderate-sized, high-elevation river is located adjacent to the Chinook Pass Highway. Expect poor summer fishing for rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout, plus whitefish. The river is closed to bull trout and chinook salmon fishing. Selective gear rules are in effect. June 1 through October 31 open season.
Bumping River
Bumping River: Hikers will find fair fishing for rainbow, eastern brook and cutthroat trout above Bumping Reservoir. Below the reservoir, there is fair fishing for wild rainbows, plus whitefish during the special whitefish-only winter season. Fish generally range from 6 to 12 inches. Selective gear rules are in effect for the river below Bumping Lake. The river is closed to bull trout fishing. Numerous Forest Service campgrounds with good river access are available throughout the area.
Cowiche Creek
Cowiche Creek: Fair-to-good summer fishing for small, wild cutthroat, rainbow and an occasional brook trout. Selective gear rules are in effect. Upper sections and forks provide the best fishing. June 1 through October 31 open season.
Kickitat River
Little Naches River
Little Naches River: Fair-to-good fishing for wild rainbow and cutthroat trout make the Little Naches River a popular area. There is good access via several Forest Service campgrounds. The upper sections and forks provide good fishing for small cutthroat. Selective gear rules are in effect. The river is closed to chinook salmon fishing. June 1 through October 31 open season.
Naches River
Naches River: This large river supports wild rainbow and cutthroat trout and whitefish populations. Above the confluence with Rattlesnake Creek there is fair fishing for wild rainbow and cutthroat. Selective gear rules are in effect, with a 12-inch minimum and 20-inch maximum size limit, and a two-trout daily limit. Expect excellent whitefish angling during the special whitefish-only winter season, with whitefish ranging from 8 to 14 inches. The river is adjacent to the Chinook Pass Highway and is very accessible. Closed to all bull trout, steelhead and chinook salmon fishing. Open season for trout is June 1 through October 31.
Oak Creek
Oak Creek: This small creek runs through the Oak Creek Wildlife area, and supports wild rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. Good fishing for 6- to 10-inch fish. June 1 through October 31 open season.
Rattlesnake Creek
Rattlesnake Creek: Wild cutthroat and rainbows ranging from 6 to 12 inches produce good fishing. Little Rattlesnake Creek also produces good fishing for the same species. The best fishing is in hike-in areas. Catch-and-release, selective gear rules are in effect for Rattlesnake Creek. Open season is June 1 through October 31.
Tieton River
Tieton River: Many Forest Service campgrounds along Highway 12 provide easy access. Fishing is fair-to-good for rainbows and whitefish. Planted with catchable rainbows in June and July. Whitefish angling is best during the special whitefish-only winter season. Check the regulations pamphlet for seasons and fishing boundaries, as well as special regulations in the North and South forks. Closed to fishing for bull trout in all areas.
Wide Hollow Creek
Wide Hollow Creek: This small creek in Yakima is stocked with rainbow trout within the city limits. The season is open June 1 through October 31.
Yakima River
Yakima River: Expect excellent fishing for rainbow trout and whitefish above Roza Dam. Rainbow action is best in the fall, with the best area in Kittitas County. Whitefish action is best from January through March. Check the regulations pamphlet for seasons; the section from Roza Dam near Yakima to Easton Dam near Cle Elum is under catch-and-release, selective gear rules. The lower reaches (Richland and Benton City area) support a popular smallmouth bass and channel catfish fishery. The entire river, including all tributaries and drains, is closed to steelhead and bull trout fishing. Depending on run size, anglers may get a special fall chinook and coho salmon season this year in September and October in the Richland to Prosser reach and in the Yakima to Roza Dam reach. Public and private camping is available near the river. Disabled accessibility at Mellis Road access Level 2. WCT, lgs, ds. / At Zillah Bridge - Level 2. WCT, Blk Tpa, level.
Yakima River
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