Washington
Yakima River at Umtanum
Location Snapshot
Yakima River at Umtanum flows through the basalt-walled Yakima Canyon in central Washington, where riffles, runs, and deep bends cross an open shrub-steppe landscape. Rainbow trout define the fishery, with mountain whitefish adding another native coldwater target to this distinctive canyon reach.
Current River Rating
Fair · 62
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Low confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Current conditions do not support a reliable fishing window.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Timing Evidence
Dawn low light is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 755 CFS
- Gage Height
- 30.77 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 11:15 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 12484500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Partly cloudy
Temperature
43°F
Feels like
36°F
Wind
6 mph N
Wind gust
6 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 4:30 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 5 AM
Overcast
Temp 44°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Tue 9 AM
Clear
Temp 46°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Tue 1 PM
Clear
Temp 64°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 5 PM
Clear
Temp 64°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 9 PM
Clear
Temp 54°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Wed 1 AM
Overcast
Temp 54°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 66°F / Low 43°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 14 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 71°F / Low 50°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 7 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 70°F / Low 47°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 9 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Mostly clear
High 58°F / Low 41°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 14 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
The Yakima at Umtanum runs through the canyon trout water between Ellensburg and Yakima.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Yakima River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Regulated flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Kittitas, Washington
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Kittitas
Management Category
Wild trout river
Regulation Scope
Yakima River at Umtanum / Yakima Canyon.
Regulation Summary
Yakima at Umtanum: WDFW Yakima River Canyon rules. Confirm current Fishing Regulations.
Target Species
rainbow-trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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