Yakima River (near Cle Elum)

After striking out on the Teanaway River, Dalton and I decided to try our luck on the Yakima. From Cle Elum up river there are a few holes where you can fish from the bank or even wade fish a little, although a drift boat or pontoon would still be preferred.

One of the popular places to try and a place I have had luck before is off the Hansen Pond rd. You can access this road by crossing the 90 in the middle of Cle Elum and driving pass an RV park. The road parallels the 90 and the Yakima and takes you to some juvenile ponds. You can park before the ponds or at the ponds, just keep your eyes open for some good river access. We pulled all the way to the end, had ourselves a BBQ and began to fish. Fishing one of the bigger eddies I managed to land a nice native rainbow. We didn't have long, so this was a nice treat.

I was using my floating line with a strike indicator, stone nymph, and dropper. Casting can be a little difficult if you don't want to scare the fish, be up to your chest in water, or get swept away by the raging summer current. Give it time and patients, talk to the local fly shop, and give it a go. Good things will happen.

Note:
The Yakima River is also a great river to float and although I could have fished all day, Dalton and I had made plans to join a group of friends for a little campground fun and a glorious 6hr float the next day. Some pictures included!

Summary:
Location: Yakima River, near Cle Elum, WA.
Time: 1pm - 2pm
Rod: 5 wt w/ floating line, 5 wt w/ sinking tip
Tackle: 8 pat's stone brown and black, 12 skwala stone, 14 tan elk hair caddis, 8 tan body/black back Chernobyl, 16 belly bead copper john, 16 batman prince nymph, 16 tan elk hair caddis; would try other pattern's of pat's stone and Chernobyl
Fish:1
Species: Rainbow
Biggest Fish: 11"
Smallest Fish: N/A
Rating: 7.5/10

Bringing 'em In

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 The Crew

The Cliff