Yakima River Smallmouth Bass Fly Fishing - Washington Fly Fishing Guides for Trout and Steelhead - Klickitat Steelhead

The Yakima, Klickitat, Upper Columbia, Naches and Methow River - Steelhead and Trout Fishing in Washington

As far as fly fishing on the eastside of the state goes, trout and steelhead dominate the scene. Little do most know about is the virtually untouched fly fishing for 'Smallies' (Smallmouth Bass) and 'Bucketmouths' (Largemouth Bass) in several of our reservoirs and on the lower Yakima.

Reservoirs and Columbia River stretches

On the reservoirs and Columbia river stretches powerboats skippered by licensed Coast Gaurd captains outfitted for effectively fishing two anglers are utilized along with full sink, sink tip and floating lines to cover different presentations. Big Bugs and 5-7 weight rods are the norm.

Specific reservoirs - Banks,The Potholes

Lower Yakima

The pride of the lower Yakima river is the Smallmouth Bass. It is a known predator and great game fish. Catching Smallmouth bass on a fly is a fun excursion and the lower Yakima has a good resident population as well as a migration of 'Smallies' that enter the river during the spring time from the Columbia river system to spawn. The Smallmouth have an ample food source which includes but not limited to salmon smolt, crayfish, leeches as well as aquatic and terrestrial insects.

The best of the best for the Smallmouth season is as follows; April 1 - May 30 and Aug 15 - Oct 10. During the heat of the summer, fishing can be good but can also be a bit unpredictable. Evenings tend to be the best. During the spring time,the Smallmouth can be aggressive as they are in spawn mode and very protective. During the late summer/early fall as things cool down a bit and we might get a light frost the action picks up again. It is at this time that you might encounter some great top-water action with small poppers and the like. If you are looking for the largest fish, then we would recommend the early season. Come spend a day with us on the Lower Yakima, you will be surprised!

Day rate for 2 anglers is $425.00 Typically, trips depart from The Evening Hatch Fly Shop in Ellensburg. All flies, equipment, lunch and transportation included (from the shop)