THE YAKIMA RIVER Begins below the Keechelus Reservoir in the Cascade Mountain Range of Washington State, from there it meanders 214 miles, bisecting the state, to its confluence with the Columbia River near the Tri Cities. Considered one of the most premier fishing spots in the state, it has been given a Blue Ribbon status. This is a designation given to recreational fisheries of extensively high quality based on water quality/quantity, access to the public, natural reproductive capacity producing fish of size and numbers, the ability to sustain angling pressure and the fish species. This means the Yakima is an astonishing place to find large native Westslope Cutthroat Trout, feisty Rainbow Trout, hybrid Cutt-Bows, hungry Mountain Whitefish, aggressive Chinook and coho smolts, and a few rare Bull Trout! Boasting an estimated abundance of approximately 1,100 fish per mile according to a 2003 WDFW study, THIS. RIVER. IS. EPIC! 

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THE BUGS Boasting hatches starting in early March and extending through mid-December, the Yakima has a full roster of flies, mayflies, salmon flies, and caddis. For a good idea of the bugs that may be hatching at any time, there are many good hatch charts on the internet, just search Yakima Hatch Chart.