Kittitas County Ponds
Easton ponds (12.7 acres total): These three easily-accessible gravel-pit ponds are adjacent to I-90 Exit 71, near Easton. They are open to fishing year-round, and will be stocked with catchable-size rainbow trout beginning in April. A fishing derby sponsored by the Easton Memorial Day Committee (open to everyone) is scheduled for June 11 this year, in conjunction with WDFW's Free Fishing Days. For derby information, contact David Cassida at (509) 656-2474.
Kiwanis Pond: This smallest and most westerly pond in the Hanson ponds complex near Cle Elum is open only to juveniles (14 years of age and younger) and disabled anglers. It will continue to be stocked with rainbow trout. Year-round open season.
McCabe Pond: Five miles southeast of Ellensburg at the junction of Thrall Road and Canyon Road. Year-round open season, with a five-fish limit for all fish species combined. Fishing from floating devices is prohibited. This small pond is good early in the year for planted eight- to 11-inch rainbow trout, and for channel catfish to eight pounds later in the summer.
Naneum Pond (4.4 acres): About three miles east of Ellensburg off Vantage Highway, on Naneum Road. Year-round open season. This small pond is open only to juveniles (under 15 years old). It is stocked with catchable-size rainbow trout in early spring. Sunfish are also available.
Woodhouse ponds: These four small ponds southeast of Ellensburg are reached off of Woodhouse Road. Access is walk-in only. Early-season fishing should be good for planted eight- to 11-inch rainbow trout. Largemouth bass, yellow perch and sunfish are also present. Year-round open season.
The Washington Department of Health (DOH) has issued this fish consumption advisory for the Yakima River due to DDT and DDE contamination: all anglers are recommended to limit consumption of mountain whitefish, common carp, bridgelip sucker and all bottom fish to one meal per week. For more information, contact the DOH Office of Environmental Health Assessments at (877) 485-7316 or visit the DOH website.