Kittitas County Rivers
Columbia River: Although lightly fished, a few walleye and smallmouth bass are available in the Wanapum Lake area and upstream. Closed to salmon and steelhead fishing as the result of ESA listings, unless opened by emergency rule. Sturgeon fishing in this area is catch-and-release only.
Teanaway River: The Teanaway is fair for rainbow trout from June through August. There are cutthroat in the upper reaches. Selective gear rules are in effect, including the North Fork. This stream and its tributaries are closed to fishing for bull trout, salmon and steelhead. June 1 through October 31 open season.
Cle Elum River: This is a very popular recreational area, with large campgrounds at Salmon-La-Sac. In the lower river (below Cle Elum Lake), expect poor fishing for small rainbow trout. Effective May 1, 2004, the lower river is open year-round, with selective gear rules and catch-and-release only for trout. The river above Cle Elum Lake offers small rainbows and an occasional eastern brook trout. It is also on selective gear rules between Cle Elum Lake and the outlet of Hyas Lake, and retains the June 1 through October 31 season. Whitefish angling should be good during the special December 1 to March 31 whitefish season between the dam and the mouth. Check the regulations pamphlet for whitefish gear rules. The entire river is closed to fishing for bull trout, salmon and steelhead.
Yakima River: The Yakima above Roza Dam is widely considered the best resident trout stream in Washington. Best catches are in March, September and October for wild rainbows averaging 11 inches; but larger rainbows in the 13- to 16-inch range are not uncommon. Fly fishing is especially good in September and October. Expect excellent fishing for eight- to 16- inch whitefish in January and February. The river is open year-round between Roza and Easton Dams, with catch-and-release, selective gear rules in effect for trout. During the winter whitefish season, bait with one single barbless hook size 14 or smaller may be used for whitefish only. These same rules apply between Easton Dam and Keechelus Dam, except that Eastern brook trout may be kept with no limit. Check the latest regulations pamphlet for details, and be sure you can distinguish brook trout from bull trout before keeping any. The entire river, including tributaries, is closed to fishing for bull trout and steelhead.
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.