How to use our fishing calendar
Planning your next fishing trip in Yakima, United States ? Today is a average day for fishing. Our comprehensive fishing almanac combines our popular solunar tables, moon times, sunrise and sunset times, and a 7-day fishing calendar so you always know the best fishing times in your area. We analyse major and minor solunar bite times, rate each day on a five-star scale, and pair it with localized weather forecasts so you can quickly tell whether today is a good day to fish without juggling multiple tabs. Be sure to bookmark this page so you never miss a bite. view bite times...
- Check our unique Solunar Clock for precise solunar tables and the best moon phases.
- Use the forecast calendar section to sync bite times with major weather changes.
- Analyze the forecasted weather conditions, such as wind, barometric pressure and rain to plan your fishing session.
- Jump to the 7-Day Fishing Calendar for an extended fishing forecast, then explore nearby fishing spots on the interactive map.
Yakima, Washington sits at the heart of central Washington’s high-desert trout country, with the famed Yakima River offering some of the best fly fishing in the state. From wild rainbow trout in the blue-ribbon Yakima River to warmwater action in nearby lakes and ponds, the Yakima area delivers diverse, year‑round fishing opportunities for anglers of every skill level. read more...
Sun and Moon Times
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Nautical Twilight begins:Sunrise:
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Sunset:Nautical Twilight ends:
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Moonrise:
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Moon under:
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Visibility:35%
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Third Quarter Moon
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Distance to earth:377,134 kmProximity:67.1 %
Moon Phases for Yakima
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average Day
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minor Time:12:40 am - 02:40 am
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major Time:07:07 am - 09:07 am
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minor Time:01:34 pm - 03:34 pm
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major Time:
07:16 pm -
09:16 pm
Current Fishing Weather
Wind Speed and Direction
Wind Direction:
Wind Speed:
Wind Direction and Speed are one of the most important aspects for choosing a fishing spot. An offshore wind can help land-based anglers with longer casting distances, while an onshore wind will make kayak fishing safer. Often fish will also move to certain feeding areas depending on the wind direction. Check out the long term wind forecast at the charts below.
Fishing Barometer
Atmospheric Pressure:
Change since midnight:
Trend for next 6 hours:
Atmospheric or Barometric Pressure affects fish activity. The best fishing can be had on a rising barometer and also the time just before it is falling. A steady barometer in the higher ranges can also mean good fishing. A falling or low barometer reading without much change is usually not a very good time for fishing.
UV Effect on Fishing
As a rule of thumb, the higher the UV index, the deeper fish will move. Shallow water fishing is best done at times with a low UV index. When the UV is high, stick to early mornings, late evenings and shaded areas. The effect is less noticable in deeper water, but often a higher UV index can produce good results in the deep.
7 Day Fishing Weather
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Waning Crescent |
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New Moon |
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Fishing Overview Yakima
The Yakima, Washington area is anchored by the storied Yakima River, a classic western freestone that flows through basalt canyons, orchards, and vineyards. This is Washington’s only designated blue‑ribbon trout stream, known primarily for strong wild rainbow trout, with the occasional cutthroat and whitefish mixed in. Within an hour of town you’ll also find productive reservoirs and small ponds that round out the local fishing options with bass, warmwater panfish, and kokanee.
Seasonal patterns on the Yakima River are the key to consistent success. Late winter into early spring brings classic nymphing conditions as water is low and clear; small mayfly and midge patterns fished deep under an indicator produce well. As water warms in March and April, stonefly and Skwala nymphs become important, with larger rubber‑legs and attractor nymphs pairing well with a small mayfly dropper. By May and June, higher flows and mixed hatches favor bigger, high‑visibility dry flies and dry‑dropper rigs worked tight to the bank.
Summer in the Yakima Canyon is prime time for floating and covering water. Early and late in the day, prospect with terrestrial patterns like hoppers, beetles, and ants tight to grassy banks and seams below riprap. Midday, when sun is high, switch to Euro‑style nymphing or deep indicator rigs in shaded slots and under faster riffles. As fall arrives, water cools and clarity improves, setting up some of the best dry‑fly fishing of the year with small blue‑winged olives and caddis. Streamers stripped along cutbanks and structure are especially productive for larger rainbows from September through early November.
Habitat and access around Yakima is varied. Upriver, the canyon section features long riffles, ledge rock, and defined seams that are ideal for wade anglers willing to walk between runs. Downriver, broader flats and islands fish well from a drift boat or raft, allowing you to hit mid‑river shelves and drop‑offs that bank anglers can’t reach. Focus on three primary lies: knee‑to‑waist‑deep riffle transitions, soft edges just off the main current, and any structure that breaks flow—boulders, cutbanks, and submerged ledges.
Techniques and tactical tips should match both flow level and clarity. In higher water, upsize tippet and flies; weighted stonefly nymphs, worm patterns, and bright attractors help stand out in the pushy current. As flows drop and clear, scale down to 4X–5X tippet and more natural mayfly or caddis imitations. When fishing streamers, vary retrieves—short, fast strips along the bank often trigger aggressive trout, while slower swings with occasional twitches work better in cooler conditions.
Beyond the river, nearby lakes and ponds around Yakima provide steady action. Smallmouth and largemouth bass relate to weedlines, rock piles, and points; soft‑plastic worms, jigs, and suspending jerkbaits are reliable producers, especially in low‑light periods. Panfish such as bluegill and crappie school around docks and submerged brush—target them with small jigs or micro plastics under a fixed float. Kokanee in area reservoirs hold over deeper basins; trolling small dodger‑spinner combinations or hoochies behind downriggers or lead‑core line is a proven approach.
For anglers planning a Yakima trip, matching your tactics to season, flows, and specific water type—fast canyon runs versus slower impoundments—will dramatically increase success. Focus on reading current seams, adjusting depth frequently, and covering water efficiently to tap into the full potential of the Yakima, Washington fishery.
Interactive Fishing Map for the greater Yakima area
We found a total of 40 potential fishing spots nearby Yakima. Below you can find them organized on a map. Points, Headlands, Reefs, Islands, Channels, etc can all be productive fishing spots. As these are user submitted spots, there might be some errors in the exact location. You also need to cross check local fishing regulations. Some of the spots might be in or around marine reserves or other locations that cannot be fished. If you click on a location marker it will bring up some details and a quick link to google search, satellite maps and fishing times. Tip: Click/Tap on a new area to load more fishing spots.
Cascade Mill Pond Dam - 1.93947740211km , Rotary Lake - 2.92936609126km , Naches River - 3.24804543212km , Lake Myron - 4.44267341323km , Cowiche Creek - 5.60098154932km , Buckskin Slough - 6.55077147754km , Ahtanum Creek - 8.29466047068km , Hatton Creek - 8.87714509819km , Wapato Dam - 8.95452201513km , Wenas Creek - 10.36846249151km , Selah Creek - 12.03358838187km , Sunnyside Dam - 12.50431646821km , South Fork Cowiche Creek - 14.37696219609km , North Fork Cowiche Creek - 14.37696219609km , Roza Diversion Dam - 16.34279931392km , Ross Dam - 16.59723264512km , Parker Reservoir Dam - 17.47175553136km , Burbank Creek - 18.988237944km , Stevenson Dam - 19.54857108332km , Roza Creek - 20.20171837959km , Red Willow Creek - 21.65343958534km , Tuyuck Creek - 21.66287050876km , Latum Creek - 23.70986002233km , Lmuma Creek - 23.87758816356km , North Medicine Creek - 24.30539174174km , North Fork Lmuma Creek - 24.6590053542km , Scorpion Coulee Creek - 25.28145440086km , Tim Ponds - 26.46596571376km , Simcoe Creek - 26.51144714145km , South Medicine Creek - 26.78580293183km , Tieton River - 26.80661525116km , Wenas Dam - 26.84429300191km , North Fork Ahtanum Creek - 28.11160397223km , Patemas Creek - 28.12176013767km , South Fork Ahtanum Creek - 28.13200217684km , Umtanum Creek - 28.26991296357km , Bunger Dam - 30.07935256993km , Wyna Dam - 30.54534288083km , White Swan Mill Ponds Dam - 31.73681190502km , Nasty Creek - 31.83506646183km
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