Yakima River Fly Fishing Report - January 1/4/2026
YAKIMA RIVER FLY FISHING REPORT
Central Washington — Yakima River (Keechelus → Roza / Roza → downstream)
Report Date: January 4, 2026 | Next Update: January 11, 2026
Current River Conditions
Winter fishing is on — plan for cold water and slower fish. Nymphing and micro patterns will produce best results; streamers will work on sunny afternoons or during short warm-ups. Always check local gauges and WDFW regulations before you go.
Flows & Clarity
Typical winter flows: reduced from summer releases — expect low to moderate flows for the upper and middle reaches, with clearer water than runoff season. Visibility: generally good in low flows; watch for brief stain after rain or freeze-thaw cycles.
Tip: check USGS/IRR gauge near Ellensburg or Roza for real-time numbers.
Typical winter flows: reduced from summer releases — expect low to moderate flows for the upper and middle reaches, with clearer water than runoff season. Visibility: generally good in low flows; watch for brief stain after rain or freeze-thaw cycles.
Tip: check USGS/IRR gauge near Ellensburg or Roza for real-time numbers.
Water Temperature
Current: low — often mid-to-high 30s to low 40s °F in January.
Effect: cold water slows trout metabolism; targeting deeper seams and presenting smaller, natural-profile nymphs yields more consistent takes.
Current: low — often mid-to-high 30s to low 40s °F in January.
Effect: cold water slows trout metabolism; targeting deeper seams and presenting smaller, natural-profile nymphs yields more consistent takes.
Weather & What to Expect
Pattern: cold mornings with possibility of frost or light snow; afternoons can warm into the 30s–40s°F depending on sun. Bring layered, waterproof clothing and studded wading boots if banks are icy.
Pattern: cold mornings with possibility of frost or light snow; afternoons can warm into the 30s–40s°F depending on sun. Bring layered, waterproof clothing and studded wading boots if banks are icy.
Access & Road Notes
Main public access points near Ellensburg, Roza, and upriver boat ramps are generally open — check county road cams for any winter closures. Park respectfully and avoid soft or icy shoulders.
Main public access points near Ellensburg, Roza, and upriver boat ramps are generally open — check county road cams for any winter closures. Park respectfully and avoid soft or icy shoulders.
Hatch Chart & Insect Activity (early January)
| Insect / Food source | Profile | Activity | Best Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midges (midges/tribes) | Sizes #18–24 — primary winter food | High — subsurface feeding most common | All day; look for sipping during warm hours |
| Baetis / BWO | #18–22 — light emergers | Light to moderate (on warmer days) | Warm afternoons; low-profile emerger presentations |
| Caddis | #14–20 — pupae/emergers | Low — spotty in pockets and tailouts | Warmer afternoons/early evenings |
| Stoneflies / Salmonfly | Large (seasonal later) — mostly inactive in January | None to very rare | Late winter → spring as temps rise |
Recommended Flies — winter focus
Dry Flies & Emergers (small, realistic dries)
When you get a warm, sunny spell the trout will key on midges and small BWOs — keep profiles delicate and presentation subtle.
- Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) — Tan (great for subtle caddis activity and skittish winter rising fish)
- Parachute — Blue Wing Olive (a delicate parachute for small mayfly windows)
- Stealth Link Mercer — PMD (emergers and sparse hatch situations)
- Stealth Link Mercer — Green Drake (carry if you see larger drake activity later in season)
Nymphs & Jigged Nymphs (primary winter tactic)
In January the river rewards a tight, tactical nymph game — tungsten jigged flies, small beadheads and soft-hackle jigs produce when presented on the bottom or just off it.
- Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig — Olive (a go-to jig for soft-hackle action)
- Tungsten Dart — Red (compact, sandeel-like profile that triggers hesitant trout)
- Roza's World Spain — Perdigon (barbless) (slick, dense perdigon for tight currents)
- Pheasant Tail — Tungsten (classic, versatile nymph — fish it as anchor or trailer)
Midges & Micro Nymphs
When the river is quiet, the micro game wins. Drop these under an indicator or on a Euro rig — tiny profiles and precise depth are key.
Streamers & Larger Profiles (when fish are active)
Use these on the swing or with short strips along deeper runs, tailouts and structure. Best when a slight warming or stained water gets predators moving.
- Egan's Poacher — Olive (a top all-purpose streamer)
- Egan's Poacher — Black (darker baitfish/juvenile sculpin imitation)
- Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow — Sculpin (sculpin profile for big fish holding near rocks)
- Sculpzilla — Olive (articulated option to target heavy hitters)
Tactics & Quick Tips
Nymphing: your bread-and-butter in January. Use tungsten-weighted flies and get down quickly; aim for consistent contact with the bottom. Indicator rigs or Euro nymphing will both work — keep leaders short for direct feel.
Midge/Small-Nymph Tactics: long leaders, fine tippets (6–8X) and subtle strike detection. Fish just off likely troughs and the edges of deeper seams.
Streamer Game: short, deliberate strips in deep runs and near structure. When water clarity is reduced, up the profile/contrast (dark or flashy sculpin patterns).
Dry Fly Chances: limited but real on warm afternoons — watch shallow seams and foam lines. Use small emerger patterns and parachutes when you actually see rises.
Depth & Drift: focus on seams, tailouts, and the heads of runs. Winter fish often sit tight to current breaks; present nymphs across and slightly downstream of those lies.
Midge/Small-Nymph Tactics: long leaders, fine tippets (6–8X) and subtle strike detection. Fish just off likely troughs and the edges of deeper seams.
Streamer Game: short, deliberate strips in deep runs and near structure. When water clarity is reduced, up the profile/contrast (dark or flashy sculpin patterns).
Dry Fly Chances: limited but real on warm afternoons — watch shallow seams and foam lines. Use small emerger patterns and parachutes when you actually see rises.
Depth & Drift: focus on seams, tailouts, and the heads of runs. Winter fish often sit tight to current breaks; present nymphs across and slightly downstream of those lies.
Quick Gear Checklist
Rods & Lines
3–6 wt rods for dries/nymphs; 6–8 wt for streamers. Floating lines for most nymphing; sink tips for deep streamer work.
3–6 wt rods for dries/nymphs; 6–8 wt for streamers. Floating lines for most nymphing; sink tips for deep streamer work.
Tippet & Leaders
0X–3X for streamers, 3X–5X for anchored nymphs, 6X–8X for micro midges and delicate dries.
0X–3X for streamers, 3X–5X for anchored nymphs, 6X–8X for micro midges and delicate dries.
Footwear
Studded wading boots and neoprene layers — riverbanks and trailheads can be icy.
Studded wading boots and neoprene layers — riverbanks and trailheads can be icy.
Safety
Waders + PFD for boats; phone, hand warmers, and always tell someone your put-in/take-out plan.
Waders + PFD for boats; phone, hand warmers, and always tell someone your put-in/take-out plan.
Regulations & Local Notes
Regulations change by reach and species. Before fishing the Yakima River check Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife rules for: restricted gear sections, steelhead/steelhead retention windows (if applicable), and any seasonal closures. If you boat, confirm ramp availability and any advisory notices from local agencies.
Where to Fish (winter pointers)
- Upper & Middle Yakima — focus on deeper seams, cut banks and behind boulders where trout hold in cold months.
- Near Roza & Wapato areas — when water is clear these tailouts and runs can concentrate fish.
- Lower reaches — winter steelhead anglers may be active; respect anglers targeting different species and watch for special regulations.
