Rivers in Kittitas County
Cle Elum River
Cle Elum River: This is a very popular recreational area, with large campgrounds at Salmon-La-Sac. In the lower river, expect poor fishing for small rainbow trout. Whitefish angling should be good below Cle Elum Dam during the special winter whitefish-only season. The upper river offers angling for small rainbows and occasional eastern brook trout. Selective gear rules are in effect for the river below Cle Elum Lake. The entire river is closed to fishing for bull trout.
Columbia River
Columbia River: Although lightly fished, a few walleye and smallmouth bass are available in the Wanapum Lake area and upstream. Check the fishing regulations for catch limits and special rules for salmon and steelhead. All wild steelhead must be released. Sturgeon fishing in this area is catch-and-release only.
Kachess River
Mercer Creek
Mercer Creek: This stream is stocked with rainbow trout within Ellensburg, and is open to juveniles-only within the Ellensburg city limits. This is a cooperative venture between the WDFW and Kiwanis Club. Open season runs from June 1 through October 31.
Taneum Creek
Taneum Creek: This area offers fair fishing from June through August for rainbow and cutthroat. Selective gear rules are in effect. June 1 through October 31 open season.
Teanaway River
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. June 1 through October 31 open season.
Waptus River
Wilson Creek
Wilson Creek: This year-round stream is stocked with rainbow trout. The two branches within the city limits of Ellensburg are juveniles-only fishing waters. This is a cooperative venture between the WDFW and Kiwanis Club.
Yakima River
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 8- to 16- inch whitefish from January to March. The river is open year-round between Roza and Easton Dams, with special catch-and-release, selective gear rules for trout; check your pamphlet for details. The entire river is closed to steelhead and salmon angling.
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