The 'Sister River' to the Yakima is the Naches. Over the years we have spent many a day on this partial freestone/partial tailwater. We were the first to offer float trips on this beautiful Washington river... for awhile we did not want to let that 'cat out of the bag' as it is a unique and fun fishery.
The Upper Naches river is formed by three rivers...The Bumping, American, and the Little Naches. Two of the rivers, the American and the Little Naches are freestones. Each of these rivers have merrit, but after the confluence of these we find the river to be a bit more consistent. The river is only to be navigated via boat by expert/advanced rowers as it has a high gradient, tight conditions, combined with a bit of white water! Aside from the fishing the actual boat ride and scenery is awesome. As the water subsides in late summer and fall, the wading opportnities are thumbs up.
The Lower Naches river is formed by the Naches and the Tieton. From this joining downstream the river is considered the Naches until it joins the Yakima at the Selah Gap! Hatches are definitely consistent throughout the watershed. Caddis, Yellow Mayflies and Stoneflies are the staple aquatic insects. Small fish and the biomass of the spawning Salmon are another main food source as well. There are some large predator Cutthroat in this system. We tend to not nymph the Naches river much as it seems that it is not needed. We like to dry fly, streamer on the move and swing the fly.
The #1 clue you know you are on the Naches River in the month of July is....You can't figure out if the trip is a fishing trip or a whitewater adventure!
Highlights
- Expert guide
- Riverside lunch with beverages
- Flies, tippet, and tackle
What is Included:
Lunch Drinks & Snacks Flies Tackle
| Boat | 1 - 2 anglers | Daily | 1 day | $ 450 |
This 75-mile river, the largest tributary of the Yakima, starts off in Naches Pass and is known as the Little Naches until its confluence with the Bumping River. At that point, it ... moreofficially becomes the Naches. Draining into the eastern Cascades, the upper river runs through rugged mountains and scenic wilderness, offering anglers an opportunity to enjoy pristine environs at less than an hour’s drive from Ellensburg.
Further down, the lower Naches and its main tributary, the Tieton River, run through open valleys filled with orchards, flowered meadows and fertile farmland before emptying into the Yakima. Best described as a wild, freestone tailwater, it is less frequented than neighboring rivers, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a quiet, outdoor adventure.
Summer season begins June 1st, just in advance of the winter runoff, and continues through late October. The runoff can cause a bit of stain to the water’s clarity, but that is typically short lived. During the summer months the Naches can be waded or floated, although the water current can be strong and its rapids can be challenging.
Known for its abundant trout, the river is home to wild rainbow, native cutthroat, hybrid cut-bows and bull trout species. Average size is approximately 10 inches although larger fish are not uncommon.
Before booking your trip ask about possible fall spawning closures and be prepared to catch and release.
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Centrally located just east of the Cascade Mountains, Ellensburg is surrounded by several great trout filled rivers, making it an ideal place to stay. Considered by many to be the ... morefinest fishery in the state, the 214-mile long Yakima, curves around the town’s southern border, adding to Ellensburg’s historic charm. Another top choice is the 80-mile Methow River, known both for its ample fish and exceptional beauty. Excellent fishing can be found on this river within a two-hour drive from town.
In close proximity to town, the 75-mile long Naches River is about a half-hour drive. Most of the Naches river basin is located in scenic national forest and wilderness areas, including the renowned Wenatchee National Forest. Often referred to as the “Miracle Mile” of small waters, The Rocky Ford Creek, about an hour from Ellensburg, is best known for its numerous and sizeable rainbow trout. Considered by anglers to be a challenging stream, it is also ranked as one of the best trout rivers in the entire Northwest.
While Ellensburg is not thought of as a town exclusively dedicated to anglers, it does have much to offer including 4 well stocked fly shops with knowledgeable owners. What it lacks in numbers (population 18,000) it makes up for with its historic buildings, a major University and a large choice of things to do.
If you are with family members or others that don’t care to fish, there are opportunities to go biking on and off road, white water rafting, horse back riding and hiking. Despite its small size, the town has an active arts community with galleries, museums and theaters. Finally, there are events like the Winterhop Brewfest, featuring local microbreweries, Buskers & Burg, a fall celebration with giant puppets, and a highly regarded, large-purse, Labor Day rodeo.
Summer is peak fishing time with a high concentration of anglers. The spring and fall seasons remain busy while only a few die-hard choose the winter months.
There are several options for traveling to Ellensburg.
Fly into Seattle (SeaTac Airport) and drive for approximately 1 ½ hours
Fly into Takima Air Terminal and drive for approximately 40 minutes
Fly into Spokane and drive for approximately 2 ½ hours
Fly into Bowers Field, a general aviation airport, minutes from Ellensburg
The Evening Hatch started by Jack Mitchell, began guiding on the Yakima in 1988. We are one of the remaining original outfitters on 'Our Home River.' Since then our services have expanded ... moresubstantially, including three post and beam lodges. For those who have fished with us, we appreciate your loyal support as this is our 27th year of operating and it continues to be a fun adventure. If you haven't fished with us, we invite you to join us waterside and experience a day, two, three or more on the water with The Evening Hatch.
Over the years The Evening Hatch has seasoned a good number of the guides that are on the Yakima and in Central/Eastern Washington today. Some are with us and some may be out there on their own or with other outfitters. One thing is for sure, The Evening Hatch set the standard of excellence and continues to do so.
..The reputation of The Evening Hatch is based directly on our developed and original programs, quality facilities and our staff that greets you at the Yakima river fly shop, at one of our lodges or the guide that shows you the best of the fishery. We are fortunate to have our crew. These dedicated professionals are hard working, fleece wearing, sunglass bearing, weather tattered, sun lined, oar pulling, fish netting, fly tying, genuine fly fishing guides, bums, chefs, hosts and more. At first glance they may appear to be aloof, out there, glaze eyed, robotic and/or just 'guide like.' A closer look reveals a group of people that will do whatever it takes to make your day the best it can be, period! Our programs have always been 'the first' on the east slope of the Cascades. We guarantee our service, and were the FIRST to do so! - See what our guests have to say.!
Most of our guide staff are full time for The Hatch and some are freelancers roaming the waters... Regardless of their origin, rest assured the experience will be an enjoyable adventure. We guarantee our service! Some of our guide staff have been on the water with us for over 26 years now.....No other Washington or Yakima guide service can quote that statistic... Link below to learn more about our guide staff...
A good guide is your link between the knowledge you already have and the knowledge you would like to gain when it pertains to fishing with the fly.
We are grass roots, from the get go... We won't presume to tell you how to fish; Whether it be dry flies, streamers, nymphing or swinging...We are well versed in all techniques with a fly rod, both single hand and double handers and can teach you the intricacies of the methods you are interested in. If there is something you would like or not like on your trip, let us know and we will make it happen!
Cancellation Policy
Standard
- Cancellations made 14 days before will be fully refunded.
- Cancellations made 7 days before will be refunded 50% of the amount paid.
- Cancellations made at a later date will not be refunded.
Payment directly with Guided Float Trip on the Naches River with the Evening Hatch.
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