YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. — With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, getting out on one of the rivers in the Yakima Valley is a fun way to spend the day. You can raft, paddle, float, or try your hand at the graceful sport of fly fishing.
"The Yakima River is Washington's only blue ribbon fly-fishing stream. That means wild trout and quality fly fishing. Much of what people think about when they think big Western style fishing can be defined in the Yakima River Canyon," said Joe Rotter a guide for Red’s Fly Shop.
Rotter said that fly fishing offers an experience not offered in more organized sports.
"It's unpredictable. It's wild. You're going to deal with weather. You're going to deal with wild creatures that might not have the same plan as you for what your day is supposed to look like," he said. "So, it's the unexpected."
Rotter said that with a little education, anyone can learn the basics of fly fishing and start casting a line. "Anybody can jump into this."
The Yakima River features all wild trout and is catch and release.
"Catch and release is a great management practice for people to be able to come just enjoy the act and are to fly fishing," said Rotter.
Even if you don't catch anything, the ride down the river will still be unforgettable.
"The float is one thing that's super-appealing to people because even if they're terrible fly fishing, you still get to go out and float down the Yakima River Canyon. It's beautiful. There are lots of laughs that are gonna be had."
Red's Fly Shop offers guided fly fishing trips on several different rivers in the Yakima Valley.
Sponsored by Yakima Valley Tourism.
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