Guide to Fishing in Kittitas County

FISHING 101:

A GUIDE TO FISHINGINKITTITAS COUNTY

Story by Jayce Kadoun | Photos by Josh Julagay | Design by Anthony Cole

Fishing Tips For Beginners

The weekend has finally arrived. You’ve grinded out this week like a champ, and now you have some spare time on your hands. The next two days are wide open and there is no better way to soak up this sunny spring weather than by living it up on the water with some friends, fishing rod in hand. The best part: all the essentials for your next fishing adventure can be found right here in Ellensburg.

PULSE gathered local insights into fishing in Ellensburg to provide you with all the essentials you need to start catching as soon as possible.

Best Places To Start

Kittitas county is home to countless lakes, ponds and streams that are teeming with hungry fish. Though access to some of these bodies of water can be tricky, a large majority of them are open for the public to enjoy.

If you’re looking to find a new hobby, something fun to do with friends or just an excuse to get outdoors, learning to fish may just be what you need.

“[This is] probably the best time of year for a beginner angler to target bass,” says Austin Redding, a sophomore business and marketing major. “They are coming out of the winter mood and they are ready to eat.”

Redding, an experienced bass angler, recommends that local beginner anglers try fishing the ponds off of Tjossem Road. You can gain access to a series of mini lakes with shore fishing opportunities, and if you happen to have a boat, you can reach a variety of untapped portions of the ponds that others can’t.

Some other local waters that are open to the public and often yield success include the Woodhouse Ponds, McCabe Pond, Fiorito Ponds, People’s Pond, Mattoon Lake, Wilson Creek and the Yakima River. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website provides good information on these spots as well, including what’s required to access them and what regulations to follow while you fish.

Tracking Down Essentials

Though Ellensburg has many options when it comes to regular tackle shops, Redding recommends going to either Fred Meyer or Bi-Mart for the beginner essentials.

Ron Brumfield, a Bi-Mart employee with expertise in the fishing department, recommends an array of gear for new anglers.

He suggests a spinning combo, specifically the Ugly Stik line of rods and reels, because of their

popularity with the locals. They come preloaded with heavier eight-pound line which is beneficial for targeting multiple species. Rod length depends on the user; adults will find that they can achieve longer casts with a taller pole.

As far as baits are concerned, Redding claims to have the best luck with any Texas rigged soft plastics. “I’ll cast next to some cover and work the bait by lifting and dropping it really slowly,” he explains. “Usually they will hit it on the pause so make sure to let it sit.”

In terms of tackle, Brumfield swears by any Panther Martin-brand lure, Rooster Tails and Wedding Ring spinners, which are great for any level of angler looking to catch multiple species.

Though Bi-Mart has a great selection for beginners, there are a few other tackle shops nearby. These stores do cater more to the needs of fly anglers, but if you’re looking for more advanced equipment or are interested in seeing other products, they are

worth checking out. Red’s Fly Shop, Worley-Bugger Fly Company and The Evening Hatch are some of the most notable.

Pursuing Your First Fish

Cole Barnes, a junior aviation major and avid fisherman, has been actively targeting fish around the county for the last few months. Over the course of his 15-year fishing career in Washington, he has identified some of the best species to target and what baits to use.

Barnes recommends “trout fishing for beginners this time of year, since the local lakes have just been stocked with rainbow trout and are easily fished from the shore with minimal effort and gear.” When seeking trout, Barnes typically leans toward casting and reeling back a spinner-style lure such as a Rooster Tail or a Blue Fox.

“I absolutely believe that people should learn to fish,” says Barnes. “Not only is it a relaxing and peaceful way to spend your time outdoors, it can help you obtain healthy food while giving you an eye-opening experience in why respecting the outdoors is especially important.”

Redding also provides some advice for those looking to start fishing. “They need to be patient and don’t get discouraged. Getting into fishing isn’t the easiest thing,” he says. “Sometimes it takes a lot of going out and failing to get the hang of it. Try to meet people and experiment with new things.”

Fishing is one of America’s oldest and most popular pastimes—perhaps today is the day to get started and catch your next meal.