Hello from Yakima

Hi All, my name is Raul and I’m new to the PNW. Moved my family from Northern Florida here a few months ago. Kayak fishing is a passion! In Florida I was pretty avid fishing inshore saltwater creeks for flounder, trout and Redfish. I know I’m not in Kansas anymore and look forward to learning new fish and techniques. I have a hobie sport pedal drive rigged for fishing and prefer good eating fish (salt vs fresh water) but only take home what my family and I can typically eat for supper that night. I’d love to learn if people Yak in the Columbia for salmon? Or where one can can get into sole trouble near Yakima on his kayak within an hour or so? The rivers here seem a bit too swift for a kayak? Everything here is so different and I’m not looking for handouts, I’m a patient man who will appreciate learning slowly new techniques. Anyway, hope to meet a few fellow plastic navy folks around sometime. Tight Lines, gentlemen!

Raul

Welcome.  How about 1.5 hour drives or less. 

If you want some hot Smallmouth action the confluence of the Yak and Columbia will be good for big prespawn fish soon.

If you drive South through Goldendale you will hit the Columbia at a good spot for Walleye, Smallmouth, Sturgeon, Salmon and Steelhead.  Season dependent.

Head SE to the Columbia at Umatilla for the same.
Right now would be time for your PB walleye . 

If you don't want to eat your catch the lakes of Central WA have great trout and largemouth.

You're going to find tons of good fishing around.  Expanding your drive time for weekend trips opens up some great saltwater fishing.

Rimrock Lake (reservoir on Tieton river) is not too far away for you to fish for a variety of freshwater fish, including kokanee.

Welcome to the NWKA.  Check out the search feature to jumpstart your learning.

Welcome!  Yakima is far cry from Florida in terms of fishing, but there can still be some fun to be had.  In addition to this wonderful site, you might check out a FaceBook group called TriCity Kayak Anglers (TCKA).  That's based around Richland/Pasco/Kennewick. 

Yes, you can absolutely fish the Columbia and you've got some other options around you as well between smaller ponds, Bumping Lake, Potholes, and Moses Lake, to name a few, pending how far you want to drive. 

thank you for your replies. I really am interested in hitting the columbia and getting into some PNW slime...