Tieton River

Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 3
Species: 5

The Tieton River is a significant tributary of the Naches River in Washington State's Yakima Basin. This picturesque mountain stream flows from Rimrock Reservoir (Tieton Dam) through a scenic canyon alongside Highway 12 before joining the Naches River near the town of Naches. Known for its cold, clear waters, the Tieton provides habitat for various trout species and offers anglers a refreshing alternative to the more heavily fished Yakima River. The river's character changes dramatically throughout the year due to dam releases, with typical flows from spring through summer creating excellent wade fishing conditions, while dramatically increased flows in September transform it into Washington's steepest whitewater rafting destination. At approximately 21 miles in length, the Tieton provides diverse fishing opportunities amidst beautiful mountain scenery.

Washington licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Tieton River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii

Bull Trout

Salvelinus confluentus

Mountain Whitefish

Prosopium williamsoni

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Tieton River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Tieton River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Washington licenses and regulations

Washington Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Washington Fishing License

Residents and non-residents alike must have a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters. Everyone age 15 and older needs a fishing license. You do not need a license if you are fishing for common carp, crawfish, bullfrogs, or collecting relic shells.

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Washington Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. This river is prone to emergency regulations. Stay up to date on specific river regulation changes. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Washington Stream Access Laws

In Washington, the public has a right to use streams that are capable of floating a “bolt of shingles” during high flows. While a bolt of shingles is not large, this test does eliminate some smaller streams capable of being floated in a kayak. Washington does not recognize a right to portage across private land.

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Take Tieton River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Tieton River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Tieton River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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