Washington Guides

Top Fishing Guides & Fly Shops in Washington

Washington's fly fishing scene centers on the Yakima River corridor near Ellensburg, where Red's Fly Shop, Ellensburg Angler, and other top outfitters operate on the state's premier wild trout river. These shops also guide the Klickitat, Methow, and Rocky Ford Creek for diverse fishing across the state.

Last updated: February 2025

Washington may fly under the radar compared to Montana and Colorado, but the Yakima River is one of the best wild trout fisheries in the West, and the state offers everything from desert spring creeks to mountain steelhead rivers. Ellensburg is the hub of Washington fly fishing.

Washington Fly Fishing Outfitters
#OutfitterTypeLocationRivers Covered
#1Brazda's Fly FishingGuide ServiceEllensburg, WAYakima River, Methow River, Skagit River, Rocky Ford Creek
#2Red's Fly ShopFly ShopEllensburg, WAYakima River, Methow River, Skagit River
#3The Evening HatchFly ShopEllensburg, WAYakima River, Methow River
#4Worley Bugger Fly Co.Fly ShopEllensburg, WAYakima River, Klickitat River
#5Ellensburg AnglerOutfitterEllensburg, WAYakima River, Klickitat River

5 Washington Outfitters, Ranked

1

Brazda's Fly Fishing

Guide ServiceEllensburg, WA

Brazda's Fly Fishing is a professional guide service based in Ellensburg, Washington, offering fly fishing trips across a remarkable range of Washington state waters. What sets Brazda's apart is their versatility — while many guides specialize in a s...

2

Red's Fly Shop

Fly ShopEllensburg, WA

Red's Fly Shop is the Pacific Northwest's premier fly fishing outfitter, located on South Main Street in Ellensburg, Washington. The shop has built an enormous reputation for its comprehensive guide roster, detailed fishing reports, and expertise acr...

3

The Evening Hatch

Fly ShopEllensburg, WA

The Evening Hatch is a beloved Ellensburg fly shop institution, located on East 4th Avenue in downtown Ellensburg, Washington, since 1988. For nearly four decades, the shop has served the Yakima Valley fly fishing community with honest advice, qualit...

(509) 962-5959WebsiteRivers: Yakima River, Methow River
4

Worley Bugger Fly Co.

Fly ShopEllensburg, WA

Worley Bugger Fly Co. is a full-service fly shop and guide service located on South Main Street in Ellensburg, Washington, serving the Yakima Valley fly fishing community since 1995. The shop has grown into one of the most recognized fly fishing reta...

(888) 950-3474WebsiteRivers: Yakima River, Klickitat River
5

Ellensburg Angler

OutfitterEllensburg, WA

Ellensburg Angler is an Orvis-endorsed fly fishing outfitter located on North Main Street in Ellensburg, Washington, recognized as Orvis's 2016 Outfitter of the Year. The shop and guide service have been cornerstones of the Yakima Valley fly fishing ...

(509) 925-3886WebsiteRivers: Yakima River, Klickitat River

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best fly fishing in Washington state?
The Yakima River near Ellensburg is Washington's premier wild trout stream, with catch-and-release regulations protecting excellent populations of rainbow trout. Rocky Ford Creek is a legendary spring creek with huge rainbows. The Methow and Klickitat offer wild trout and steelhead.
When is the best time to fish the Yakima River?
The Yakima fishes well from March through November. The March Brown hatch kicks off the season in April, followed by caddis in May-June and the PMD and yellow sally hatches in June-July. Fall (September-October) brings excellent blue-winged olive fishing with fewer crowds.
How much does a Washington fishing license cost?
Non-resident annual fishing licenses are approximately $84.50, with short-term options available. A separate steelhead tag is needed for steelhead fishing. Purchase online at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov or at any fly shop.