Outing Hosts: Scott Keenholts and Peter Maunsell

Cost: $70.00 Total (2 nights camping, 2 deluxe breakfast meals)

Whispering Pines Campground is located right on the Yakima River in the middle of the city of Cle Elum.

Guests have access to over 1 mile of wadeable shoreline. Moving downstream from their property fisherman have public access to another 1 mile of shoreline that offers excellent wading. The river in this area is very diverse as it winds along, providing structure, seams, ripples, and even calm pools. Target fishery is Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat trout, Cut-bow trout, and Whitefish. Fishing opportunity for waders is excellent in this area.

Camping will be in our reserved “Group Site” right on the river edge. This is an enormous flat space with plenty of room for RV’s, tents, vehicles, etc. This is “dry camping” only. The site includes several nice picnic tables, private outhouse, and fire pit. You will be able to walk and wade right out of your campsite! No need for any driving to fish. Perfect for being able to take breaks or change gear.

Campground facilities offer a small mercantile store, bathrooms with showers, water, etc. We will have evening campfires after dark, so bring your chair, beverage, and campfire snacks. Meals for this trip will be breakfast rather than dinners. Reason being that the best fishing is between 2pm and sundown or dusk. This allows fishermen flexibility to stay out instead of having to break primetime hatch fishing to go back for dinner. The Yakima is NOT a morning river! Therefore, that is the time to relax, talk, drink your morning beverage and eat a provided deluxe breakfast. Most guides agree not starting before noon.

There is plenty of room for two-hand spey casting soft hackles or small streamers. This area is very open for backcasts. If you want to float, our campsite has a very nice boat ramp. Drifting would be to either the East Cle Elum boat ramp (nicknamed “States”) or on to Thorp boat ramp (nicknamed “Greenbridge”).

Getting There:

Drive east on I-90 to Exit 84, Cle Elum. Drive east down into town passing a Safeway store, dropping down onto First Street. Proceed in to town and turn right on S. Oakes Street. Follow this street as it winds around and over the overpass of I-90. The road ends at Whispering Pine CG. Take a very sharp left turn onto an improved dirt road (Whispering Pines Drive) that proceeds east 1 mile to our campsite. It is easy to see and very well marked.

What to Bring for Fishing:  

Gear you need is a 4, 5 or even 6 weight rod. Early fishing you may want a sink-tip leader with 4x tippet using nymphs like a Rubber Legs Pat’s Stone, Pink Sqiggly Worm, or any Tungsten Beadhead of your choice. Popular dry flies are BWO, March Brown, Elk Hair Caddis, Light Cahil or Adams, all #14 - #16, on a 5x tippet. Use floatant! Skwala are not as popular as the Lower Canyon, but are still worth trying.

And Don"t Forget:

• Washington state fishing license.
• Suitable floating devices including pontoon boat, raft, or drift boat if you want to float.
• PFD
• It is very likely to be quite cool during the day and significantly colder at night. Bring clothes that will keep you warm.  Although we are on the "dry" side of the Cascade, it rains here too.  Bring rain gear.
• Hat and sunglasses
• Net
• Waders, wading boots, and wading staff.

What to Bring for Camping:

• Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
• Change of clothes (You may get wet)
• Flashlight(s)
• Folding Chair

Food & Beverages:

• The outings fee covers the camp fee and Saturday and Sunday breakfasts.
• Bring your own wine, beer, or hard stuff.

Cancellation Deadline:  Cancellation deadline is 8:00 p.m. April 17th. If you need to cancel, contact the Outing Host(s).  No refunds will be issued after the cancellation deadline.