What You'll Find at Two Rivers Park

Two Rivers Park sits where the Yakima River meets the Columbia River in Kennewick, and it's one of the most accessible spots on the Columbia for anglers of all skill levels. The park has a boat launch, a fishing pier, and bank access along both rivers, so you can fish from shore or water depending what you're after and what conditions look like that day.

The Columbia here holds walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish year-round. Spring and fall are strongest for walleye, especially around the current breaks where the Yakima flows in. Summer brings good smallmouth fishing along the rocky banks and near the pilings. Catfish bite heaviest at night from June through September.

The park itself is free to enter, with parking, restrooms, and picnic tables. It's a working boat launch, so expect traffic on weekends, but the pier and bank areas stay relatively quiet even when the ramp is busy.

Key Takeaways

  • Two Rivers Park offers a boat launch, fishing pier, and bank access where the Yakima and Columbia rivers meet, with free parking and restrooms.
  • Walleye bite best in spring and fall around current breaks; smallmouth bass are strongest in summer along rocky banks and pilings.
  • Night fishing for catfish produces from June through September, and you'll need a Washington fishing license for any species.
  • The boat launch gets crowded on weekends, but the pier and bank areas remain accessible even during peak traffic.

Seasons and What Bites When

Spring (March through May) is prime walleye season. The Yakima's current pushes cooler water into the Columbia, and walleye stack up in the transition zone. Fish jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics in 12 to 20 feet of water. Dawn and dusk are best, but overcast days produce all day. The pier works well for this if you don't have a boat.

Summer (June through August) shifts focus to smallmouth bass and catfish. Smallmouth move shallow along the rocky banks and around the old pilings—throw crankbaits and tubes in 4 to 10 feet. Catfish bite at night on chicken liver, cut shad, or stink baits. Fish the deeper holes and slack water behind the current. Walleye are still present but deeper and less aggressive in the heat.

Fall (September through November) brings walleye back to aggressive feeding as water cools. The same jig-and-minnow approach works, and you'll also find smallmouth staging for winter. October is often the strongest month overall. Winter fishing is possible but slow; most anglers focus on walleye in the deeper channels.

How to Fish from the Bank and Pier

The fishing pier extends into the Columbia and gives you access to deeper water without a boat. It's best for walleye in spring and fall—cast jigs or live minnow rigs out 30 to 50 feet and work them slowly along the bottom. The pier also holds crappie in spring, especially around the pilings. Bring a net if you plan to land anything larger than a pound or two.

Bank fishing works along both the Yakima and Columbia sides. The Yakima side has softer banks and easier access for beginners; the Columbia side is rockier but often holds more fish. Walk the banks and look for current breaks, deeper holes, and areas where trees or structure provide shade. Smallmouth and walleye both hold in these spots. Early morning and late evening are most productive from shore.

If you fish at night for catfish, bring a headlamp, a sturdy rod, and patience. Set your rod in a holder and wait for the bite. Catfish often run hard, so keep your drag set to slip line rather than break it. The slack water behind the boat launch area and along the Yakima confluence are reliable spots.

Boat Launch Details and Parking

The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp in good condition, maintained by the city. It's free to use. Parking is available in a gravel lot nearby—there's room for about 20 vehicles, plus additional overflow parking. On summer weekends and holidays, arrive early or expect to wait. The ramp can get congested between 8 a.m. and noon.

The launch is open year-round during daylight hours. There's no fuel dock or bait shop at the park, so bring what you need. The nearest tackle shop is in downtown Kennewick, about 10 minutes away. Restrooms are available near the parking area, and there's a picnic area if you want to eat before or after fishing.

What Gear and License You Need

You'll need a Washington fishing license to fish the Columbia River. You can buy a one-day, three-day, or annual license online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website, or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores in Kennewick. Licenses are required for anyone 16 and older.

For walleye and smallmouth, a 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 12-pound line works well. Jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce), soft plastics, crankbaits, and live minnows are your main lures. For catfish, a heavier rod (7 to 8 feet) with 15- to 20-pound line handles the runs better. Bring a headlamp if you plan to fish at night.

The Columbia here is a working river with barge traffic, so wear a life jacket if you're in a boat, and stay alert for wakes. The current is moderate but steady, especially near the Yakima confluence. If you're new to the river, fish the bank or pier first to get a feel for the water.

Regulations and Catch Limits

Washington's catch limits change by species and sometimes by season. Walleye typically have a daily limit of 5 fish with a 15-inch minimum. Smallmouth bass are usually 5 fish at 12 inches minimum. Catfish have no daily limit in most areas of the Columbia. Crappie limits vary—check the current regulations before you fish.

The Columbia River is subject to tribal harvest agreements and occasional closures for conservation. Before you go, check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website or call their Spokane office to confirm that the section near Two Rivers Park is open. Regulations can shift mid-season, especially for walleye.

Getting There and When to Go

Two Rivers Park is at the corner of Columbia Park Trail and Nez Perce Drive in Kennewick, right where the two rivers meet. From downtown Kennewick, head north on Columbia Park Trail for about 2 miles. The park is well-signed and easy to find. Parking is free.

Spring and fall are best for overall fishing quality and comfort. Summer is hot (often over 95°F), but catfish bite well at night. Winter is slow and cold. Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends. If you want to avoid the boat launch crowd, fish the pier or bank instead—both stay accessible even when the ramp is busy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Two Rivers Park?

No. The fishing pier and bank access let you fish without a boat. The pier reaches into deeper water and works well for walleye and crappie. Bank fishing is productive for smallmouth and catfish, especially along the rocky Columbia side.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Dawn and dusk are most productive for walleye and smallmouth. Catfish bite best at night, from sunset through midnight. Overcast days produce all day. Summer afternoons are slow and hot.

Can I keep what I catch?

Yes, within Washington's daily limits. Walleye, smallmouth, crappie, and catfish are all legal to keep. Check the current regulations on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website before you fish, as limits can change.

Is the park crowded on weekends?

The boat launch gets busy on weekend mornings, but the pier and bank areas stay relatively quiet. If you want to avoid crowds, fish on weekday mornings or use the pier instead of the launch.

What should I bring for a night catfish trip?

Bring a headlamp, a sturdy rod with 15- to 20-pound line, stink bait or cut shad, a rod holder, and a net. Wear a life jacket if you're in a boat. Bring water and snacks—catfish fishing involves a lot of waiting.