What You'll Find at Two Rivers Park

Two Rivers Park sits where the Yakima River meets the Columbia River near Richland, and it's one of the most accessible public fishing spots in the mid-Columbia. The park itself is a day-use area with paved parking, restrooms, and a boat launch—no overnight camping. The Columbia here holds smallmouth bass year-round, walleye in spring and fall, and sturgeon in summer and fall. The Yakima confluence creates current breaks and deeper pools that hold fish, especially where the two rivers mix.

The park is managed by the Port of Benton and sits on the Hanford Reach, a stretch of the Columbia that still has some of its original character. The water moves steadily but isn't whitewater; you can fish from shore or launch a boat. Most anglers fish the deeper channel near the confluence or work the slower water along the banks. The park fills up on weekends in summer and fall, particularly during walleye season.

Key Takeaways

  • Two Rivers Park has a paved boat launch, parking, and restrooms, making it one of the easiest access points to the mid-Columbia for both bank and boat fishing.
  • Smallmouth bass are present year-round; walleye peak in spring (April–May) and fall (September–October); sturgeon are catchable June through October.
  • You need a Washington fishing license and a Columbia River endorsement; sturgeon require a separate tag if you plan to keep one.
  • The park is day-use only with no overnight facilities; the nearest lodging is in Richland, about 10 minutes away.
  • Parking and the boat launch can reach capacity on summer weekends, so arrive early if you're planning a Saturday or Sunday trip.

Seasons and What Fish Are Biting

Smallmouth bass are the most reliable target. They're present from April through October, with the best action in May and June when they move shallow to spawn. Fish rocky banks and current breaks with crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures early in the morning. Fall (September–October) brings another active period as water cools.

Walleye fishing is strongest in spring (April–May) and again in fall (September–October). Spring walleye move into shallower water as they prepare to spawn; fish the slower edges near the Yakima confluence at dawn and dusk with live minnows, jigs, or crankbaits. Fall walleye are deeper but still catchable from the boat launch area. Summer walleye are present but deeper and less predictable.

Sturgeon season runs June through October. The Columbia here holds white sturgeon, and the park is a legal fishing area. You'll need a sturgeon tag (separate from your license) if you want to keep one. Most sturgeon fishing happens from boats; shore fishing is possible but less productive. Use sturgeon-specific tackle and live or fresh bait. Check current regulations before you go—sturgeon rules change year to year.

Winter (November–March) sees fewer anglers and slower fishing overall. Smallmouth are still present but less active. Some walleye fishing happens, but conditions are cold and water levels can be high.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

Two Rivers Park is located at 2716 Northshore Road, Richland, WA 99352. From Interstate 182, take the Northshore exit and follow signs to the park. The drive from downtown Richland is about 10 minutes. The park has a paved parking lot with roughly 40 spaces; it fills on summer weekends, especially Friday through Sunday. There is no reservation system—it's first-come, first-served.

The boat launch is a single-lane concrete ramp suitable for trailers up to about 24 feet. There's a courtesy dock for loading and unloading. The launch fee is currently $5 per vehicle per day, though this can change. Restrooms are available year-round. There is no fuel, food, or tackle shop at the park itself; the nearest supplies are in Richland.

Bank fishing is allowed along the shoreline. The park has a paved path that runs along the water, making it accessible for anglers of different mobility levels. The best bank fishing spots are near the confluence and along the slower water on the Yakima side.

Licensing and Regulations

You need a Washington State fishing license to fish here. Licenses are sold online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website, at sporting goods stores, and at some convenience stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you're only visiting once.

In addition to your base license, you must have a Columbia River endorsement. This is a separate add-on that covers fishing in the Columbia River system. It's inexpensive and required for all anglers, regardless of what species you're targeting.

If you plan to keep a sturgeon, you need a separate sturgeon tag. Tags are limited and allocated by drawing or first-come, first-served depending on the year. Check the WDFW website before your trip to see whether tags are available and what the current possession limit is. Sturgeon regulations are strict: there are size limits, daily catch limits, and specific seasons. Violating sturgeon rules carries significant fines.

Walleye and smallmouth bass have daily catch limits and size restrictions that vary by season. Check the current WDFW regulations pamphlet or website before you fish. Regulations change annually, and ignorance is not a defense.

What Gear to Bring

For smallmouth bass, bring a medium-power spinning or baitcasting rod with 6- to 8-pound line. Crankbaits, soft plastics (4- to 6-inch), and topwater lures all work. Early morning and late evening are best; midday fishing is slower.

For walleye, a 6- to 7-foot medium-light spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound line works well. Live minnows (shiners or shad) are the most reliable bait; jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics also catch fish. If you're fishing from a boat, a fish finder helps locate walleye in deeper water.

For sturgeon, you'll need heavier gear: a sturgeon-specific rod (7 to 8 feet) with 20- to 30-pound line and a sturgeon-rated reel. Use fresh or live bait—shad, herring, or lamprey are common choices. Sturgeon fishing requires patience; you'll be waiting for bites, so bring a rod holder and something to do while you wait.

Bring polarized sunglasses to see fish in shallow water, a net if you're boat fishing, and a cooler with ice if you plan to keep fish. The sun reflects hard off the water here, so sunscreen and a hat are essential. Water temperature varies widely by season; dress in layers in spring and fall.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (April–May) is the busiest and most productive season. Walleye and smallmouth are active, water is warming, and the park fills with anglers. Expect crowds on weekends. Early morning (before 8 a.m.) is your best window for both species.

Summer (June–August) sees the most visitors but slower fishing for walleye. Smallmouth remain active in early summer; by mid-summer they move deeper. Sturgeon fishing picks up. The park can be very crowded on weekends. Fishing is often better in early morning or late evening when water is cooler.

Fall (September–October) brings another strong season. Walleye return to shallower water as temperatures drop, smallmouth are active, and sturgeon are still catchable. The park is less crowded than summer but still busy on weekends. This is a good time to visit if you want decent fishing without the summer crowds.

Winter (November–March) is quiet. Fishing slows, the park is rarely crowded, and you'll have the water mostly to yourself. Conditions are cold and sometimes wet, but if you don't mind that, it's a peaceful time to fish.

Nearby Lodging and Services

Richland is the closest town, about 10 minutes away by car. It has hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores. The Tri-Cities area (Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco) has more options if you're staying overnight. There are no camping facilities at Two Rivers Park itself.

If you need tackle or bait, visit a sporting goods store in Richland before heading to the park. The park has no on-site shop. Gas stations and convenience stores are available in town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish at night?

The park is day-use only and closes at dusk. Night fishing is not permitted. Walleye fishing is best at dawn and dusk anyway, so plan your trip to arrive early and fish through the morning or late afternoon.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

No. Bank fishing is productive, especially for smallmouth and walleye near the confluence. You can reach good water from the paved path along the shore. A boat gives you access to deeper water and more area, but it's not required.

What's the parking situation on weekends?

The lot fills on summer Saturdays and Sundays, especially in May and September. Arrive by 7 a.m. if you want a may provide spot. If the lot is full, you'll need to find parking elsewhere or come back another day—there's no overflow lot.

Are there fish here in winter?

Yes, but fishing is slower. Smallmouth are still present but less active. Some walleye fishing happens. Winter is a quieter time to visit if you don't mind cold weather and lower catch rates.

What's the closest place to buy bait?

Sporting goods stores and bait shops in Richland carry live minnows and sturgeon bait. Stop there before heading to the park. The park itself has no bait sales.