This rearing habitat enhancement project will provide 3,220 feet of groundwater dominated off-channel habitat for juvenile salmon and steelhead in the Yakima River northwest of Thorp, WA, near River Mile 166. Natural and artificial constrictions limit off-channel habitat availability in this reach of the river, and regulated flows make off-channel habitat critically important for young fish. Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group monitored groundwater elevations in the project area for more than a year and worked with an engineer and the landowner to prioritize two relic side channels to deepen and connect with the river. We will enhance habitat in the side channels through wood additions and planting along the disturbed banks. The project will contribute to the recovery of Mid-Columbia steelhead by addressing limiting factors identified in the Yakima Steelhead Plan and implementing an action consistent with recommended action U13 in that plan: “restore floodplain, riparian, and in-channel habitats”. The project will also enhance essential fish habitat for Chinook and coho salmon. The project’s lasting benefits will help to buffer Yakima River salmonids from the effects of a changing climate.