•We estimated regional wheat yields by assimilating satellite LAI datasets.•We generated a synthetic LAI time series using a Kalman filter (KF) algorithm.•We assimilated the synthetic LAI series into the WOFOST crop model.•Assimilating the synthetic KF LAI series reduced the estimation error.•Accurately assessing LAI is the key to successful data assimilation. The scale mismatch between remote sensing observations and state variables simulated by crop growth models decreases the reliability of crop yield estimates. To overcome this problem, we implemented a two-step data-assimilation approach: first, we generated a time series of 30-m-resolution leaf area index (LAI) by combining Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data and three Landsat TM images with a Kalman filter algorithm (the synthetic KF LAI series); second, the time series were assimilated into the WOFOST crop growth model to generate an ensemble Kalman filter LAI time series (the EnKF-assimilated LAI series). The synthetic EnKF LAI series then drove the WOFOST model to simulate winter wheat yields at 1-km resolution for pixels with wheat fractions of at least 50%. The county-level aggregated yield estimates were compared with official statistical yields. The synthetic KF LAI time series produced a more realistic characterization of LAI phenological dynamics. Assimilation of the synthetic KF LAI series produced more accurate estimates of regional winter wheat yield (R2=0.43; root-mean-square error (RMSE)=439kgha−1) than three other approaches: WOFOST without assimilation (determination coefficient R2=0.14; RMSE=647kgha−1), assimilation of Landsat TM LAI (R2=0.37; RMSE=472kgha−1), and assimilation of S-G filtered MODIS LAI (R2=0.49; RMSE=1355kgha−1). Thus, assimilating the synthetic KF LAI series into the WOFOST model with the EnKF strategy provides a reliable and promising method for improving regional estimates of winter wheat yield.