Skykomish & Snohomish River Valleys
Fishing in Seattle NorthCountry
In addition to a seemingly endless variety of freshwater and saltwater species, including the sought after Pacific Northwest delicacies of sockeye salmon and Dungeness crab, more than 6.8 million migrating salmon navigate these waters each year. From trout fishing in alpine lakes and streams, to swinging flies for salmon and steelhead in some of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic fisheries, to trolling, bottom fishing, crabbing, or fly fishing for saltwater species, the opportunities to wet a line in Seattle NorthCountry are as varied as the region’s landscape.
Many anglers would travel to great lengths to access a fishery as varied and prolific as that which awaits in Snohomish County’s Seattle NorthCountry. But in this case, it’s all within easy reach in a region that begins just 15 miles north of Seattle, and stretches from the peaks of the Cascade Range to the shores of the Salish Sea.
Keep scrolling to learn more about the angling adventures that await in the #TruePNW.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Of course, with so much to see and do in Seattle NorthCountry it would be excusable if the rod and reel don’t make it into the luggage or car. But, there are plenty of guides and outfitters available and willing to rent everything from fishing gear to boats, or to escort you on a half- or full-day guided trip.
As a rule of thumb, always check local water conditions, seasonal restrictions, and regulations, check to see if you need a Discover Pass for parking, and carry a valid Washington State fishing license available from local outfitters or from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.
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Recreating Responsibly is more than a reminder to stay on designated trails, to pack out what we pack in, or to minimize human impact on our natural resources and surroundings. To us, it’s a commitment to keeping Snohomish County and the region sustainable as both a destination and a home. As such, it’s our obligation to preserve and protect, repair and restore, and to leave Mother Nature in a better state than we found it. It’s a way of life for those of us who call this area home, and we ask and expect the same from those who visit. Please enjoy responsibly! -Thank You
ALPINE TIGHT LINES
With a total of 44 lakes and 19 rivers and streams, there’s no shortage of river miles or bodies of water to make a getaway to the higher elevations of Seattle NorthCountry both rewarding and productive. While you might not land any trophy fish in these hardscrabble waters, you’ll definitely get your fill of pocket water, boulder-strewn streams, and pressure-free lakes.
Armed with little more than some lightweight spinning gear or a 3-4 wt. fly rod, a good pair of hiking or wading boots, and an adventurous spirit, anglers can find solitude among the higher elevations and alpine waters of Seattle NorthCountry’s eastern reaches.
Whether fishing for resident trout off the scenic Mountain Loop Highway along the upper stretches of the South Fork of the Stillaguamish River, or venturing further into the backcountry in search of stocked alpine lakes, some of the most prized catches that await anglers aren’t measured in inches or pounds. Rather, they’re measured in peaceful, rhythmic casts, coaxing a trout to the surface in the gin-clear waters of a skinny alpine stream, and the sense that time has almost stood still - even if only for a few hours.
FLY FISHING 'THE BIG FOUR'
Mention the Stillaguamish, Sauk, Skykomish, or Snohomish rivers to any salmon or steelhead angler, and you’re likely to be met with a wide grin and a glazed-over stare. That’s because these rivers, the Stillaguamish River in particular, are home to some of the most storied runs of anadromous fish in the Northwest. Among them, ‘The Stilly,’ as it is known locally, is renown for its summer and winter steelhead runs, five types of spawning salmon, solid populations of sea-run cutthroat trout, and resident native trout.
Often considered a proving ground for new fishing techniques and gear - including the popular Skagit fly fishing line and the two-handed spey fishing method - many of the things that have made their way into mainstream fly fishing were tested, honed, perfected, or otherwise inspired by the waters of Seattle NorthCountry.
This is classic coastal river salmon and steelhead water, with fish to be found almost any month of the year. The main stems of these ‘Big Four’ rivers are characterized by wide, slow moving drifts as they approach their mouths, and textbook steelhead riffles and bends in the middle, before giving way to typical trout water even farther upstream.
SALTWATER SUCCESS
Saltwater anglers will find variety and productivity in and around the protected coastal waters of Puget Sound. From trolling and jigging for salmon, bottom fishing for lingcod, rockfish, flounder, and sole, fly fishing for salmon from the beach, or crabbing in a secluded bay, there are opportunities to be had for any style of saltwater fishing.
It’s not uncommon to fish within sight of one of the region’s resident Orca pods, too. Their presence may even serve as an indication of a nearby food source - in this case schools of salmon - so the attentive angler should take note and position themselves accordingly.
Many people even choose to combine fishing and crabbing into one trip by dropping a crab pot or two in the water, trying their luck for lingcod or rockfish, then returning to haul their pots and see what their patience yields in the form of Dungeness crab.
FISHING IN THE TRUE PNW WITH PACIFIC FLY FISHERS
The ocean’s bounty is here for your sporting pleasure—and protection.
If you’re a novice, consider chartering a guided tour through local company Pacific Fly Fishers, based in Mill Creek, Washington. Your fishing guides are well-experienced in “swinging for the bruisers” in the cool water seas and rivers of Western Washington.
The Pacific Fly Fishers retail store—a short drive north of Seattle—sells literally everything you could imagine for fishing. Their inventory of 7,000 products fits neatly in their store: organized bins filled with 1,500 colorful varieties of ornate fishing flies, stacks of inflatable frameless boats with pontoons, and racks of waterproof and insulated hip waders.
If you’re looking to get deep into fly fishing, this is the place where you can invest in jars of fly head cement, faux bucktail lures, and fly tying vises. Fisknat rubber nets, made locally in Tacoma, have durable lacquered wooden handles and will hold up for years to come.
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EXPLORE SEATTLE NORTHCOUNTRY
There's a little bit of everything within the four visitor regions of Snohomish County, WA. Seattle NorthCountry is uniquely situated between the water and the mountains in the heart of aviation country. As such, you can easily access the many cultures — the nautical, artistic, outdoors, and farming communities — that make up the essence of Pacific Northwest. Use the clickable interactive map below to find more information and content about each of our regions.
Salish Sea Coastal Communities
The inland sea is most of who we are. It’s the source of food and weather, transportation and inspiration. The saltwater offers a sparkling view, a respite, and a place to play…
Urban Basecamp
Urban Basecamp is the diverse, metropolitan heart of Seattle NorthCountry. Artists can afford to live in these old brick and timber mill cities; makers are tucked away in urban spaces, painting, jamming…
Stillaguamish & Sauk River Valleys
Rooted in folkways - where older traditions meet modern iterations of Pacific Northwest culture - the small working towns of this valley still resonate with stories of indigenous peoples, lumberjack and mining…
THERE'S NO WRONG WAY TO PNW
What to do in a place that has it all? We get that a lot. Seattle NorthCountry is packed with experiences stretching from the Cascade Mountains to the Salish Sea. Choose your own adventure!
