Northwest Fishing Reports

Wow, great forum!
I have fly fished in several western states in including O.R. and in B.C. but never in Washington. It has been on my bucket list and I will be in the Seattle area in late July. I have been researching the different river systems and am looking for some help. I would appreciate any tips on which rivers are good in late July and guide recommendations.

Deppends on how far you want to drive, and which species you want to target. Skykomish river isnt too far from seattle and will have summer run steelhead in it. For trout, alpine lakes, and small streams will be fun with the 0wt-3wt for little cutthroat, rainbows and bull trout. The yakima river is the only blue ribbon trout river in the state. Pass lake is the local fly fishing only "quality" trout lake. Lone lake on whidby Island is a good bet too. read the regs thoroughly before you fish, washington state has lots of rules. Good luck.

Thanks jonb. I like the idea of steelhead in the Skykomish. I just need to find an area that I can stay a couple of days and has something for my wife and daughter to do while I fish.

Tulalip casino? Hiking, camping, thats all the ideas I have as far as what the family could do other than fishing.

You may need to revise your plans. All Puget Sound rivers (including the Skykomish) are currently closed due to a dispute between WDFW and the native tribes. A few lakes have been closed as well. There are portions of a few rivers that are still open to fish (above falls where salmon/steelhead do not occur), but you will be limited to small trout there. We are all hoping and praying that this dispute will be resolved (or NOAA will issue permits) so we can get back to our favorite salmon/steelhead fisheries, but right now it just isn't happening.