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.
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Fishing-Duo-6-2160-%C3%97-720px.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=834917cd7c6b7732c79e5f6a889abe6d 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Fishing-Duo-6-2160-%C3%97-720px.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=3be0eafed07102e4b4bccbed28dd6dea 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Fishing-Duo-6-2160-%C3%97-720px.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=a51d654adf3d53bef453a1cc34202e65 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Fishing-Duo-6-2160-%C3%97-720px.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=b19b5baad819eee212d2b9ba9eb370a7 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Fishing-Duo-6-2160-%C3%97-720px.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=9975d688e7ea268b45d37522bc863e88 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Fishing-Duo-6-2160-%C3%97-720px.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=89e2066db8dd32efa63e2c47bbfa416f 1440w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Fishing-Duo-6-2160-%C3%97-720px.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=7f5b9caa69553202943d614e9c0eb21a 1920w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Fishing-Duo-6-2160-%C3%97-720px.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=7578073c9409489932aa2b0a01c43f25 2160w)
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
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/EliseGiordano_GW_March_2_LORES-123-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=8da12b6e5af5504ebb74b26a42a610e0 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/EliseGiordano_GW_March_2_LORES-123-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=5b25ccaa628a39f28872b4183dac06c1 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/EliseGiordano_GW_March_2_LORES-123-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=2eaba588854c024fbdd15fefbc963e13 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/EliseGiordano_GW_March_2_LORES-123-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=9606ad32ff49304a5f48f8131cf70351 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/EliseGiordano_GW_March_2_LORES-123-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=467f9bb4ac69f2d039eece192c15b36b 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/EliseGiordano_GW_March_2_LORES-123-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1080&q=80&w=1440&s=6649c5066b7af14fce82e2bd9ca17b85 1440w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/EliseGiordano_GW_March_2_LORES-123-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1920&s=bba42f3bf6a3c0bbb9775021f28a521a 1707w)
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.
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Fishing-Duo-Mountains-and-Fly-2160-%C3%97-720px.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=250cb052053e7baa916e3ca9af7b76bb 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Fishing-Duo-Mountains-and-Fly-2160-%C3%97-720px.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=ac60676eed26b316f3770caed2e80c2b 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Fishing-Duo-Mountains-and-Fly-2160-%C3%97-720px.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=7c32fb2c09de4c25a8f7eb622ced9e03 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Fishing-Duo-Mountains-and-Fly-2160-%C3%97-720px.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=eb0a8f7c1fdadbc4d52a7d7a9d7adc12 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Fishing-Duo-Mountains-and-Fly-2160-%C3%97-720px.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=47a6ffa199e3b4131534f42b3c153532 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Fishing-Duo-Mountains-and-Fly-2160-%C3%97-720px.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=fce2236f209a57a47a31ea9ef095ea43 1440w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Fishing-Duo-Mountains-and-Fly-2160-%C3%97-720px.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=eacfbefe6f6072954bf76283623ea4f1 1920w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Fishing-Duo-Mountains-and-Fly-2160-%C3%97-720px.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=d61c51249b9c75f2d66db0c3b8980031 2160w)
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.
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/UB_MC_JC_101118_4860_outdoor-rec-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=ad7fbb6220f302c2c1757b1fa011beae 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/UB_MC_JC_101118_4860_outdoor-rec-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=0fe807155a45aa42b223009d0f7c007d 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/UB_MC_JC_101118_4860_outdoor-rec-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=0a71ee8d4c7c618a833e289c5d27acf0 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/UB_MC_JC_101118_4860_outdoor-rec-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=7b740375e96b53d947a8b5bb485c60f7 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/UB_MC_JC_101118_4860_outdoor-rec-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=99029f3d3dc17a3b9bd1099b63e73fc8 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/UB_MC_JC_101118_4860_outdoor-rec-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1080&q=80&w=1440&s=102c1360097afe6db6b226567cb482b3 1440w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/UB_MC_JC_101118_4860_outdoor-rec-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1920&s=4a8329b04ef482aa466adce35e03eef3 1707w)
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.
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.
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/blogs/portofeverett-Instagram-2685-ig-17958975833528425.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=e2539db8d354c3806f662c3f6e3954ec 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/blogs/portofeverett-Instagram-2685-ig-17958975833528425.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=10d82bd98562491af19c649da2f616f2 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/blogs/portofeverett-Instagram-2685-ig-17958975833528425.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=475c9cd6caf2d5526fd9b3b874186893 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/blogs/portofeverett-Instagram-2685-ig-17958975833528425.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=764f56fefa0f6244a937160cd2c098ed 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/blogs/portofeverett-Instagram-2685-ig-17958975833528425.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1200&q=80&w=1200&s=662bde89c57914be0276d0e452f78acd 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/blogs/portofeverett-Instagram-2685-ig-17958975833528425.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1440&s=774e5d077f90ce826945dafba3e8f85b 1440w)
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…
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Everett_2020_WinterSunrise-19-large-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=f5f73fc44c94a621b291a20157811ef1 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Everett_2020_WinterSunrise-19-large-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=a5be3ceca7dfee7797e2248f39df2bba 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Everett_2020_WinterSunrise-19-large-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=e4535cea21d9558be9644e4060c32a05 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Everett_2020_WinterSunrise-19-large-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=13feebfe7e03fa5c1c0f7121f42c17f9 975w)
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…
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Washington_credit-SeattleNorthCountry_Mountain-Loop_Big-Four-Mountain_Sauk-River_1920x1080.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=61fe1821e76d5b3225b3ec0e2aeb64cd 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Washington_credit-SeattleNorthCountry_Mountain-Loop_Big-Four-Mountain_Sauk-River_1920x1080.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=7c572e08e413c2b055a3546519213edf 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Washington_credit-SeattleNorthCountry_Mountain-Loop_Big-Four-Mountain_Sauk-River_1920x1080.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=96ff1873f85db2561c06973009bcb7da 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Washington_credit-SeattleNorthCountry_Mountain-Loop_Big-Four-Mountain_Sauk-River_1920x1080.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=d883471f1c1f858e081ea0936709222a 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Washington_credit-SeattleNorthCountry_Mountain-Loop_Big-Four-Mountain_Sauk-River_1920x1080.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1200&q=80&w=1200&s=8ba3d34f339793ac293e507646673f50 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Washington_credit-SeattleNorthCountry_Mountain-Loop_Big-Four-Mountain_Sauk-River_1920x1080.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1440&s=869a7cd1928213b396ebc5a0b9286d64 1230w)
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 indgenous 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!