The great thing about fly fishing in Washington is the sheer number of amazing locations to choose from. There are freshwater and saltwater options, including lakes, over 70,439 miles of rivers, springs, creeks, and the ocean – so there's something for everyone.
Some of the best places to fly fish in Washington State include:
- Bogachiel River
- Calawah River
- Cowlitz River
- Grande Ronde River
- Hoh River
- Kalama River
- Klickitat River
- Lewis River
- Methow River
- Rocky Ford Creek
- Sauk River and more
Because Washington State regularly stocks rivers and streams while offering an abundance of wild trout, it's a great place to fish, no matter your experience. You're sure to find success – and some of the most beautiful scenery in the country – while fly fishing in Washington State.
Best Freshwater Fly Fishing locations in Washington
Freshwater options abound for fly fishing in Washington, with some of the best river choices, including the Methow, Grande Ronde, and the Sauk. Washington's fresh waters are a great place to catch rainbow, steelhead, chinook salmon, brown trout, and more. Here are some of the best spots for freshwater fly fishing in the Evergreen State.
1. Bogachiel River
The Bogachiel River is a river in Washington state's Olympic Peninsula. It begins near Bogachiel Peak and meanders west through Olympic National Park's mountain ranges.
The Bogachiel River, as well as the Quillayute's other tributaries, are wildly popular locations for fishing. The rivers have a healthy population of wild winter steelhead (the anadromous form of coastal rainbow trout), with up to 19,000 fish returning in some years and up to 50,000 hatchery-reared steelhead.
Unlike most of the Olympic Peninsula's big rivers, the Bogachiel is not glacier-fed, meaning it does not experience a spring and summer flood pulse with high sediment levels. This extends the fishing season on the Bogachiel River.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Bogachiel River, Washington:
- Glo Bug Red Dot - Size 10
- Muddy buddy Black - Size 6
- Zonker Grizzly - Size 6
2. Calawah River
The Calawah River is a 31-mile (50 km) tributary of the Bogachiel River in southwestern Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula. The North and South Forks Calawah River are its two main tributaries. The river flows through largely unoccupied low mountain slopes of the Olympic Mountains, and its entire catchment is untouched forest.
The Calawah River is a perfect place to go fly fishing if you're looking for a good chance to catch a trophy steelhead. The water moves swiftly and has lots of pockets, making it ideal for nymphing and many areas where swinging a fly would be successful.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Calawah River, Washington:
- Double Bunny Olive & White - Size 6
- Zoo Cougar Black - Size 6
- Kaufman Stone Black - Size 8
3. Cowlitz River
The Cowlitz River is located in Washington and tributary to the Columbia River. Formed by multiple large mountains, including Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount St. This river measures 105 miles long with 2,586 square miles of drainage basin area.
Two of the Cowlitz River's main tributaries are the Toutle and Cispus Rivers. This river is a top spot for fishing enthusiasts from Washington and Oregon due to its impressive steelhead salmon yields - it often ranks among the state's top 10 producers!
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Cowlitz River, Washington:
- Zonker Grizzly - Size 6
- Muddy buddy Black - Size 6
- Zoo Cougar Olive - Size 6
4. Grande Ronde River
The Grande Ronde River is a tributary of the Snake River, stretching over 182 miles long through northeast Oregon and southeast Washington. Its central course flows through the Grande Ronde Valley before entering several scenic canyons.
The Grande Ronde River hosts spring chinook salmon, summer steelhead, bull trout, mountain whitefish, and other species. In addition to a sport steelhead fishery, the river also has a tribal fishing industry for spring chinook.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Grande Ronde River, Washington:
- Muddy buddy Black - Size 6
- Autumn Splender - Size 2
- Formally known as Prince - Size 14
5. Hoh River
The Hoh River is a river located in the Pacific Northwest on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state. It is about 56 miles long and starts at the Hoh Glacier on Mount Olympus. The river flows west through forests and parks, finally ending at the Hoh Indian Reservation, where it meets the Pacific Ocean.
The Hoh River originates from the Hoh Glacier on the northeast side of Mount Olympus. The glacier's meltwater flows north, then curves west around the mountain's north side. The Hoh River is home to various salmonid fish, including spring and fall chinook, winter and summer steelhead, coho salmon, and coastal cutthroat trout.
There are also smaller numbers of chum and sockeye salmon. The Hoh River fishery is managed jointly by the Hoh tribe and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Hoh River, Washington:
- Zonker Grizzly - Size 6
- Glo Bug Red Dot - Size 10
- Slump Buster with Cone Black - Size 6
6. Kalama River
The Kalama River is a 45-mile (72 km) tributary of the Columbia River in the U.S. state of Washington.[3] It flows entirely within Cowlitz County, Washington, and is a tributary of the Columbia River.
The Kalama River is home to large salmon and steelhead runs, with nearly year-round fishing. The swift, cold, green-tinted waters of the Kalama River tumble down from its headwaters on Mount St. Helens's shoulder through the Cascade Range before emptying into lowlands, where it becomes calmer as it eventually reaches the Columbia.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Kalama River, Washington:
- Muddy buddy Black - Size 6
- Slump Buster with Cone Black - Size 6
- Trophy Dungeon Black - Size 8
7. Klickitat River
The Klickitat River is a little over 96 miles long in south-central Washington and drains a plateau area on the eastern side of the Cascade Range near Portland. The river was designated Wild and Scenic for 10 miles from the confluence with Wheeler Creek near Pitt to the confluence with the Columbia River in 1986.
The Klickitat River is a great summer steelhead river in the Columbia River Gorge. Summer steelhead start arriving at the mouth of the river in the spring, and catches are usually best from July to September. The lower Klickitat is also a good spot for fall salmon fishing, with Chinook present in good numbers in September and October, and coho catches generally best in October and November.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Klickitat River, Washington:
- Copper John Beadhead Copper - Size 12
- Kaufman Stone Black - Size 8
- Twenty Incher - Size 10
8. Lewis River
The Lewis River is a tributary of the Columbia River in southwestern Washington, United States, and it has a length of about 95 miles, draining part of the Cascade Range north of the Columbia River. The Lewis River's drainage basin covers roughly 1,046 square miles (2,709 km2).
The Lewis is home to two runs of steelhead and four runs of salmon, providing year-round opportunities and nearly six months of ideal fishing conditions. All fishing is catch-and-release for all wild rainbows and cutthroat, but there is a brief section of river immediately above Swift and below the junction of Muddy River where hatchery rainbows may be kept.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Lewis River, Washington:
- Flashback Pheasant Tail Beadhead Gold - Size 18
- Nuke Egg Alaskan Rose - Size 10
- Prince Nymph Beadhead - Size 12
9. Methow River
The Methow River is a tributary of the Columbia River in northern Washington. The watershed of the 1,890-square-mile (4,900 km2) river drains the eastern North Cascades. Agriculture was an earlier economic mainstay in the Methow's catchment area, but it is being replaced by tourism and recreation.
The Methow River is a renowned steelhead river. However, as with most other Pacific Northwest rivers, it has had problems with steelhead populations and returns recently, particularly in recent decades. To assist in maintaining steelhead runs on the river, the season for fishing may vary. In July, fish typically enter the river and stay until the end of January; however, fishing generally shuts down near the end of September.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Methow River, Washington:
- Half Chernobyl Tan/Yellow - Size 10
- Copper John Hot Wire Beadhead Red Gold - Size 12
- RS2 Gray #20 - Size 20
10. Naches River
The Naches River is a river in central Washington that joins the Yakima River. It is about 75 miles long and begins as the Little Naches River. The name changes to simply the Naches River after the confluence of the Little Naches and Bumping Rivers.
On the Naches, fly fishing may feel like a breath of fresh air from many of the other Pacific Northwest rivers: it's straightforward, there are plenty of hungry fish, and there aren't too many other fly fishermen around. The westslope cutthroat that lives in the river may be caught on a range of tactics, including streamers, dry flies, terrestrials, and nymphs.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Naches River, Washington:
- Perdigon Black -Tungsten -Barbless - Size 14
- The Frenchie Tungsten Barbless - Size 12
- Kaufmanns Stimulators Orange - Size 12
11. Rocky Ford Creek
Rocky Ford Creek, located near Ephrata in Washington's Columbia Basin, is one of the Pacific Northwest's best spring creeks for fly fishing. The catch-and-release creek is known for its large rainbow trout, and anglers come from all over to try their luck.
Rocky Ford Creek offers plenty of fishing opportunities year-round. The creek is accessible from virtually every angle, and most anglers park along one of the many bridges that cross it and at the Trout Lodge Hatchery.
Throughout the year, Rocky Ford Creek produces large fish, but spring and fall are typically the best times to fish it. Temperatures are colder in the winter, which encourages the fish to bite.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Rocky Ford Creek, Washington:
- Zebra Midge Curved Silver Tungsten Barbless - Size 20
- Perdigon Pearl Tungsten -Barbless - Size 18
- The Frenchie Tungsten Barbless - Size 16
12. Sauk River
The Sauk River, a tributary of the Skagit River located in northwestern Washington State, is approximately 45 miles long. It offers many fly fishing opportunities and stunning scenery, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The river has been designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, meaning it is protected from development and remains preserved in its natural state.
The Sauk River has two primary forks, originating in the eastern Cascades within Snohomish County's Glacier Peak Wilderness. They meet to form the mainstem of the river at Bedal before flowing northwest through a remote section of Washington's Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Winter steelhead runs have long been the Sauk's major draw, attracting visitors from all over the Pacific Northwest in search of a big sea-going rainbow trout. Steelhead fishing is allowed below the confluence of the White Chuck River, roughly nine miles upriver from Darrington.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Sauk River, Washington:
- Muddy buddy Black - Size 6
- Double Bunny Olive & White - Size 6 Report
- Zonker Grizzly - Size 6
13. Skagit River
The Skagit is a river in southwestern British Columbia, Canada, and northwestern Washington, United States, with a length of about 150 miles (240 kilometers). The river and its tributaries drain 1.7 million acres of the Cascade Range along the northern edge of Puget Sound and enter the sound.
The Skagit River is considered one of Washington's largest steelhead and salmon streams. The Skagit begins in Canada, where it flows from Ross Lake and is dammed by the Ross and Diablo Dams, which helps to create a large variety of fish species, including winter and summer steelhead runs, all five species of Pacific salmon, and Dolly Varden char.
The Skagit River is different from most northwestern streams in that its winter steelhead migration arrives later than usual. Steelhead produced in hatcheries begin to enter the river in December, but the Skagit River is known for hosting large, wild steelhead that enter the river in late Winter, and the peak fishing season is March and April.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Skagit River, Washington:
- Muddler Minnow - Size 4
- Slump Buster with Cone Black - Size 6
- Trophy Dungeon Rust - Size 8
14. Skykomish River
The Skykomish River is a 29-mile long river in Washington state that drains the west side of the Cascade Mountains in Snohomish County and the northeast corner of King County. The North Fork and South Fork merge approximately one mile west of Index, then flow northwest towards Puget Sound.
It is joined by the Sultan River and Wallace River at Sultan before merging with the Snoqualmie River to form the Snohomish River at Monroe.
The Skykomish is an exceptional fly fishing stream. It's most recognized for steelhead fishing, which begins June 1st. The river opens on June 1st with late wild winter steelhead, early hatchery summer runs, and summer Chinook salmon. Steelhead and chinook salmon fishing is available throughout the summer. As a result of heavy rain in the middle to late fall, the river rises up to winter flow levels once again.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Skykomish River, Washington:
- The Frenchie Tungsten Barbless - Size 12
- Copper John Beadhead Copper - Size 12
- Muddler Minnow - Size 4
15. Sol Duc River
The Sol Duc River flows west from Washington State for about 78 miles (126 km) through the northwest corner of the Olympic Peninsula. It then flows from the Olympic Mountains and Olympic National Forest of Olympic National Park, then into the broad Sol Duc Valley.
The Sol Duc is one of a kind in many ways, but it's especially so in the fact that it supports all five Pacific salmon species. The Sol Duc houses chinook, coho, chum, sockeye, and pink salmon. That means there are typically salmon in the river any month of the year.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Sol Duc River, Washington:
- Copper John Beadhead- Red - Size 12
- Prince Nymph Beadhead - Size 12
- Kaufman Stone Black - Size 8
16. Spokane River
The Spokane River is a small tributary of the Columbia River, with a length of approximately 111 miles (179 kilometers) in northern Idaho and eastern Washington in the United States. It flows through the Spokane Valley and Spokane, Washington, draining a low mountainous region to the east of the Columbia.
The Spokane River is an excellent spot for fishermen looking to escape the crowds, as it offers a productive fishery for rainbow trout.
Due to toxins being present in high levels, catch and release is largely recommended for the upper part of the river by state guidelines-- advising no consumption of any fish caught in free-flowing sections around Spokane.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Spokane River, Washington:
- Kaufman Stone Black - Size 8
- Prince Nymph Jigged Tungsten - Size 12
- Caddis Larva Beaadhead Green - Size 16
17. Stillaguamish River
The Stillaguamish River, located in the northwestern section of Washington state, is made up of two primary forks - the longer North Fork at 45 miles and South Fork at 35 miles. The forks meet near Arlington before continuing on for 22 miles to Puget Sound.
The steelhead runs in the winter and summer, as well as a late Fall run of cutthroat trout from the sea, making this an ideal location for fishermen. Four species of salmon use the river to spawn, but only Pink Salmon can be taken on their every other year run.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Stillaguamish River, Washington:
- Parachute Adams Indicator - Size 12
- Flashback Pheasant Tail Beadhead Gold - Size 18
- Spanish Bullet French Tungsten Barbless - Size 14
18. Yakima River
The Yakima River is a river in Washington state named for the indigenous Yakama people. From headwaters to mouth, the Yakima is 214 miles in length, with an average drop of around 9.85 feet per mile. It is the longest river running entirely in Washington State.
The Yakima River has the best stream trout fishing in Washington. While the upper reaches of the lower river are well-known for trout fishing and particularly fly fishing, the slower, lower sections have some great warm water fishing, especially for smallmouth bass and channel catfish.
Recommended Fly Patterns for the Yakima River, Washington:
- Kaufmanns Stimulators Orange - Size 12
- Pheasant Tail Jig Natural Tungsten Barbless - Size 12
- Autumn Splendor - Size 4
What Gear do I need to Fly Fish in Washington?
Washington State has a variety of different types of water, which in turn means that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to fly fishing gear. Depending on the time of year and the fish you're targeting, you'll want to ensure you have the right rod, reel, line, and flies.
Some important gear you need for fly fishing in Washington includes a good pair of waders. Waders will keep you dry and warm in the winter. In addition to waders and boots, you'll need a fly fishing rod and reel, flies, your Washington State fishing license, a waterproof jacket, and some polarized glasses.
Additional Facts about Fly Fishing in Washington
Is there good fly fishing in Washington State?
Fly fishing in Washington state is some of the best in the country. There are over 70,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 8,000 lakes and reservoirs. The state is home to all five species of Pacific salmon, Steelhead, trout, bass, and many other types of fish.
Where is the best fly fishing in Washington State?
There is excellent fly fishing all over Washington State. Some of the best spots include the Yakima River, The Stillaguamish River, the Spokane River, the Skagit River, and the Methow River.
Is trout fishing open in Washington state?
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are open to game fish (except Dolly Varden/bull trout, grass carp, and other fish designated by the council) for fishing all year. The Saturday before Memorial Day through October 31, rivers, streams, and beaver ponds are open.
Where is the best trout fishing in Washington?
Many experienced anglers believe the Yakima River is the best trout fly fishing river in Washington. It's also one of the few trout streams that Idaho and Oregon fly fishermen will travel to fish in Washington. Other great trout streams in Washington include the Spokane River and the Methow River.
Washington State is home to some of the best fly fishing in the country. With over 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, as well as more than 8,000 lakes and reservoirs, there are plenty of places to score a trophy catch. The state is home to all five species of Pacific salmon, Steelhead, trout, bass, and many other types of fish. So whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, you're sure to find the perfect spot to cast your line.
