Throughout the year, Washington State offers fly fishermen a variety of sporting opportunities. Owing to the state's diversity of fish species, every month of the year provides high-quality sport in a variety of fishing environments. Both migratory and resident sport fish are found in significant numbers in many of Washington's rivers and lakes. In addition, many of Washington's migratory species can be targeted in the state's saltwater river estuaries and harbors.
Species
Washington's lakes, rivers and marine environments are all home to an array of fish species that respond well to the fly. The migratory Pacific salmon species of chinook, coho, chum and pink salmon run into Washington's fisheries in good numbers. Sockeye salmon are also present, but in fewer locations. The state's rivers also boast high numbers of hard-fighting steelhead. Washington's migratory species augment considerable stocks of resident cutthroat and rainbow trout.
Where to Fish
The Columbia River system represents the most productive fishery in Washington State. It is not, however, the most varied. The Columbia offers angling opportunities for chinook and coho salmon only. The rivers and lakes of the Puget Sound area offer greater variety. Rivers such as the Skykomish have runs of chinook, coho, chum and pink salmon. In saltwater, Ilwaco has good runs of chinook and coho, while Admiralty Inlet has seasonal stocks of chinook, coho, chum and pink salmon. If you wish to target steelhead, the Cowlitz and Sykomish rivers can be productive.
When to Fish
For chinook salmon, the Columbia River and its tributaries have runs from March to November. The Skykomish has chinook in June and July. In saltwater, Ilwaco has chinook July to mid-September. Coho are present in the Columbia system from August to January. The Skykomish has coho from September to December. Coho enter Admiralty Inlet in September and leave in October. The Skykomish has pink salmon in September and chum October to January. Admiralty Inlet has pink salmon in September and October and chum in October and November. The Cowlitz and Skykomish have steelhead runs year-round, with the exception of November.
Tackle
Fly rods for Washington's fisheries should be matched to the targeted fish species. Rods for chinook salmon should be 9 feet in length for a 10- to 12-weight line. Coho, chum and sockeye salmon and steelhead are best targeted with rods of 9 feet for an 8- to 10-weight line. Pink salmon, cutthroat and rainbow trout require rods of 9 feet for a 6- to 8-weight line. If you wish to spey cast, a rod of between 13 and 15 feet in length for an 8- to 10-weight line is ideal.
Tips
Spey rods may appear cumbersome to many, but they can give fly fishermen considerable advantages. Many of Washington's rivers flow through heavily wooded valleys where overhead casting often results in the frequent snagging of trees. Spey casting stops the fly from traveling behind the fishermen preventing the hooking of trees. Spey rods also allow you to manage the manner in which your fly fishes more effectively. With such a long rod, it is possible to put larger mends into your fly line. Such control allows you to either speed up or slow down the fishing of your fly as water speed dictates.
Member Comments