Fishing Season: June 1 - January 31

Skykomish River - WA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

36

Orvis Seattle's Tip of the Week

Flows are down and continuing to fall. Clear water, sunny days, and low water temps will make for tricky conditions. Worth a try before the river closes at the end of the month.

Directions open in app

Map of Skykomish River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

At the present time, there are no endorsed guides on the Skykomish River

5-Day Outlook as of 1/29/25

***MOST SECTIONS OF THIS RIVER WILL CLOSE AT THE END OF JAN*** Current weather conditions are persisting into next week. Cold nights and bright, sunny days. Try smaller natural colored flies in really clear water.

Techniques & Tips as of 1/29/25

***Make sure to always look up emergency rules and regulations before heading out fishing.*** For salmon, try an 8 or 9 weight rod with a sink tip line to get your streamers down. Letting the fly swing in the current with some twitches can entice a strike. a 13ft 7wt spey rod is a great option for swinging flies for salmon as well. A Skagit head with a medium to fast sinking tip will help get your flies down, and help you cast larger flies. Nymphing is your best option for trout at the moment.

Local Species Available June 1 - January 31

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    Winter Steelhead

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    Summer Steelhead

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    rainbow trout

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    bull trout

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    Cutthroat

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    Salmon

Orvis Seattle's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Hot Head Euro Pheasant Tail chartuse 12-16
Orvis CJ Nymph red 12-16
Cone Head Muddler Minnow Green/Red 4
Bead Head Stonefly coffee/Brown 6-12
Classic Intruder Bright 4-8
Classic Intruder Black 4-8
Tunghead Hot Spot Pheasant Tail Jig chartreuse 12-14

Hot Head Euro Pheasant Tail

These attention getting fluorescent bead head nymphs will turn tails in fast water.

2.99

Item #7T55

Buy Now

Orvis Seattle's Recommended Gear

Description: About Skykomish River

The Skykomish River flows west out of the Cascades and into Puget Sound through Monroe. It joins the Snoqualmie to form the Snohomish River and flows through Everett into the Sound. The Skykomish holds both hatchery summer and winter Steelhead as well as a late wild winter steelhead run that is protected with closures. The Skykomish is a designated wild and scenic river. The river runs cold and clear throughout the winter unless the freezing level in the Cascades rises above 3000 feet. The mean flow is 4000 cfs.

Nearest Airport:

Seatac International

Hatches:

Caddis, mayfly, stimulators for trout

Best Time to Fish:

Mid-day

Best Stretch:

Monroe to High Bridge

Best Access:

Any pullout