Our Local Waters
RIVERS
The North Puget Sound region is home to some of the most beautiful rivers in the state. Many, like the Skagit and Stillaguamish have been written about extensively over the last decade along with stories retold around campfires of monstrous steelhead. On any given day, you may encounter bald eagles, elk, and will likely be accompanied as you wade by the omnipresent water ouzel. Wild snow-capped peaks loom in the background as wide, cobbled runs babble their way towards saltwater. The fishing isn't always easy but these waters keep us coming back for more.
Nooksack River
The Nooksack is comprised of a north, middle, and south fork which eventually convene to form the main stem near Deming, WA. Glacially influenced, the north and middle forks may run gray-brown through much of the summer, while the south fork and the north above Nooksack Falls near Glacier generally flow clear. Opportunities for anadromous fish can be spotty, with some odd years hosting an opening for pink salmon, which begin returning in July, somewhat earlier than elsewhere in the Sound. Coho typically appear in good numbers from October through the end of the year, with Chum showing up in November and December.
Winter steelhead begin showing in December and provide a brief fishery before most of the river closes at the end of January. Bull trout are protected throughout the Nooksack however frequently encountered while fishing for salmon and steelhead, as are the many majestic bald eagles which winter along the cottonwood and alder lined banks of the river.
We rely on 7-8 weight switch and spey rods to cover water on the Nooksack when pursuing its large anadromous denizens.
The numerous open tributaries to the forks, the North Fork above the falls and the upper reaches of the South Fork (which falls under fly fishing only regulations through the summer) offer outstanding high mountain trout and char fishing from July through October.
Sauk River
Though serving as a primary tributary to the Skagit, the Sauk’s tumbling, large boulder studded runs contrast starkly to the relative gentle nature of the Skagit below Marblemount. We mostly fish the Sauk in fall and winter for bull trout and steelhead.
Though present, salmon may not be targeted in the Sauk. Through much of the summer, a substantial portion of the Sauk runs turbid downstream of the glacial Suiattle and Whitechuck Rivers. We embrace the same techniques, flies, and presentations on the Sauk as used on the Skagit.
Skagit River
The Skagit is one of the most storied rivers in the Northwest, from the earliest days of steelhead fly angling pioneers like Ralph Wahl, Judge Ralph Olsen, and Al Knudsen to more contemporary anglers Harry Lemire, Dec Hogan, Ed Ward, and Jerry French.
Along its broad bars and cottonwood banks came advancements in modern two-handed rods and, of course, those short, thick spey heads that bear the river’s namesake. The Skagit is home to all five species of pacific salmon, winter and summer steelhead, coastal cutthroat, rainbow trout, bull trout, and mountain whitefish.
The Skagit fishes throughout the summer for big char and rainbow trout, which we predominantly pursue with light spey and switch rods using a variety of streamers to imitate the fry, smolt, whitefish and sculpins these larger predators tend to feed on. In August, we begin to see sea run cutthroat appearing in the lower river, followed by an odd-year run of pink salmon often numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Coho enter in waves from September through the end of the year and readily grab flashy flies retrieved through slow seams, backwaters and log-strewn sloughs. Chum begin to arrive in late October and early November. Winter steelhead are available from December through the end of January when most of the river currently closes. The Skagit steelhead season falls under special management. In years with a strong enough wild return forecast, we may have a spring catch and release season through April. You can check the WDFW emergency rules listings for updates and last minute openings and closures with our state fisheries.
We opt for 7-8 weight spey rods for swinging the long, wide runs of the Skagit, which may be covered by floating the river or walking in at public access points. For salmon and cutthroat, we employ 6-8 weight single hand rods, floating, intermediate and light sink tip lines and a cast/retrieve presentation. Some of our best salmon/cutthroat fishing is in the lower river below Sedro Woolley, and is most effectively approached by boat.
Stillaguamish River
The NF Stillaguamish, or “Stilly,” remains one of the most literary steelhead rivers of our century, from early angler-writers Zane Grey and Roderick Haig-Brown to more recent authors Steve Raymond, Bob Arnold, and Ernest Schwiebert.
In recent years, the Stilly has remained closed through much of the summer to protect a dwindling run of chinook salmon. Once a storied summer steelhead river, the primary fishery these days is for sea run cutthroat which enter in the late summer and provide an exceptional fall fishery as long as the river stays open to fishing. We've enjoyed many a fine autumn day searching the root wads and brushy banks with 4-5 weight single hand rods and Reverse Spiders, Mickey Finns or Rolled Muddlers.
Salmon fisheries in the mainstem Stilly vary widely from year to year, but some seasons offer some pretty solid pink and coho fishing when enough fish return.
North Cascades Creeks
The towering peaks of the North Cascades are dusted with snow through much of the year. These alpine snow fields feed a myriad of small, often high gradient streams that eventually empty into our larger river systems. Most of them are home to coastal cutthroat, rainbows, or brook trout and in some instances all three species. A handful support Dolly Varden as well. They are generally fishable by early July in most years and continue through October or until conditions render them inaccessible.
Short, lightweight 2 or 3 weight graphite or fiberglass fly rods are ideal for plying these headwater areas. Bring a handful of small Stimulators and other high-floating attractor dries and see what's around the next bend. Fishing the creeks is a favorite pastime for many. While the trout are seldom very large, they are uniquely beautiful, as is typically the stunning landscape around you.
Methow River
In the spirit of full disclosure, the Methow River is a solid 3 hour drive from Bellingham but we still consider it home water during the summer months and regularly make the trek over the scenic North Cascades Highway to chase big westslope cutthroat and bushy dry flies in the high desert of Eastern Washington. In addition, the Methow offers the chance to catch rainbow trout, cuttbows and a staggering number of very large whitefish. The river is floatable from Winthrop downstream with several public ramps offering access, however, can get quite low by early August, making floating a challenge. Summers are hot on the eastside and we encourage you to monitor water temps and check for heat-related fishing restrictions from late July onward. If the water warms to the upper 60's, it's time to go higher in the hills and look for cooler flows.
The Methow opens in late May and the season generally runs through the end of September. There are a number of sectional closures throughout that time period to protect returning chinook so be sure you're familiar with the regulations. Once in a blue moon we see an extended fall opener for summer steelhead which make their way up from the Columbia River, but most years there are not enough fish to allow a fishery.
Rods in 4, 5 or 6 weight are ideal for the Methow and a variety of tactics can be effective so fish how you prefer, whether it's stripping Sculpzillas, drifting a Chubby Chernobyl with a dropper nymph or euro nymphing. They all work to one degree or another and may well connect you with strong river trout over 20". Several Methow tributaries including the Twisp and Chewuch Rivers provide good fishing as well through mid-August, although the trout generally average a little smaller. Be sure to check the WDFW Fishing Pamphlet when fishing Methow tributaries as several are seasonally restricted or closed altogether.
North Cascades National Park
The Confluence Fly Shop is the closest full service fly shop to the west entrance of North Cascades National Park, which functions as a spectacular jumping off point for a wealth of fabulous fisheries. The 24-mile long Ross Lake is perhaps the crown jewel of the park, home to wild rainbow trout and large char that grow to robust proportions by dining on the lake’s abundant resident shiner population. Ross may be accessed via hiking in to the Ross Lake Resort and renting a small boat, portaging a canoe or kayak around Ross Dam, or driving in to the north end via Hope, BC and Skagit Provincial Park. If planning to launch a boat at the north end, be sure to check lake levels prior to the trip. In recent years, the launch is commonly closed due to low water through much of the season.
This fishery runs from July through October, offering breathtaking mountain views, a variety of wildlife and memorable fishing. 5-6 weight rods, full sinking lines, and a respectable box crammed with shiner imitations will catch fish on the big lake. Numerous tributaries to Ross, like Big Beaver Creek and the upper Skagit River in BC provide outstanding backcountry fly fishing for cutthroat, rainbow, and in some cases, large bull trout.
LAKES - TROUT
We are surrounded by productive stillwaters that offer opportunities to target a variety of trout species. Many of them receive annual rainbow trout plants in the spring and fish well through early summer. Others are managed for quality, offering chances at larger trout. The general lake season runs April through October, however a number of lakes remain open year-round and will our temperate coastal climate, can fish well even during the winter months. Our shop is also situated just a few short hours from the expansive stillwater playground of interior British Columbia.
Pass Lake
Squalicum Lake
Another fly fishing-only lake, Squalicum Lake is just 20 minutes from downtown Bellingham, off Highway 542. At roughly 30 acres, it provides an intimate setting where one can escape to pursue cutthroat, triploid rainbows and tiger trout from a small watercraft or float tube. Though open year round, best fishing occurs in spring and fall. As a shallow lake, we’ll sometimes encounter hungry trout rising eagerly to midge hatches by late February.
LAKES - WARMWATER
Though northwestern Washington is inarguably considered a bastion for salmon, steelhead, trout and char, the area warm water fly fishing opportunities are frequently overlooked and provide consistent fly rod opportunities, especially during the heat of summer. Lake Whatcom also hosts a hexagenia mayfly hatch during the summer months. These massive yellow bugs come off around dusk, generally from early July through early August and can provide some short but sweet surface feeding opportunities.
Fazon Lake
Near Everson, Fazon hosts both largemouth bass and bluegill, which aggressively attack topwater presentations, damsel, dragon, and leech patterns.
Lake Terrell
Terrell Lake, in northern Whatcom County, is matted with lilies and thick shoreline vegetation, boasting bragging size largemouth that ambush everything from bass leeches to popping and sliding bugs during the hot summer months. For bass, heavy 6-8 weight rods matched with floating lines allow you to cover the entirety of this shallow lake. Terrell's pumpkinseed are an absolute riot on 2-4 weight rods matched with a floating line.
Lake Whatcom
Just minutes from town, Lake Whatcom offers exceptional fly fishing for smallmouth bass, which may reach 4-5 pounds or bigger. Late spring and summer provide both surface action with popping and diving bugs, as well as casting or crawling streamers and crayfish patterns along the lake’s rocky bottom and heavily structured shoreline. Whatcom also sees a hexagenia mayfly hatch during the summer months. These big yellow bugs typically come off around dusk from early July through early August and can provide some short but sweet surface action for smallies. 6-7 weight rods line with floating, intermediate and full sink lines allow you to effectively cover a variety of levels and zones throughout the large lake.
Lake Samish to the south, provides similar fishing opportunities to Lake Whatcom and is an exceptional smallmouth lake.
SALTWATER - NORTH PUGET SOUND
The North Sound offers a veritable smorgasbord of saltwater opportunities for the beach or boat-bound fly fisher. We fish the salt virtually year-round from Point Roberts to the southern tip of Whidbey Island in pursuit of sea run cutthroat, coho salmon, chinook salmon, pink salmon (odd years), sea run bull trout and the elusive saltwater steelhead.
5-6 weight rods are appropriate for cutthroat, pink salmon and smaller resident coho, while everything else is best targeted with a 7-8 weight outfit. Shooting tapers like the Rio Outbound Short in floating and intermediate densities offer exceptional distance and handling for those tough to reach tide rips.
Most North Sound beaches come complete with stellar views of the islands and Olympic or Cascade Mountain Ranges.