Copyright 2011 James Marsh
Fly Fishing The Sauk River Washington
The Sauk is a Wild and Scenic River that's formed in the
Glacier Peak Wilderness. It's an undammed, freestone
river that's a tributary of the Skagit River. The Sauk
River is one of the best wild steelhead streams.
Glaciers provide the clear, cold water but heavy rainfall
from runoff caused by the clear cutting of timber can turn
the river into a muddy mess. Steelhead fishing is usually
best in March and April and that coincides with the
heaviest rainfall of the year. Catching the river just right
is a hit and miss proposition that should be taken into
account prior to traveling there to fish. Fly fishing the
Sauk River can be a very rewarding experience, but
timing is very important. The wild steelhead range
upwards to fifteen and twenty pounds but probably
average ten pounds.
The Saulk is a rough and tumble river. Fly fishing the
Sauk River can be done by drifting the stream but it can
also be dangerous in areas. Access is fairly good.
Highway #550 runs along the river and provides access
in several areas. From a drift boat standpoint, the Sauk
River is generally broken down into three areas
accessible from three public boat launches. The
launches are located at Darrington Bridge, the Suiattle
River tributary, and above the South Skagit Highway
Bridge. Faber's Landing is the takeout for the last drift.
The upper area below Darrlington down to the Suiattle
River is a small stream with limited access. The section
below the Suiattle River confluence has heavier flows,
faster water and is full of large boulders. The lower
section levels out some as it flows through a valley. It's
wider and even meanders some with sand and gravel
bars mixed in with the deeper runs.
Seasons:
Also see "Seasons" on the left side of the page
Spring:
Fly fishing the Sauk River is best in March and April. The
season opens June 1.
Summer:
There are a few Bull Trout taken in the Summer.
Fall:
Fall fishing can be good for Dolly Varden after the
Glacier freezes and before the winter rains begin. Chum
salmon are in the river during the Fall.
Winter:
Hatchery Steelhead enter the river in January. March
through April is prime winter steelhead time
Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Flies
The Sauk is a Wild and Scenic River that's formed in the
Glacier Peak Wilderness. It's an undammed, freestone
river that's a tributary of the Skagit River. The Sauk
River is one of the best wild steelhead streams.
Glaciers provide the clear, cold water but heavy rainfall
from runoff caused by the clear cutting of timber can turn
the river into a muddy mess. Steelhead fishing is usually
best in March and April and that coincides with the
heaviest rainfall of the year. Catching the river just right
is a hit and miss proposition that should be taken into
account prior to traveling there to fish. Fly fishing the
Sauk River can be a very rewarding experience, but
timing is very important. The wild steelhead range
upwards to fifteen and twenty pounds but probably
average ten pounds.
The Saulk is a rough and tumble river. Fly fishing the
Sauk River can be done by drifting the stream but it can
also be dangerous in areas. Access is fairly good.
Highway #550 runs along the river and provides access
in several areas. From a drift boat standpoint, the Sauk
River is generally broken down into three areas
accessible from three public boat launches. The
launches are located at Darrington Bridge, the Suiattle
River tributary, and above the South Skagit Highway
Bridge. Faber's Landing is the takeout for the last drift.
The upper area below Darrlington down to the Suiattle
River is a small stream with limited access. The section
below the Suiattle River confluence has heavier flows,
faster water and is full of large boulders. The lower
section levels out some as it flows through a valley. It's
wider and even meanders some with sand and gravel
bars mixed in with the deeper runs.
Seasons:
Also see "Seasons" on the left side of the page
Spring:
Fly fishing the Sauk River is best in March and April. The
season opens June 1.
Summer:
There are a few Bull Trout taken in the Summer.
Fall:
Fall fishing can be good for Dolly Varden after the
Glacier freezes and before the winter rains begin. Chum
salmon are in the river during the Fall.
Winter:
Hatchery Steelhead enter the river in January. March
through April is prime winter steelhead time
Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Flies
| Type of Stream Freestone Species Steelhead (native and hatchery) Bull Trout Chum Salmon Coho Salmon Dolly Varden Char Size Small to Medium Location Northwest Washington Nearest Towns Arlington Rockport Darrlington Season Winter steelhead, Jan-April: (March and April Catch and Release Only) Fishing season open June 1-April 30 Access: Good Non-Resident License State of Washington Weather National Weather Service Link Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Flies |
 | |  | |  |
Free Shipping Continental U. S.
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
"Perfect Fly"
Pacific Coast Steelhead Flies
"Perfect Fly"
Pacific Coast Salmon Flies
Pacific Coast Steelhead Flies
"Perfect Fly"
Pacific Coast Salmon Flies
| Options For Selecting Flies: 1. Email us with the dates you will be fishing this stream and we will send you a list of our fly suggestions. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. 2. Call us 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide which flies you need. 3. Call or email us with a budget for flies and we will select them and get them to you in time for your trip. Shipping is free in the U. S. Orders over $50 are shipped Priority Mail. |