Copyright 2011 James Marsh
Fly Fishing the Stillaguamish River
Washington
The Stillaguamish River, locally called the "Stilly", is
located in northwest Washington about an hours drive
from Seattle. It's formed by its North and South Forks.
This river is considered one of the top steelhead fishing
destinations in the country. Both of its branches rise in
the Cascades. The two forks join at Arlington and flow
to the north end of Port Susan in the Puget Sound.
The North Fork, approximately 45 miles long, begins
from several small streams near Finney Peak. Boulder
River and Deer Creek are two of its many tributaries.
The Summer run of native steelhead use Deer Creek for
their spawning grounds. Fly fishing Deer Creek is
considered top notch by anglers from all over the
country. Fly fishing the Stillaguamish River is nothing
new. The North Fork of the Stillaguamish River was the
first ever designated "fly fishing only" river.
The South Fork, approximately 30 miles long, also forms
in the Cascades and is the lesser fished branch. The
main branch is approximately 20 miles long. Steelhead
are caught in the South Fork but not near as many as
the North Fork.
In addition to a Winter and Summer runs of steelhead,
the lower river also has a late Fall run of cutthroat trout
from the sea. There's also four species of salmon that
use the river to spawn but only Pink Salmon can be
taken on their every other year run. The winter run of
hatchery steelhead are usually difficult to take on the fly
due to the high water levels.
Rainfall is a problem for the lower section of the North
Fork below Deer Creek. From August into the Winter, it
is usually blown out. The water remains fairly clear
above Deer Creek most of the time.
Seasons:
The season is closed during March, April and May to
protect the spawning native steelhead.
Spring:
The river is closed to fishing during most of the Spring.
Summer:
Summertime is the best time for the steelhead with July
being the top month.
Fall:
Good fishing continues on into the early Fall. It's the
best time for the sea-run cutthroats. October is the best
month for the Coho Salmon.
Winter:
The water is usually very high in the Winter although a
winter run of hatchery occurs. January and February are
the top months. Chum salmon can be caught in
November.
Fly Fishing Guide - Stillaguamish River Gear,
Tackle, Steelhead and Salmon Flies
Washington
The Stillaguamish River, locally called the "Stilly", is
located in northwest Washington about an hours drive
from Seattle. It's formed by its North and South Forks.
This river is considered one of the top steelhead fishing
destinations in the country. Both of its branches rise in
the Cascades. The two forks join at Arlington and flow
to the north end of Port Susan in the Puget Sound.
The North Fork, approximately 45 miles long, begins
from several small streams near Finney Peak. Boulder
River and Deer Creek are two of its many tributaries.
The Summer run of native steelhead use Deer Creek for
their spawning grounds. Fly fishing Deer Creek is
considered top notch by anglers from all over the
country. Fly fishing the Stillaguamish River is nothing
new. The North Fork of the Stillaguamish River was the
first ever designated "fly fishing only" river.
The South Fork, approximately 30 miles long, also forms
in the Cascades and is the lesser fished branch. The
main branch is approximately 20 miles long. Steelhead
are caught in the South Fork but not near as many as
the North Fork.
In addition to a Winter and Summer runs of steelhead,
the lower river also has a late Fall run of cutthroat trout
from the sea. There's also four species of salmon that
use the river to spawn but only Pink Salmon can be
taken on their every other year run. The winter run of
hatchery steelhead are usually difficult to take on the fly
due to the high water levels.
Rainfall is a problem for the lower section of the North
Fork below Deer Creek. From August into the Winter, it
is usually blown out. The water remains fairly clear
above Deer Creek most of the time.
Seasons:
The season is closed during March, April and May to
protect the spawning native steelhead.
Spring:
The river is closed to fishing during most of the Spring.
Summer:
Summertime is the best time for the steelhead with July
being the top month.
Fall:
Good fishing continues on into the early Fall. It's the
best time for the sea-run cutthroats. October is the best
month for the Coho Salmon.
Winter:
The water is usually very high in the Winter although a
winter run of hatchery occurs. January and February are
the top months. Chum salmon can be caught in
November.
Fly Fishing Guide - Stillaguamish River Gear,
Tackle, Steelhead and Salmon Flies
| Type of Stream Freestone Species Steelhead (Native and Hatchery) Sea-run Cutthroat Trout Chinook Salmon (Closed) Chum Salmon Pink Salmon Coho Salmon Dolly Varden Size Medium to Large Location Northwestern Washington Nearest Towns Arlington Season June 1 - February Access: Good Non-Resident License State of Washington Weather National Weather Service Link Fly Fishing Guide - Gear, Tackle Steelhead and Salmon flies |
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Pacific Coast Steelhead Flies
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Pacific Coast Salmon Flies
Pacific Coast Steelhead Flies
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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. |