Last updated
These observations do not support one combined outlook. Read the station measurements and reports by reach below.
Northwest Washington river system represented by the mainstem gauge at Ferndale.
A quick view of the latest report, gauge, hatch, and fly data available for this water. Missing observations are left unreported rather than estimated.
Recent reports mention Nooksack system, Lummi Reservation Boundary upstream to FFA High School Barn in Deming; mainstem above FFA Barn, North Fork (below falls), and South Fork open October 1st, Lower Nooksack.
Access and seasonal rules can change. Check current regulations and closures with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ↗
Reference location for this water. Individual reports and gauges may describe other locations; this is not a verified access point.
Nooksack River location
48.8448, -122.5893
Observations from the last 48 hours. Each measurement and chart describes its named station.
Fair · Updated 1d ago
Fair · Updated 1d ago
Locations come from the source report. A gauge reference does not establish where every fishing observation was made. Hatches and fly recommendations belong to their individual report.
Bellingham Confluence
Coho are present throughout the Nooksack system, though fish have been somewhat dour in current low, clear water conditions. Smaller patterns work best in clear water, larger attractor patterns in off-color flows.
Reported location: Nooksack system
Bellingham Confluence
The Nooksack is open for salmon from the Lummi Reservation Boundary upstream to the yellow marker behind the FFA High School Barn in Deming. Visibility often runs low, favoring bigger and flashier patterns.
Reported location: Lummi Reservation Boundary upstream to FFA High School Barn in Deming; mainstem above FFA Barn, North Fork (below falls), and South Fork open October 1st
Reported water clarity: slightly off
Bellingham Confluence
Portions of the lower Nooksack opened August 1st for salmon, but significant numbers of salmon are not expected until September or the first major rain event. A Spey Wednesday casting event is planned for August 19th on the Nooksack.
Reported location: Lower Nooksack
View original report ↗Bellingham Confluence
The North Fork Nooksack had a brief spring chinook opener that closed early due to too many encounters with wild fish. The river was raging high and brown after recent rain, limiting fishing opportunities.
Reported location: North Fork Nooksack
Reported water clarity: muddy
View original report ↗Bellingham Confluence
The North Fork Nooksack has a proposed chinook fishery scheduled to begin May 23rd. Anglers are advised to watch for the official WDFW announcement as details are subject to change.
Reported location: North Fork Nooksack
View original report ↗Bellingham Confluence
A fair number of coho and chum salmon are entering the Nooksack. On the North Fork, floating line dead-drift nymphing with heavy flies under an indicator is a preferred method for smaller water, and trout and whitefish are actively feeding on loose eggs near spawning areas.
Reported location: North Fork Nooksack
Reported water clarity: muddy
Bellingham Confluence
The entire Nooksack system closed on January 1st and is not available for fishing.
View original report ↗Bellingham Confluence
Rivers are blown out and major flooding is expected this week, making fishing unfeasible. The watershed is open through end of December with all forks and mainstem closing January 1st; all steelhead including hatchery clipped fish must be released during the open period.
Reported location: All forks and mainstem
Reported water clarity: off-color
Score.Fish