Skagit River Fishing Report

Last updated

These observations do not support one combined outlook. Read the station measurements and reports by reach below.

Large glacial North Cascades river represented by the gauge near Concrete.

steelhead · bull trout · cutthroat trout · coho salmon · chinook salmon

Current Skagit River fishing conditions

A quick view of the latest report, gauge, hatch, and fly data available for this water. Missing observations are left unreported rather than estimated.

Fishing outlook
See reports by reach
Flow & temperature
See measurements by gauge
Water clarity
See individual reports

Access, closures & regulations

Recent reports mention Upper reaches and lower stretches, Dalles Bridge in Concrete downstream open; Dalles Bridge to Marblemount Bridge opens September 16th, Above the Sauk confluence.

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.

Skagit River location

48.5243, -121.7710

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Gauge observations

Observations from the last 48 hours. Each measurement and chart describes its named station.

USGS 12194000

Latest flow
7,220 cfs
USGS 12194000
Latest water temperature
Not reported
USGS 12194000
10/25/202610/27/2026
5,860 cfs7,760 cfs

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Where to fish next

Current options in North Cascades.

Recent reports by reach

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.

Reach not specified

Bellingham Confluence

2026-10-10GOOD

Coho are throughout the Skagit system and sea run cutthroat have been abundant. Portions of the river are periodically closed this month for tribal netting, so anglers should monitor WDFW Emergency Rules.

Reported water clarity: clear

Cat's Coastal BuggersCopper Coho BuggersRolled MuddlersCalifornia NeilsStarlight LeechBarbell Egg Sucking LeechPixies RevengeManhatten BeachDeuce WigaloDali LlamasGlo Yarn EggsSlush EggsHot Bead Woolly BuggersMickey FinnDaniel's UV Polar JigsJiggy FryHot Head Squirrel Leeches
View original report ↗

Bellingham Confluence

2026-07-14GOOD

The Skagit has been fishing pretty well for bull trout over the last several weeks. As summer progresses, fish may begin refusing larger patterns so downsizing streamers is recommended.

Dali LlamasSculpzillasSculpinatorsSir Sticks A LotWounded SculpinMorrish Micro Jig SculpinHot Head Squirrel Leech (olive)Hot Head Squirrel Leech (natural)CH Kiwi Muddler
View original report ↗

Emerald Water Anglers

2026-07-01POOR

Skagit is open but not well known for summer run steelhead; slim pickings expected.

View original report ↗
Show 1 older reports

Emerald Water Anglers

2026-05-08FAIR

The Skagit opens May 23rd for steelhead. Anglers should transition to Scandi or Tributary heads and smaller flies for summer steelhead fishing.

View original report ↗

Upper reaches and lower stretches

Avid Angler

2026-09-10FAIR

Fishing has been slow overall, but anglers willing to work harder in upper reaches have found some success. Lower stretches are open for salmon but low water levels are limiting action.

Reported location: Upper reaches and lower stretches

View original report ↗

Dalles Bridge in Concrete downstream open; Dalles Bridge to Marblemount Bridge opens September 16th

Bellingham Confluence

2026-09-09GOOD

The Skagit below the Dalles Bridge in Concrete is open for salmon with a strong coho forecast, and sea run cutthroat are also present in lower sections. Bull trout are concentrating in upper portions and tributaries as they prepare to spawn.

Reported location: Dalles Bridge in Concrete downstream open; Dalles Bridge to Marblemount Bridge opens September 16th

Hatches in this report: October Caddis, October Caddis.

Rio's Coastal BuggersChartreuse Rolled MuddlersXmas TreesOlive Hot Head Krystal BuggersStrutter white/copperStrutter white/silverPink Barbbell Egg Sucking LeechPurple Barbbell Egg Sucking LeechStarlight LeechDeuce WigaloBH Rolled MuddlerMickey FinnsBH RaccoonsHot Head Krystal BuggersOctober Caddis PupaMuddlerMorrish October Caddis AdultCranefly AdultDali LlamasBrig's Rippin' RoostersSir Sticks A LotSculpzillasSheila SculpinsEgg Sucking Leech
View original report ↗

Above the Sauk confluence

Bellingham Confluence

2026-08-08GOOD

The Skagit above the Sauk is fishing well for bull trout and the occasional rainbow trout, primarily on swung meat patterns using trout spey rods. Flows are low but the river remains cold thanks to dam releases and glacial influence.

Reported location: Above the Sauk confluence

Reported water clarity: clear

Precious MetalMeat SweatsSir Sticks A LotSculpzillasMini Dalai LamaWounded SculpinDaniel's UV Polar JigMorrish Micro Jigged SculpinPartridge Soft Hackle
View original report ↗

Skagit valley; below Sauk confluence

Bellingham Confluence

2026-06-17GOOD

The Skagit is currently in fishable shape from top to bottom for rainbow and bull trout. Spring chinook and sockeye salmon openers are active; expect glacial melt to degrade visibility below the Sauk confluence as hot days persist.

Reported location: Skagit valley; below Sauk confluence

Reported water clarity: clear

IntrudersSquidrosSockeye KillerGalloup's DungeonsSir Sticks A LotJerry's WMD SculpinDali Llamas#8 SculpzillasHot Head Squirrel LeechesSoft Hackle StreamersWounded Sculpins
View original report ↗

Rockport to Marblemount bridge

Avid Angler

2026-05-29GOOD

King salmon season is open from Rockport to Marblemount bridge. On June 1st the entire river opens for additional species.

Reported location: Rockport to Marblemount bridge

View original report ↗

Memorial Highway Bridge in Mount Vernon downstream to mouth; Memorial Highway Bridge upstream to May 15th for chinook; proposed opening Highway 530 Rockport to Marblemount Bridge May 16th

Bellingham Confluence

2026-05-13GOOD

The Skagit was reported in fantastic shape during Speyapalooza in early May with blue skies and hot weather. Currently open from Memorial Highway Bridge in Mount Vernon to the mouth and both forks, with a proposed chinook fishery opening May 16th from Highway 530 in Rockport up to the Marblemount Bridge.

Reported location: Memorial Highway Bridge in Mount Vernon downstream to mouth; Memorial Highway Bridge upstream to May 15th for chinook; proposed opening Highway 530 Rockport to Marblemount Bridge May 16th

BH Rolled MuddlersLittle McFryDali LlamasGalloup's DungeonsBrig's Rippin' RoosterMorrish's Waking WoundedGuide IntruderSquidroStu's Ostrich Intruder
View original report ↗
Reports sourced from