Fly Rods
Echo Spey Rod
A two-handed rod for swinging flies across big steelhead and salmon runs.
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A big glacial river with wild steelhead and salmon runs.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Skagit River for steelhead, chinook salmon and coho salmon. The best months overall are Aug to Nov. In October, steelhead, chinook salmon and coho salmon are in season, and Pat's Rubber Legs, Egg Pattern and Clouser Minnow are a good place to start. There are 11 shops within 60 miles (3 fly, 8 bait and tackle); the closest is Cabela's in Marysville, 35 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Lake Washington is 66 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Aug to Nov
In October
Steelhead, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon
Methods
Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Skagit River Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
8 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Egg-Sucking Leech #2-6
FlyStreamer · Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Steelhead
Shop This FlyIntruder 2 to 4 in
FlyStreamer · Chinook Salmon, Steelhead
Shop This FlyPat's Rubber Legs #4-10
FlyNymph · Steelhead
Shop This FlyEgg Pattern #8-16
FlyNymph · Steelhead · Indicator rig.
Shop This FlyClouser Minnow #1/0-8
FlyStreamer · Coho Salmon
Shop This FlyInline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz
LureSpinner · Coho Salmon, Steelhead
Shop This LureCasting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz
LureSpoon · Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon
Shop This LureCured Salmon Eggs Single or cluster
BaitNatural Bait · Chinook Salmon, Steelhead · Where bait is legal.
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Steelhead
Fly 11 to 13 ft 7 or 8 wt spey or switch rod with a Skagit head and sink tips, or a 10 ft 8 wt single hand rod with an indicator rig.
Spin / Cast 8.5 to 10.5 ft medium-light rod, 3000 spinning reel, 8 to 12 lb line. Float and jig or drift rigs.
Chinook Salmon
Fly 10 ft 9 or 10 wt rod, sink-tip line, 15 to 20 lb leader.
Spin / Cast 9 to 10.5 ft medium-heavy casting rod, line-counter or levelwind reel, 20 to 30 lb line.
Coho Salmon
Fly 9 to 10 ft 8 wt rod, sink-tip line, 12 lb leader.
Spin / Cast 8.5 to 9 ft medium rod, 3000 spinning reel, 10 to 15 lb line.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Skagit River
Flies
Steelhead Fly Assortment
Egg patterns, leeches, and swing flies for winter runs.
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Scientific Anglers Sink-Tip Fly Line
Gets streamers down to fish holding deep in current.
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Orvis Clearwater 9 ft 8 wt Fly Rod
An 8 weight handles bass bugs, redfish flats, and wind. The most versatile warmwater and inshore size.
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Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.
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RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet
Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.
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Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.
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Simms Freestone Wading Boots
Supportive boots with good grip on slick rock.
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Within 60 Miles
Shops Near Skagit River
Bait & Tackle
Cabela's
Quil Ceda Village, Washington· 36 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Quil Ceda Village, WA.
Bait & Tackle
Sportsman's Warehouse
Bellingham, Washington· 38 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Bellingham, WA.
Bait & Tackle
Sportsman's Warehouse
Bellingham, Washington· 39 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Bellingham, WA.
Bait & Tackle
Possession Point Bait Co.
Clinton, Washington· 50 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Clinton, WA.
Bait & Tackle
Silver Horde Fishing Supplies
Lynnwood, Washington· 54 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Lynnwood, WA.
Make It a Trip