Winter anglers rejoice: A state-managed recreational fishery on portions of the Skagit and Sauk rivers will open on Feb. 1 for steelhead fishing.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is forecasting about 7,000 wild steelhead trout will return to the Skagit River and its tributaries. The forecast is sufficient for fisheries operated by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe and the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe to open as well.
Anglers will be able to fish seven days a week from Feb. 1 through April 15 on the Skagit River and its major tributary the Sauk River under catch and release regulations, according to WDFW. Up to two hatchery steelhead trout may be retained.
Wild steelhead must be released immediately and may not be removed from the water. Fishing for all other species, including bull trout, remains closed for the season.
“Fishing for steelhead is part of both tribal and non-tribal culture in Washington,” said Edward Eleazer, WDFW’s North Puget Sound Region Fish Program manager. “This fishing opportunity would not be possible without the substantial effort and collaboration of our tribal co-managers. We ask anglers to give tribal fishers space and respect if they encounter each other during this fishery.”
Steelhead fishing will be allowed on the Skagit River from the Dalles Bridge at Concrete upstream to Cascade River Road (Marblemount Bridge). On the Sauk River, anglers can fish from the mouth upstream to Darrington Bridge (Sauk Prairie Road). Areas downstream on the Skagit River from Dalles Bridge remain closed to recreational fishing to protect early winter steelhead, kelts, which are post-spawn steelhead returning to saltwater, and other native fish populations.
Anglers should refer to the Skagit River and Sauk River emergency fishing rules for additional details, including a ban on fishing from boats while under motor power on the Skagit, and fishing from a boat with a motor attached on the Sauk.
WDFD and co-manager tribes will conduct in-season monitoring including catch sampling and test fisheries that include collecting scales and genetic samples during the 2025 season.
The new fishing license year begins on April 1.
Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.