Fishing in the Snohomish River is an experience like no other, filled with opportunities for both seasoned anglers and beginners alike. As someone who has spent countless hours on its banks, I’ve come to appreciate the river’s diversity in fish species, its natural beauty, and the challenges it presents.
Whether you’re here for the famous salmon runs or targeting other freshwater species, the Snohomish River offers a fulfilling fishing experience year-round. In this article, I’ll share my insights, tips, and expertise to help you make the most out of your fishing trips on this iconic river.
Snohomish River Fishing: A Natural Haven
The Snohomish River, flowing through Snohomish County, Washington, stretches about 20 miles, meandering through the picturesque landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. It’s fed by the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers, which provide it with rich biodiversity. This region is famous for its lush forests, wide-open spaces, and ample wildlife—both above and beneath the water.
One of the main draws of the Snohomish River is the variety of fish species, most notably salmon. Each year, the river hosts massive salmon runs, attracting anglers from all over. However, it’s not just about salmon—there’s a wealth of other fish species, like steelhead, cutthroat trout, and even bass, that offer great opportunities for year-round fishing.
The Best Time to Fish in the Snohomish River
Timing is crucial when it comes to Snohomish River fishing. The river is known for its seasonal fish runs, with the peak seasons being during the spring and fall months when salmon are at their most abundant.
Salmon Season: One of the best times to fish the Snohomish River is during the late summer and fall, typically from August to November. This is when you’ll find large numbers of Chinook, Coho, Chum, and Pink salmon entering the river as they begin their migration upstream to spawn. The fall Coho run is particularly popular, with many anglers targeting this aggressive fish.
Steelhead Season: Winter steelhead runs occur from December to March, offering challenging yet rewarding fishing. Steelhead, known for its strength and fighting ability, provides an excellent challenge for those looking for sport.
Trout Season: Spring and early summer are great for catching cutthroat trout, which are plentiful in the Snohomish and its tributaries.
That said, it’s worth noting that Snohomish River fishing can still be productive outside these peak seasons, particularly for cutthroat trout and bass.
Fishing Techniques for Success
Every angler has their preferred fishing technique, but over the years, I’ve found that the Snohomish River requires a bit of versatility. Depending on the species you’re targeting, the time of year, and the water conditions, certain techniques will work better than others. Here are some key approaches:
- Drift Fishing
Drift fishing is one of the most common techniques on the Snohomish River, especially during the salmon runs. This method involves casting your line upstream and letting the current carry your bait downstream while keeping tension in your line. You can use a variety of baits, from eggs to cookies, depending on what species you’re targeting. Drift fishing is highly effective for salmon, particularly Coho and Chinook, as they tend to hold in deeper pools. - Plunking
If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, plunking is a technique worth trying. This method involves casting out heavy sinkers and bait, letting them sit in one spot while waiting for fish to bite. This is ideal for targeting migrating salmon and steelhead, especially when the river is running high or muddy. Plunking allows you to cover more water as fish swim upstream, making it an excellent choice when conditions are less than ideal for other methods. - Fly Fishing
Fly fishing has gained popularity on the Snohomish River, particularly for targeting cutthroat trout and steelhead. If you’re a fan of fly fishing, you’ll want to visit the river during the spring and early summer months when the water levels are lower, making it easier to wade and cast. Streamers, nymphs, and egg patterns work well for trout, while steelhead tend to prefer larger, flashier flies. - Casting Spinners and Spoons
When it comes to targeting Coho and Pink salmon, casting spinners and spoons is an incredibly effective approach. These lures mimic small baitfish and attract the attention of aggressive salmon. I’ve had a lot of success with this technique during the fall run, particularly in the lower sections of the river, where the salmon are more inclined to strike fast-moving lures. - Trolling
In the lower reaches of the Snohomish River, especially near the mouth, trolling can be productive. This technique is often used in boats, allowing you to cover large areas of water efficiently. Whether you’re trolling with plugs, hoochies, or bait, this technique can be particularly effective for targeting salmon during their migration upstream.
Essential Gear for Snohomish River Fishing
Fishing the Snohomish River doesn’t require overly specialized gear, but having the right equipment can make a big difference. Over the years, I’ve developed a checklist of gear that I recommend bringing along to ensure a successful trip:
- Rods and Reels
For salmon fishing, a medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod around 8 to 9 feet in length is ideal. You’ll want a reel with a good drag system, as salmon can be tough fighters.
For steelhead, a similar setup works well, though a slightly lighter rod may give you more finesse for these fish.
If you’re fly fishing, a 7- to 9-weight rod will handle the larger fish like steelhead and Coho. - Lines and Leaders
When fishing for salmon or steelhead, I prefer using a braided line in the 30- to 50-pound test range, with a fluorocarbon leader around 10 to 20 pounds. The braided line gives you strength and sensitivity, while the fluorocarbon leader is nearly invisible in the water.
For trout, a lighter setup works fine. A 6- to 8-pound test monofilament or fluorocarbon line is usually enough. - Terminal Tackle
Always carry a variety of hooks, weights, and swivels. For drift fishing, egg hooks in sizes 2 to 4 work well for salmon, while smaller hooks are perfect for trout.
Spoons, spinners, and plugs should also be part of your tackle box. Bright colors tend to work well for Coho and Pink salmon, while steelhead are often attracted to more subtle patterns. - Waders
If you’re planning to fish from shore, especially in the upper reaches of the river, chest waders are a must. The Snohomish River can be swift, so having good-quality waders and wading boots will keep you dry and safe while navigating the water.
Where to Fish on the Snohomish River
It’s crucial to know where to fish as much as how to fish. The Snohomish River has several prime fishing spots, each offering different opportunities depending on the season and the species you’re after.
- Lower Snohomish River
The lower portion of the Snohomish River, near the town of Snohomish and where the river meets Puget Sound, is a hotspot for salmon fishing. This section is particularly good during the fall salmon runs when Coho, Chinook, and Pink salmon are moving through. Shore access is available in several areas, and if you have a boat, this is a great place for trolling or drifting. - Middle Snohomish River
As you move upstream towards Monroe, the river becomes narrower and faster. This section is excellent for drift fishing and plunking, especially during the steelhead and trout seasons. There are several public access points and boat launches along this stretch of the river. - Upper Snohomish River and Tributaries
In the upper reaches, closer to the confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers, you’ll find more solitude and excellent fishing for cutthroat trout. The tributaries also hold steelhead and salmon, particularly during the spawning season. Fly fishing is a popular method here, thanks to the clear water and abundant pools.
Regulations and Conservation
As always, be sure to check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before heading out to the Snohomish River. Fishing regulations can change from year to year, particularly concerning salmon quotas, season dates, and allowable gear. Ensuring that you’re fishing legally helps protect the fish populations and maintain the river’s ecological balance for future generations.
Additionally, it’s important to practice good conservation habits, like catch-and-release techniques, especially with wild salmon and steelhead. Using barbless hooks and handling fish gently can make a significant difference in their survival rates after being released.
Final Thoughts
Snohomish River fishing is more than just a hobby for me—it’s a deep connection to the region’s natural environment and its incredible biodiversity. Whether you’re targeting the powerful Chinook salmon, the acrobatic steelhead, or simply enjoying a peaceful day casting for trout, the Snohomish River has something to offer every angler. By knowing the best times, techniques, and locations to fish, you can make the most of your time on the river and experience all it has to offer.
