One of western Washington's many great rivers, the Skagit in late winter and early spring is an annual journey for many dedicated fly-fishers. Local folks as well as those from afar, travel to the Skagit in hopes of fulfilling a dream of the coveted, twenty pounder on a fly. The take alone of a fifteen-pound or better wild steelhead is enough to test the condition of one's heart. There is no need for a stress test from your local physician if you survive the adrenalin-stoked minutes connected to one of these beautiful chrome specimens. If you don't… what a great swan song! Those new to the river will be well served by utilizing a guide, being persistent and maintaining the mind-set of enjoying the complete experience regardless of fish count at the end of the day. Time spent in such pursuit is said to add days to your life and what better way to spend a few each year. The Skagit's grand setting will provide memorable angling moments and undoubtedly embed on with an itch to return each year.
During winter months the Skagit is also home to one of the largest migrations of bald eagles in the lower forty-eight. If winter steelheading is not in the cards, pink salmon and chum make strong runs in August and late fall respectively. Also inhabiting the Skagit are large Dolly Varden and some sea-run cutthroat in the lower river. Controlled by several dams on the upper river the Skagit generally flows fairly clear down to Rockport and the confluence with the Sauk.
We highly recommend the use of spey rods on this and the Sauk. We have a full line of them for you to use from Winston, Scott and Sage and our guides are accomplished spey casters and instructors more than happy to teach you this unique style of fly fishing.
Trip Details
Duration
Full Day
Location
North Cascades, Skagit Valley
Season
January - April
Trip Type
Freshwater Fly Fishing
Nearest City
Seattle, Everett, Bellingham, Mount Vernon
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Washington, United States
Years of Experience
10 Years
Guest Capacity
2 Per Guide
Species of Fish Caught
Native Steelhead, Dolly Varden
Wildlife Observed
Bald Eagles, Kingfisher, Deer, Elk, Otter
Fishing Equipment & Bait Provided
All fly rods/reels as well as waders/boots, all flies, leaders and tippet are provided and lunch (on full day trips) as well as transportation from Seattle.
Dining
The EWA staff prepares some pretty amazing lunches for full day trips. EWA was featured on the Bobby Flay show on Food Network four years ago. Sample menus include:
Option 1: Fish (Featured on the Bobby Flay Show on Food Network)
Lemon & Garlic Wild Salmon
Tomato & Herbed Couscous
Fresh Grilled Zucchini
Beverage of choice (non alcoholic)
Option 2: Steak
BBQ Marinated Steak
Grilled Red Potatoes and Mushrooms
Green Salad
Beverage of choice (non alcoholic)
Option 3: Chicken
BBQ Marinated Breast of Chicken
Tomato & Herbed Couscous
Fresh Grilled Asparagus
Beverage of choice (non alcoholic)
Option 4: Sandwich Buffet
Turkey, Roast Beef and Ham
Sweet Dark, Wheat, Light Rye breads
Provolone, Swiss and Sharp Cheddar cheese
Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Avocado
Gourmet Chips or Crackers with complimentary cheese selection
Assortment of fresh fruit
Beverage of choice (non alcoholic)
Accommodations
None, EWA can recommend and work with some very nice B&B's, hotels and boutique properties.
Rates
$262.00 - $525.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
All trips are based on a per guide rate, price being the same for 1 or 2 anglers. Some trips can have 3 anglers and some can't. For the 3rd angler on a trip, it is $50 additional for a half day and $75 for a full day.
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