Fly Fishing the Pacific Northwest

One of the defining features of Pacific Northwest fly fishing is its remarkable fish species diversity. Between summer steelhead, winter steelhead, and the many subspecies of both trout and salmon, PNW fly fishing opportunities are endless. Here is a list of the fish species you can expect to encounter on your Pacific Northwest fly fishing adventure:

Pacific Northwest trout fishing

Bull trout

Bull trout are a native char that can be found in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia. Most bull trout are born and mature in freshwater rivers, but there are populations in coastal rivers that will range to the ocean in search of food. Bull trout prey on other fish and can grow to impressive sizes, with some adult fish weighing more than 20 lbs.

Cutthroat trout

Cutthroat trout are native to the rivers that flow into the Pacific Ocean and can be found all across the Pacific Northwest. There are 14 subspecies of cutthroat trout found in North America, and the Pacific Northwest is home to the only one that ventures into the ocean: the coastal cutthroat. These sea-run cutthroats use Pacific Ocean habitats to feed and grow, and mature fish can be found up to 150 miles inland in British Columbia, Oregon and Washington.

Rainbow trout

Rainbow trout can be commonly found in cold water across the United States, but these fish are native to the cold headwater streams of the Pacific Northwest. Rainbow trout spawn during the spring months and can be found in inland waterways as well as coastal rivers. Sea-going rainbows are commonly known as steelhead, larger fish that are also found in the PNW.

Brown trout

Though brown trout are not native to the United States, they are prevalent in the Pacific Northwest and are fun as hell to catch. Known for their picky eating and aggressive strikes, brown trout now can be found in many of the environments where you’d find the PNW’s native fish.

Brook trout

Brook trout are native to the United States, but not to the PNW. These fish are native to the Eastern United States, but, like brown trout, have been transplanted beyond their native borders and across the country. The smallest of the trout family, brookies can be found in high elevation streams, rivers, and lakes across the Pacific Northwest.

Pacific Northwest salmon fishing

Chum salmon

Chum salmon, also known as Dog salmon, are born in freshwater rivers and migrate to the ocean soon after they hatch. After 3-5 years in the ocean, these fish return to the rivers where they were born to spawn. Chum salmon range in size from 9 to 22 lbs.

Coho salmon

Cohos, also known as Silver salmon, spend the first 1-2 years of their lives in freshwater streams before migrating to the Pacific Ocean. These fish will spend 1-3 years in salt water and return to the rivers where they were born to spawn. Coho salmon range in size from 7 to 11 lbs.

Chinook salmon

Chinook salmon, often referred to as King salmon, are the largest of the Pacific salmon species, growing to sizes nearing 100 lbs. Chinooks migrate to the ocean soon after being hatched in freshwater rivers. These fish spend up to 8 years growing and maturing in salt water before returning to the rivers where they were born to spawn. 

Pink salmon

Pink salmon, also called humpback salmon, are the smallest Pacific salmon species, but also the most abundant. These fish are born in freshwater rivers before migrating to the Pacific Ocean. As two-year-old fish, Pink salmon will return to their home rivers to spawn, developing a large hump on their back during this migration. 

Sockeye salmon

Sockeye salmon, also known as Red salmon, are born in freshwater in or near lakes. These fish spend 1-2 years maturing in freshwater lakes before migrating to the ocean. After 1-3 years in salt water, Sockeye salmon return to their home waters to spawn, developing dramatic red coloration during their migration. Sockeyes typically weigh between 5 and 15 lbs. 

Pacific Northwest steelhead fishing

Steelhead are ocean-going rainbow trout. These fish are born in freshwater rivers where they spend the first 1-2 years of their lives before migrating to the ocean. Steelhead will grow and mature in the Pacific ocean for 1-3 years before returning to their home rivers to spawn. Unlike salmon, steelhead often have multiple spawning cycles– they may spawn up to as many as four times. Between each spawning season, steelhead return to the ocean to feed and replenish their strength. These fish can grow to sizes up to 45 inches and 11 lbs. 

While there is excellent fishing across the region, the following Pacific Northwest areas are known for particularly great fly fishing opportunities. Any of these spots is a great jumping off point for your next PNW fly fishing adventure.

Deschutes River, OR 

The Deschutes is one of the few rivers in the world that features Blue Ribbon native-fish-only  trout water, as well as a strong summer steelhead run. With 3500 trout per mile and an excellent yearly summer steelhead population, the Deschutes offers truly incredible fly fishing opportunities. Originating high in the Cascade Mountains, flowing through the city of Bend, all the way to its confluence with the Columbia River, the Deschutes covers 250 miles. No matter where you choose to fish this river, you’re bound to encounter strong fish and beautiful scenery. 

Salmon River, ID 

The Salmon River flows through central Idaho and covers 425 miles, making it the longest undammed river in the United States. The Middle Fork of the Salmon covers roughly 100 miles and is widely considered one of the best catch-and-release fisheries in the country. Anglers can target cutthroat and rainbow trout, as well as steelhead and Chinook salmon. The Middle Fork is prized by many anglers for its pristine Westslope cutthroat trout habitat. 

Yakima River, WA 

The Yakima River, a 214-mile tributary originating from the stunning Snoqualmie Pass in the Cascade Mountains, is the sole Blue Ribbon trout river in Washington state. Named after the Yakama tribe that lived along the river and fished its waters, the Yakima has provided steelhead, salmon, and wild trout angling opportunities for hundreds of years. Today, the river supports an impressive number of fall spawning Chinook salmon, as well as rainbow, cutthroat, bull and brook trout. 

Elk River, BC 

The Elk River is British Columbia’s crown-jewel when it comes to catching trout on dry flies. Beautiful westslope cutthroats are abundant in the Elk, and they are known for their proclivity to attack dry flies. The Elk River experiences more than 20 distinct insect hatches over the course of a season, keeping the fishery consistently productive from June until the end of October. In addition to its impressive Westslope cutthroat population, the Elk is home to trophy bull trout that can be caught by swinging large streamers. 

Kenai River, AK

The Kenai River, situated in south-central Alaska, originates at Kenai Lake and covers 82 miles before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. The Kenai is known for its trophy rainbow trout, as well as its runs of all 5 species of Pacific salmon. The salmon runs begin in May and last through early fall, but rainbows can be targeted year-round. No matter the time of year that you visit the Kenai, you’ll experience some of the most spectacular scenery Alaska has to offer. 

There are fly fishing opportunities year-round in the Pacific Northwest. Keeping these guidelines in mind will help you to have a successful PNW fly fishing trip, no matter the time of year. 

Pacific Northwest fly fishing rods & reels

The ideal fly rod for a Pacific Northwest trip depends on the type of fishing you plan to do and the species you plan to target. For steelhead and salmon fishing, you’ll want a 7 to 9 weight rod, 9 to 12 feet in length, with a medium-fast to fast action. These rods will have you well-equipped to handle powerful runs and cast large flies. For trout fishing, a 3 to 5 weight rod, 7 to 9 feet in length, will serve you well. Pair your rod with a reel of the same weight, and ensure that your salmon/steelhead reel has a strong, smooth drag system. 

Pacific Northwest fly fishing clothing 

Depending on the time of year you’ll be fishing, your packing list will vary. If you plan to fish during the summer months, breathable fishing shirts and shorts, as well as wading boots and socks, are essential. For colder months, pack several base layers to wear under your waders, and don’t forget a hat and gloves. 

Fly fishing in the Pacific Northwest is an exciting experience for anglers of all abilities. If you’re new to fly fishing in the PNW, start your adventure with AnyCreek. Our expert guide partners have all the knowledge and equipment you need to have a successful trout, steelhead, or salmon trip. These guides have a lifetime of fly fishing experience, and their knowledge will go a long way towards making your Pacific Northwest fly fishing trip an unforgettable one.