Fishing

Ridge to River Outdoors has the knowledge to put you into the right place to hook into some great memories. We will clean and bag your catch at the end of the day. 

Steelhead
"Steelhead fishing is many things to many people. To me it is more than a violent strike, a tug of war along a steelhead stream or the ultimate conquest of a strong, noble fish. It's more than a picture of a vanquished fish and a triumphant fisherman and definitely more than baked steelhead on the table."
Dave Richey - Steelheading in North America, 1976

Steelhead are in fact many things to many people.  They are more to us as well. Each and every experience and quest is something to cherish for a lifetime.  Steelhead are one of the most sought after fish in the Pacific Northwest.  Steelhead can be found in our Northwest rivers most of the year.  We work hard to put you into these fish based on the timing of the runs, how they are moving up river and where they are holding.  We use the right gear and techniques to make the difference between fishing and catching.

Steelhead fishing is available most of the year.  Starting in June the return of our summer run Steelhead begins. The warmer water temperatures usually bring out a more aggressive and acrobatic Steelehead, in comparison to the winter Steelhead run.  The winter steelhead run really kicks off in November and continues through March of the new year, with trophy Steelhead in February and March.  We free drift, back-bounce, and free float jigs for Steelhead.

Rivers we fish for Steelhead: Wild and Scenic Skagit River, Snohomish River, Snoqualmie River, Skykomish River, Cowlitz River, Lewis River, Columbia River

Salmon
In June and July the Pacific Northwest sees the first return of salmon to the rivers with the Summer King (Chinook) Salmon run.  This summer run is highly anticipated and can produce some memorable fish.  King Salmon opportunities in Western Washington continue through the fall.

In the fall, our salmon begin to migrate back to their native waters to spawn.  On odd years, Pink (Humpies) salmon begin their return.  This is the smaller of the four species returning to Northwest rivers, but their size will fool you.  These are hard fighting fish and actually do taste very good using a variety of recipes.  Annually, Coho (Silver) Salmon begin returning toward the end of August and/or the Pink run, followed by and Chum Salmon.

We free drift, back-bounce, drift fish, plunk, troll, and jig fish for the various species of salmon.

Waters we fish for Salmon: Wild and Scenic Skagit River, Snohomish River, Snoqualmie River, Skykomish River, Cowlitz River, Lewis River, Columbia River near the mouth of Cowlitz River, Columbia River near Portland, OR, Drano Lake and Columbia River below Bonneville Dam, and Lake Sammamish.

Dolly Varden
Dolly Varden are found in many Northwest rivers, but the Skagit river has one of the most consistent Dolly fisheries.  We fish for Dollies in the same manner and time as our Steelhead and Salmon returns. Dollies average 4 to 6 pounds and are an added surprise when fishing.  These are very beautiful fish and will provide a memorable experience.

Rivers we fish for Dolly Varden: Wild and Scenic Skagit River, Snohomish River, and the Skykomish River

Sturgeon
White Sturgeon in Washington's North Puget Sound is open year around.  Ridge to River Outdoors fishes for Sturgeon in North Puget Sound area rivers and estuaries.

While we can fish for Sturgeon year around, we have some red hot Sturgeon fishing starting early in the new year through mid summer.  These prehistoric looking fish are hard fighting, giving you an exciting and memorable time on the water.  

Washington State Fish and Game has new measurement rules in effect for 2009.  This new measurement rule requires we measure the length of a sturgeon from the fork in the tail to the snout.  Keeper sturgeon are measured between 38 to 54 inches in length and average 40 - 60 pounds.  The new measurement method does not change the size of the fish you are able to retain, it just makes it easier to measure the fish, ensuring we do not retain under or over size fish.

White Sturgeon is one of our most favorite eating fish.  The boneless white meat is incomparable.

Areas we fish for White Sturgeon: Between the Snohomish River and the Skagit River, including tidal estuaries, sloughs and rivers. 

Ridge to River Outdoors supports the catch and release principles of Wild Steelhead & Wild Chinook Salmon.