Steelhead fishery to open Feb. 1 on Skagit and Sauk rivers

MILL CREEK - Fisheries managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and co-managing tribes have forecasted that 7,019 wild steelhead will return to the Skagit River and its tributaries this year.

The 2025 steelhead forecast is sufficient to open a state-managed recreational fishery on portions of the Skagit and Sauk rivers, as well as fisheries operated by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, and the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe.

Recreational steelhead fishing will open Feb. 1 through April 15 seven days per week on portions of the Skagit and its major tributary the Sauk River under catch-and-release regulations, except up to two hatchery steelhead 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 during this fishery.

“The Skagit River is renowned for its steelhead fishing, and we’re excited to provide this opportunity again this year under our state-tribal resource management plan,” said Edward Eleazer, WDFW’s North Puget Sound Region Fish Program manager.

“Fishing for steelhead is part of both tribal and non-tribal culture in Washington,” said Eleazer. “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.”

On the Skagit River, steelhead fishing will be allowed from the Dalles Bridge at Concrete upstream to Cascade River Road (Marblemount Bridge). On the Sauk River, steelhead fishing will be open from the mouth upstream to Darrington Bridge (Sauk Prairie Road).

These areas are listed as available for recreational fishing in the 10-year Skagit Basin Steelhead Fishery plan, which NOAA Fisheries approved in 2023. Under the plan, other areas of the Skagit River downstream of the Dalles Bridge will remain closed to recreational fishing to protect early winter steelhead, kelts (post-spawn steelhead returning to saltwater), and other native fish populations. 

Refer to the Skagit River and Sauk River emergency fishing rules for additional details, including a prohibition on fishing from boats while under motor power on the Skagit, and fishing from a boat with a motor attached on the Sauk.

More information on Skagit steelhead management is available on this WDFW webpage, including a recent report on the Quicksilver Portfolio, a collaborative plan for restoring Puget Sound steelhead and fisheries.

Steelhead are a sea-going rainbow trout that can exceed 30 pounds, the Washington State Fish, and an icon of the Pacific Northwest that has been a source of important cultural and economic benefits throughout the region’s history.

The estimated wild steelhead return to the Skagit River Basin in 2024 was 7,307 fish.

During the 2025 season, WDFW and co-manager tribes will also conduct in-season monitoring including catch sampling and test fisheries that include collecting scales and genetic samples to improve our understanding of the Skagit River steelhead population and inform future fishery management.

Anglers are reminded that the new fishing license year begins on April 1, 2025.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.