Pacific Northwest

01 Feb 2025Updated last time

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10 Best Places for Fishing in Pacific Northwest

Discover the Best Fishing Destinations in the Pacific Northwest

Embark on an angling adventure to some of the most coveted fishing destinations the Pacific Northwest has to offer. From the storied waters of the serene Skykomish River to the extensive ecosystem of the mighty Columbia River, every location promises a unique and fulfilling experience. Whether you're seeking the thrill of battling steelhead and salmon, or the tranquility of fly-fishing for rainbow trout amidst stunning natural landscapes, the Pacific Northwest's rivers and sounds provide the perfect setting. With this guide, you'll uncover the majesty of the region's top fishing spots, understand the allure of their diverse fish populations, and learn why each destination is a must-visit for anglers around the world. So grab your tackle and prepare for a journey through the heart of some of the most picturesque and productive fishing grounds known to enthusiasts.

Recommended Activities

1
Columbia River
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The Columbia River is renowned for its exceptional steelhead and salmon fishing. Its vast expanse supports a diversity of fish species, making it a premier destination for anglers. The river's scenic beauty, coupled with its large runs of Chinook, coho, and sockeye salmon, offers a challenging and rewarding fishing experience.
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Puget Sound
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Puget Sound is an intricate network of waterways with a rich marine habitat that provides excellent opportunities for saltwater fishing. From chasing after salmon and halibut to fishing for lingcod and sea bass, the Sound's range of species appeals to both novice and seasoned fishermen. The surrounding natural beauty and proximity to the Seattle metropolitan area make it an easily accessible and enjoyable fishing locale.
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Yakima River
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The Yakima River is a prime destination for fly fishers in the Pacific Northwest. As a blue-ribbon trout stream, it offers year-round fishing opportunities, with a robust population of rainbow and cutthroat trout. The river is also known for its scenic canyons and the quality of its dry fly fishing, particularly in the spring and fall seasons.
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Snake River
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The Snake River stands out for its world-class bass fishing, including both smallmouth and largemouth varieties. Additionally, it is a well-known destination for trout and sturgeon. The river's diverse ecosystems and its role as a lifeline of the Pacific Northwest create a stunning backdrop for fishing and outdoor adventure along its twists and turns.
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Willamette River
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The Willamette River flows through the heart of Oregon's beautiful landscapes, and its warm waters are home to various fish species such as winter steelhead, spring Chinook, and year-round sturgeon fishing. Particularly in the Willamette Valley, anglers enjoy not only the fishing but also the rich local wine culture and lush environment.
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Deschutes River
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Recognized as a haven for fly-fishing enthusiasts, the Deschutes River offers incredible opportunities to catch redside rainbow trout and summer steelhead. The river features striking canyon scenery and crystal-clear waters, ideal for both wet and dry fly-fishing techniques. Moreover, its healthy aquatic insect populations ensure great hatches, drawing the interest of anglers from all over the world.
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Olympic Peninsula Rivers
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The rivers of the Olympic Peninsula, such as the Hoh, Sol Duc, and Bogachiel, provide perhaps some of the most scenic salmon and steelhead fishing in the United States. Surrounded by temperate rainforests and with the Olympic National Park as a backdrop, anglers can expect a serene and immersive natural experience. These rivers are particularly known for their winter steelhead runs.
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Cowlitz River
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The Cowlitz River is a hotspot for both salmon and steelhead fishing, boasting productive runs that attract anglers throughout the year. Its accessibility and strong fishery management practices provide for a sustainable and successful fishing experience. Additionally, the river's proximity to Mount St. Helens offers a unique chance to combine fishing with exploring the volcanic landscapes.
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Rogue River
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The Rogue River in Southern Oregon is well-regarded for its diverse and vibrant fishery, including salmon, steelhead, and trout. Its remote and rugged canyons provide a secluded and wild fishing adventure, especially appealing for those looking to escape crowded fishing spots. The Rogue also holds a special place in fishing history as one of the first rivers to be designated as a Wild and Scenic River.
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Skykomish River
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The Skykomish River is a favorite for Pacific Northwest anglers, with its vibrant runs of winter steelhead and summer salmon. Known for its scenic beauty and accessibility from Seattle, it provides both challenging and productive fishing opportunities. The river's numerous access points along Highway 2 allow anglers to easily find prime fishing spots in gorgeous natural settings.

Restaurants

The Pink Door
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The Pink Door
Featuring an unmarked entrance and a quirky interior, this restaurant offers Italian-American cuisine and live cabaret entertainment, making it a truly unique dining experience in Seattle.
Tillamook Creamery
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Tillamook Creamery
More than just a cheese factory, this destination offers visitors a chance to watch cheese being made and enjoy farm-fresh dairy products in a relaxed cafeteria-style setting on the Oregon Coast.
Safe House
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Safe House
Located in Milwaukee, this spy-themed restaurant requires a password to enter, serving up intrigue alongside burgers and cocktails in a Cold War-era atmosphere.
The Hobbit Restaurant
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The Hobbit Restaurant
This fanciful restaurant in Ocean City provides a Tolkien-inspired setting with a waterfront view, where patrons can indulge in fine dining amidst decor fitting for Middle-earth.
The Magic Castle
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The Magic Castle
An exclusive club in Los Angeles, The Magic Castle offers a night of fine dining and magical performances, but be prepared—you'll need an invitation from a member or magician to enter this mysterious Victorian mansion.
Opaque - Dining in the Dark
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4.4
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Opaque - Dining in the Dark
This restaurant provides an adventure for the senses in San Francisco, as patrons eat in complete darkness, relying on their sense of taste, smell, and touch to fully enjoy the meal.
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TreeHouse Point
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TreeHouse Point
Nestled in a lush forest near the Raging River, TreeHouse Point offers a distinctive dining experience in Issaquah where you can eat amidst the treetops, though the location primarily serves as a bed and breakfast.
Archipelago
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Archipelago
This unique restaurant in Seattle transports diners to a tropical island paradise, serving up Philippine-inspired cuisine alongside immersive storytelling in a beautifully decorated environment.

Hotels

McMenamins Kennedy School
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McMenamins Kennedy School
A historic elementary school transformed into a unique hotel in Portland, offering guest rooms that were once classrooms, complete with chalkboards and cloakrooms, a movie theater, and soaking pool.
TreeHouse Point
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TreeHouse Point
Offering a chance to reconnect with nature in Issaquah, Washington, guests can sleep in custom-built treehouses surrounded by the forest canopy, complete with modern comforts and beautiful views.
Dog Bark Park Inn
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Dog Bark Park Inn
Dog lovers will delight in staying at this beagle-shaped hotel in Cottonwood, Idaho, which provides cozy accommodations and a whimsical take on the traditional B&B experience.
The Liberty Hotel
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The Liberty Hotel
This luxury hotel in Boston is a renovated historic jail, preserving much of the original architecture while offering a chic and stylish stay in the city's Beacon Hill neighborhood.
Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast
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Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast
Stay in a working lighthouse keeper's home on the Oregon coast, enjoying panoramic ocean views, tide pooling, and hiking, all accompanied by a seven-course breakfast.
The Shady Dell
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The Shady Dell
A vintage trailer court in Bisbee, Arizona, where guests can stay in lovingly restored mid-century trailers adorned with period-correct decor and accessories, taking a nostalgic trip into America's past.

Local Events & Happenings

2024 Season Tickets
2024 Season Tickets
The event will take place at RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield.
RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield (50.6 mi)
N/A
Visit Website
Noah Kahan: We'll All Be Here Forever Tour
Noah Kahan: We'll All Be Here Forever Tour
All support acts are subject to change without notice. There is a delivery delay in place until 6/28/24, tickets will not be available until after this date. A portion of proceeds from each "Make A Difference Ticket" will be donated to The Busyhead P...
RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield (50.6 mi)
2 Jul 2024
Visit Website

Hootie & the Blowfish - Summer Camp with Trucks Tour
Hootie & the Blowfish - Summer Camp with Trucks Tour
There is a delivery delay until July 16, 2024. Tickets will not be available until after this date.
RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield (50.6 mi)
20 Jul 2024
Visit Website
Niall Horan: "THE SHOW" LIVE ON TOUR 2024
Niall Horan: "THE SHOW" LIVE ON TOUR 2024
The event will take place at RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield.
RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield (50.6 mi)
25 Jul 2024
Visit Website
Chris Stapleton's All-American Road Show
Chris Stapleton's All-American Road Show
There is a delivery delay until July 23, 2024. Tickets will not be available until after this date.
RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield (50.6 mi)
27 Jul 2024
Visit Website
Thirty Seconds To Mars - Seasons World Tour
Thirty Seconds To Mars - Seasons World Tour
The event will take place at RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield.
RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield (50.6 mi)
28 Jul 2024
Visit Website
SAMMY HAGAR The Best of All Worlds Tour with special guest Loverboy
SAMMY HAGAR The Best of All Worlds Tour with special guest Loverboy
The event will take place at RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield.
RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield (50.6 mi)
15 Aug 2024
Visit Website

Travel Gems from Reddit

For everything you want to see, do, eat, and buy in the Alamo City, and places you can drive to within an hour of SA! Visit us for The Alamo, The Missions world heritage site,...
I need help fishing in the Pacific Northwest
For everything you want to see, do, eat, and buy in the Alamo City, and places you can drive to within an hour of SA! Visit us for The Alamo, The Missions world heritage site,...
/r/vancouverwa
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TBH, the vast, overwhelming majority of my fishing is on a boat in the Sound or on a lake. If I'm lake fishing, it's for catch and release trout, and if I'm on the sound, I'm ...
How to find where/when to fish in the PNW
TBH, the vast, overwhelming majority of my fishing is on a boat in the Sound or on a lake. If I'm lake fishing, it's for catch and release trout, and if I'm on the sound, I'm ...
/r/FishingWashington
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The Wife and I will be heading to the Pacific Northwest starting in Seattle and making our way north to Vancouver and then down to Oregon Mount Hood area starting October 2. I...
Pacific Northwest recommendations
The Wife and I will be heading to the Pacific Northwest starting in Seattle and making our way north to Vancouver and then down to Oregon Mount Hood area starting October 2. I...
/r/flyfishing
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13 Best Places to Fly Fish in Washington State: Maps Included - Guide Recommended
Fly Fishing in the Pacific Northwest
13 Best Places to Fly Fish in Washington State: Maps Included - Guide Recommended
/r/PNWFlyFishing
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I recently moved to North Western Oregon and was hoping to find some good fishing spots in Oregon or Washington. Coins. 0 coins. Premium Powerups Explore Gaming ... Good trout...
Good trout fishing in the Pacific North West?
I recently moved to North Western Oregon and was hoping to find some good fishing spots in Oregon or Washington. Coins. 0 coins. Premium Powerups Explore Gaming ... Good trout...
/r/Fishing
View on Reddit
Hey fellow paddlers! I'm in the market for a new kayak specifically for fishing in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I'm looking to spend around $500-$800, and I don't mind get...
Need advice on a kayak for fishing in the Pacific Northwest!
Hey fellow paddlers! I'm in the market for a new kayak specifically for fishing in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I'm looking to spend around $500-$800, and I don't mind get...
/r/Kayaking
View on Reddit

Music for Your Journey

John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads
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John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads
A classic tune that evokes the feeling of returning to a place of comfort and nature, perfect for driving through scenic routes and reflecting on the beauty around you.
Otis Redding - (Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay
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Otis Redding - (Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay
An iconic song that captures the laid-back atmosphere of sitting by the water, ideal for when you're waiting for the fish to bite.
Home Free - Fishin' in the Dark/Down in the Boondocks
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Home Free - Fishin' in the Dark/Down in the Boondocks
A country favorite that's all about the joy of fishing at night, complementing those late evening or early morning trips to the river.

The Head And The Heart - Rivers and Roads
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The Head And The Heart - Rivers and Roads
This song's introspective lyrics and soothing melody make it a great companion for the times when you're travelling between fishing spots or relaxing after a long day.
Bishop Briggs - River
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Bishop Briggs - River
With its tranquil vibes and references to the flow of the river, this tune is a great match for any fishing expedition.
Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel
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Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel
An upbeat, singalong track that's perfect for accompanying a road trip through the countryside towards your next fishing destination.
Harper Gomez - Gone Fishing
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Harper Gomez - Gone Fishing
A playful, bluesy song that celebrates the simplicity and joy of taking a break from the daily grind to go fishing.
Johnny Cash - Big River
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Johnny Cash - Big River
A Johnny Cash classic that combines themes of love and river imagery with the Man in Black's signature sound, fitting for cruising along riverbanks.
Shylah Ray Sunshine - Into the Wild
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Shylah Ray Sunshine - Into the Wild
This song captures the spirit of adventure and exploration, mirroring the excitement of discovering new fishing spots and the great outdoors.
Atmosphere - Fishing Blues
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Atmosphere - Fishing Blues
This old-timey tune about the simple pleasures of fishing makes for a light-hearted listen as you cast your line and wait for the day's catch.

Your Trips Will Appear Here

10 Best Places for Fishing in Pacific Northwest

Discover the Best Fishing Destinations in the Pacific Northwest

Recommended Activities

Columbia River

Puget Sound

Yakima River

Snake River

Willamette River

Deschutes River

Olympic Peninsula Rivers

Cowlitz River

Rogue River

Skykomish River

Restaurants

The Pink Door

The Pink Door

Tillamook Creamery

Tillamook Creamery

Safe House

Safe House

The Hobbit Restaurant

The Hobbit Restaurant

The Magic Castle

The Magic Castle

Opaque - Dining in the Dark

Opaque - Dining in the Dark

TreeHouse Point

TreeHouse Point

Archipelago

Archipelago

Hotels

McMenamins Kennedy School

McMenamins Kennedy School

TreeHouse Point

TreeHouse Point

Dog Bark Park Inn

Dog Bark Park Inn

The Liberty Hotel

The Liberty Hotel

Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast

Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast

The Shady Dell

The Shady Dell

Local Events & Happenings

2024 Season Tickets

2024 Season Tickets

Noah Kahan: We'll All Be Here Forever Tour

Noah Kahan: We'll All Be Here Forever Tour

Hootie & the Blowfish - Summer Camp with Trucks Tour

Hootie & the Blowfish - Summer Camp with Trucks Tour

Niall Horan: "THE SHOW" LIVE ON TOUR 2024

Niall Horan: "THE SHOW" LIVE ON TOUR 2024

Chris Stapleton's All-American Road Show

Chris Stapleton's All-American Road Show

Thirty Seconds To Mars - Seasons World Tour

Thirty Seconds To Mars - Seasons World Tour

SAMMY HAGAR The Best of All Worlds Tour with special guest Loverboy

SAMMY HAGAR The Best of All Worlds Tour with special guest Loverboy

Travel Gems from Reddit

I need help fishing in the Pacific Northwest

How to find where/when to fish in the PNW

Pacific Northwest recommendations

Fly Fishing in the Pacific Northwest

Good trout fishing in the Pacific North West?

Need advice on a kayak for fishing in the Pacific Northwest!

Music for Your Journey

John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

Otis Redding - (Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay

Otis Redding - (Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay

Home Free - Fishin' in the Dark/Down in the Boondocks

Home Free - Fishin' in the Dark/Down in the Boondocks

The Head And The Heart - Rivers and Roads

The Head And The Heart - Rivers and Roads

Bishop Briggs - River

Bishop Briggs - River

Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel

Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel

Harper Gomez - Gone Fishing