Fish Washington State in the
Pacific Northwest
Cast into pristine waters where salmon run strong and steelhead rise to the fly.
Explore
Locations
Each destination offers unique waters and abundant fish.
Whatcom County
Lake Stevens
Kokanee
Lake Samish
Kokanee
Lake Whatcom is a deep, clear lake just east of Bellingham — one of the top Kokanee fisheries in northwest Washington. We troll the deep water from late spring through summer when Kokanee are schooled up and feeding aggressively.
Best months: May through September.
Lake Samish sits between Bellingham and Burlington and produces solid Kokanee action throughout the summer months.
This smaller lake fishes well from a boat with downriggers targeting suspended fish at depth.
Best months: June through August.
Skagit County
Skagit River
Pink Salmon
Coho Salmon
Sturgeon
Lake Whatcom is a deep, clear lake just east of Bellingham — one of the top Kokanee fisheries in northwest Washington. We troll the deep water from late spring through summer when Kokanee are schooled up and feeding aggressively.
Best months: May through September.
Lake Samish sits between Bellingham and Burlington and produces solid Kokanee action throughout the summer months.
This smaller lake fishes well from a boat with downriggers targeting suspended fish at depth.
Best months: June through August.
Snohomish County
Stillaguamish River
Kokanee
Lake Stevens
Kokanee
Lake Roesiger
Kokanee
Rainbow Trout
Snohomish River
Pink Salmon
Coho
Sturgeon
The Stillaguamish River flows through Snohomish County and offers some of the best Sturgeon fishing in the Puget Sound region. We anchor up in the lower river and fish the deep holes where Sturgeon hold.
Best months: Year-round, with peak action in spring and early summer.
Lake Roesiger is a quiet Snohomish County lake known for quality Kokanee and Rainbow Trout. It’s a great option for families and first-timers who want a productive day on calm water.
Best months: May through September for Kokanee.
Spring and fall for Rainbow Trout.
Lake Stevens is our home water — just minutes from Marysville and one of the most consistent Kokanee lakes in Snohomish County. We know this lake inside and out, from the early morning bite to where the fish move through the season.
Best months: May through September.
The Snohomish River system is a major salmon highway feeding into Puget Sound near Everett. We fish it hard for Pink Salmon and Coho Salmon during the fall runs, and the lower river holds quality Sturgeon throughout the year.
Best months: August through October for salmon.
Year-round for Sturgeon.
King County
Lake Sammamish
Cutthroat Trout
Perch
Lake Washington
Cutthroat Trout
Perch
Kokanee
Rainbow Trout
Lake Sammamish is a large suburban lake between Bellevue and Issaquah that fishes surprisingly well for Cutthroat Trout and Yellow Perch. It’s an easy trip for anglers coming from the Seattle metro area who want a quick half-day charter.
Best months: Year-round for Cutthroat.
Spring and summer for Perch.
Lake Washington is the biggest lake in King County and offers a diverse fishery including Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Kokanee, and Yellow Perch. Fishing right in the heart of the Seattle area, it’s one of the most accessible guided trips we run.
Best months: Year-round for trout.
May through September for Kokanee.
Eastern Washington
Alta Lake
Kokanee
Columbia River (Brewster)
Sockeye Salmon
King Salmon
Lake Chelan
Kokanee
Vernita Bridge
King Salmon
Sturgeon
Alta Lake is a hidden gem near Pateros in the Okanogan region, known for reliable Kokanee fishing in a stunning
high-desert setting. It’s a smaller lake that doesn’t get the pressure of bigger waters, so the fish are plentiful and willing.
Best months: May through August.
The Columbia River near Brewster is one of the top destinations in Washington for Sockeye Salmon and King Salmon. When the summer runs push upriver, the fishing here can be world-class — limits come fast on good days. Best months: June through August for Sockeye.
July through September for Kings.
Lake Chelan is a 50-mile-long glacial lake and one of the deepest in the country — and it’s loaded with Kokanee. We troll the deep, cold water where Kokanee stack up during the warm months.
Best months: May through September.
Vernita Bridge on the Columbia River below Wanapum Dam is a legendary spot for King Salmon and Sturgeon. The fall King Salmon run here draws serious anglers from all over the state.
Best months: September through November for Kings.
Year-round for Sturgeon.
Ready to cast your line?
Pick your waters and book a charter with Baxter’s Fishing Guide Design today.