Snohomish River Fishing Guide: Coho, Pink Salmon, and Estuary Flows

The Snohomish River is one of the premier angling destinations in Puget Sound, formed by the confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers near Monroe and flowing into Possession Sound at Everett. Known for its wide, slow-moving mainstem and massive salmon returns, the Snohomish is a highly accessible and productive river. Due to its large watershed, monitoring the latest Washington river flow data is important, especially during winter and early spring high-water periods.

River History and Estuary Importance

The Snohomish River is a tidal river for much of its lower length, and its estuary near Everett is one of the most critical staging and feeding areas for migratory fish in the region. The river’s character is defined by its wide flood plain and the merging of two major river systems, which blend the clear, cold water of the Skykomish with the somewhat warmer flow of the Snoqualmie. Historically and currently, the Snohomish is managed as a hatchery support river while balancing the need to protect the recovering wild stocks inherited from its tributaries.

Location and Access

The Snohomish River is highly accessible, with numerous boat launches and bank access points throughout the lower river and estuary, particularly near Everett and Snohomish. Because the river is wide and deep in the lower reaches, boat fishing is the most productive method, often involving trolling or back-trolling to cover water. Shore fishing is popular in the shallower tributaries and around public access areas closer to the main population centers.

Primary Species and Seasonal Runs (Salmon & Steelhead)

The Snohomish River system is famous for its tremendous Pink and Coho salmon returns, often providing some of the highest recreational salmon catch rates in the region.

Fish Run Timing:

• Pink Salmon (Humpies): The river sees an enormous return of Pink Salmon exclusively on **odd-numbered years** (e.g., 2025, 2027). The fish flood the river and its tributaries, providing an intense, high-volume fishery from **August** through **September**.
• Coho Salmon: The Coho run is excellent and is the focus of the fall fishery. Fish begin arriving in large numbers in late **August**, with the peak season running from **September** through **November**. Anglers utilize various techniques, including trolling spinners and twitching jigs.
• Fall Chinook Salmon: A substantial run of Chinook enters the system in late summer. Fishing is generally focused on the lower mainstem in **August** and **September**, with strict regulations in place to protect wild stocks.
• Chum Salmon: A strong late-season run of Chum enters the river, offering a challenging fight in the colder months. The best fishing occurs from **October** through **December**.
• Winter Steelhead: While the Steelhead fishery is more concentrated in the Skykomish and Snoqualmie tributaries, the mainstem Snohomish sees fish moving through from **December** through **March**. Regulations are highly protective of these stocks.

Regulations and Conservation

Management of the Snohomish River is complex, involving WDFW and co-manager tribes, due to the presence of both hatchery and wild stocks across a large basin. Regulations are frequently subject to in-season adjustments, particularly regarding salmon retention. Specific gear restrictions, including mandatory barbless hooks, are often enforced throughout the season.

Anglers must carefully consult the current regulations for the mainstem and its many tributaries before fishing. For the most current rules, seasons, and any emergency closures, always check the official resources from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

WDFW Fishing Rules: Consult the latest WDFW Fishing Regulations.