Stillaguamish River Fishing Guide: Steelhead, Pink Salmon, and North Puget Sound Flows

The Stillaguamish River, or “Stilly,” is a major North Puget Sound river formed by its North and South Forks, flowing through Snohomish and Skagit counties before entering Puget Sound near Stanwood. The river is highly regarded for its Pink Salmon and the historical significance of its Winter Steelhead run. Due to its steep, rain-fed watershed, monitoring the latest Washington river flow data is crucial, as the river experiences rapid and dramatic flow fluctuations, which can be hazardous.

River History and Sediment Issues

The Stillaguamish is primarily a wild river, with flows governed entirely by rainfall and snowmelt, as no major dams regulate its main forks. The river is notorious for its challenging geological profile, which leads to chronic sediment and landslide issues, particularly in the North Fork. These sediment loads impact spawning habitat and water quality. The river is managed under a highly restrictive regime to protect its iconic, but severely depressed, wild Chinook and Winter Steelhead populations, leading to frequent and prolonged fishing closures.

Location and Access

The main fishing corridor is the lower river, where the two forks converge and the river slows before reaching the estuary. Public access is available near Arlington and other bridge crossings, but much of the bank is privately owned. The difficulty of safe wading and restricted access contributes to the river’s technical reputation. Anglers must be highly cautious of swift currents and rapidly changing water levels.

Primary Species and Seasonal Runs (Salmon & Steelhead)

While the river hosts returns of all five species of salmon and both runs of steelhead, the fishing opportunity is often limited to a few specific, short seasons due to conservation status. The river is most accessible during the Pink Salmon and Winter Steelhead runs.

Fish Run Timing:

• Pink Salmon (Humpies): A major return of Pink Salmon occurs exclusively on odd-numbered years (e.g., 2025, 2027). The abundance of fish provides intensive fishing in the lower river throughout August and September.
• Coho Salmon: A run of Coho provides fishing opportunities from September through November. Coho fishing is subject to strict regulations and limited retention to protect wild stocks.
• Fall Chinook Salmon: Wild Chinook stocks are critically low and listed under the Endangered Species Act. Fishing for this species is almost entirely closed and illegal. Any encounter must be immediately released.
• Winter Steelhead: The Stillaguamish was historically known for its trophy Winter Steelhead. The run typically occurs from December through March. However, the entire Winter Steelhead fishery is often managed as catch-and-release only, or entirely closed, to protect the severely depressed wild stocks.
• Sea-Run Cutthroat Trout: These native trout provide consistent, light-tackle action in the estuary and lower river throughout the summer.

Regulations and Conservation

The Stillaguamish River is one of the most strictly regulated rivers in the region due to the poor status of its wild anadromous stocks. Management is handled by WDFW in co-management with the Stillaguamish Tribe. Frequent emergency closures, mandatory catch-and-release rules, and highly specific selective gear restrictions are the norm.

Anglers are responsible for consulting the WDFW Sport Fishing pamphlet daily for changes, as emergency closures due to low returns are common and carry severe penalties. 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.