Cedar River
Camp Host: Scott Keenholts
Date: August 15, 2020 8:00 a.m. at Landsburg Park parking lot (see directions below)
Registration Fee: No charge, day outing
The Cedar River originates in the Cascades and flows approximately 45 miles to Lake Washington. The Cedar River is the primary water source for the City of Seattle and as a result the upper watershed is completely closed to public access. The lower river is open to catch and release fishing from just below Landsburg Dam (upstream of Maple Valley) all of the way down to the mouth of the river in Renton. The river is only open for fishing of the resident Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout during June, July, and August. The rest of the year it is closed to all fishing to protect weak runs of Sockeye Salmon and Winter Steelhead.
The trail is a very wide repurposed railroad path that is hardpack with some loose gravel and travels for 5 miles to Highway 18. There are many, many access points right from the parking lot and along the trail.
If you are up to walking 1/2 mile to a mile, you should get a variety of good spots where you should catch fish. If you are up to bicycling, you can access premium spots 2-3 miles down. You can catch fish on nymphs and small dry flies. 4wt setup is ideal; 5 wt is certainly fine also. There are plenty of small rainbows that really fight and the big ones are hiding. Also cutthroats and even mountain whitefish.
What to Bring:
- Washington state fishing license
- 4-5 weight rods
- 3x,4x, and maybe 5x tippet, depending on which flies you use
- Waders, wading boots and staff
- Folding chair
- Rain gear
- Hat and sunglasses
- Camera
Food & Beverages:
Directions:
- From I-405 exit onto Hwy 169 Maple Valley Highway, travel 10 miles. Turn left on SE 216th and travel straight for 3.1 miles. Turn right on 276th Ave. SE and travel 2.3 miles to the parking lot on the right. This is Landsburg Park and they do have clean outhouses.
Cancellation Deadline: The deadline for cancellation is August 13th. To cancel, log onto the NFA website with your email and password, go to the event, click on "Already Registered" and follow the prompts to cancel your registration.
