Host: Russ Shropshire
The Skagit River is a big river that's wide with long shallow runs and plenty of deep places for the fish to hold. It's full of large rocks and boulders. The Upper Skagit is a tailwater river and is gin clear most of the time. The Cascade River, a major tributary that enters at Marblemount, will be turbid at times during the Winter but other than that, the upper Skagit will stay clear. Below the Cascade River confluence, the Skagit River becomes wider, and continues on a shallower slope with slower riffles and runs. Downstream of the confluence with glacier fed Sauk River, water levels and turbidity are frequently very different from the upper Skagit. This is especially true after heavy winter rains.
The Fishing:
Pink Salmon only show up in odd-numbered years. But when they do move in, they provide fast action for about 5 weeks, from the middle of August to late September depending on the rain. In recent years the Skagit has seen record and near record runs of Pink Salmon. Our outing this August will be focused on Pink Salmon. We will float and fish the Skagit River near the height of the Pink Salmon run. Also, on the menu, resident bull trout and early Coho. Although we will be floating the river, most of our fishing will be done wading while beached along gravel bars along the river.
The Rafting:
Although the Skagit River from Marblemount to Rockport State Park is not a serious whitewater river, it flows from 4 to 5,000 cubic feet per second in August and can be cold and fast with moderate wave train in places. This is not a river for rafting novices and newbies. The put-in and take-out will accommodate trailered rafts/boats.
Note: There is a launch fee at the take-out at Rockport State Park. Each participant is responsible for their own launch fee.
What to Bring for Fishing:
Food & Beverages:
Logistics:
