Fly fishing around Bellingham

Fly fishing around Bellingham is filled with a variety of both resident and anadromous species, dramatically different watersheds and more public water than you can find in most states, much less within a couple short hours of downtown. This page is to give you a better idea of the locations of some of our fisheries relative to the city and to give you some other helpful information regarding our trips and what we provide. Below, click on a river, lake or saltwater region to go to the page with more info on that trip.

Here are a few words from our clients' regarding the efforts and personalities of our staff -- Testimonials

Emerald Water Anglers, LLC is a fully licensed and insured guide service in the state of Washington with all of our guides CPR and First Aid certified.

We provide transportation to and from all our Washington fisheries from all downtown Bellingham hotels as well as most of the B&B's located in and around the city. This includes all ferry fees incurred during the trip.

You can buy your Washington Fishing Licenses on-line prior to arriving in Seattle. Please click on this website and it will walk you through the process. www.fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov. You will need to purchase the combination license for how many days you will be fishing with us. Print out your copy of the receipt and bring it with you if the license doesn't arrive before you leave for Seattle.

Lunches are also included on each full day trip and orders can taken to suit even the most discerning tastes. In the fall and winter months, we usually grill something special streamside for you to help keep you warm while fishing. Half day trips include snacks and beverages. Menu options for full day trips -- Lunch

We realize travel to the Pacific NW isn't the easiest to prepare for with regards to fly selection. Well not to worry as we provide all flies for our guests as well as all tippet and other materials needed throughout the day. We also work very closely with Avid Angler Fly Shop (206-362-4030), a full service fly shop just north of Seattle so if anything gets lost along the way or something is needed immediately, we are able to accommodate on a moments notice, usually!!

Group trips or casting clinics are welcome as we have 12 guides locally that are all accomplished instructors as well as guides. We only allow 2 anglers per guide as we feel this affords you the time with your guide to learn as much as possible while sharing the water with them. A guided trip is more than just going to the water to catch fish, it is a fun, educational experience.

Gift Certificates are available in any denomination.

For those new to the sport, we have a full line of top demo gear available as well. Rods from Scott, Sage, TFO and Winston are available. This is great for those thinking of a new rod purchase in the near future. Also Simms and Patagonia waders and boots for the best comfort and performance. We also utilize Cloudveil, Simms and Patagonia waders and boots for best performance and comfort. There is no charge for the use of our gear as we want you to be using the most appropriate equipment for where you will be fishing.

For those bringing their own gear, here are some checklists for each season:
Click on the following for clothing and equipment lists for the appropriate season: Summer, Winter

We are a strict catch and release fly fishing guide service. We believe this preserves our fisheries so that when you arrive to fish with us, we know and you know there will be fish awaiting you and your fly.

All our guides have cameras with them on their trips so that if you forget yours, you won't miss a shot of that great fish you are sure to catch.

For non anglers traveling with anglers, there is plenty to do in Seattle as well. Feel free to ask us for ideas on activities as well as places to stay in the area. We have worked hard to create relationships with many of the hotels and spas in the area. Below is a list of some of our favorites.

Chrysalis Inn and Spa
Hotel Bellwether
The Willows Inn
Squalicum Lake Cottage
The Castle Gatehouse Inn
Schnauzer Crossing B&B

We do not offer refunds on trip cancellations as we have limited space available. Once a spot is full, reselling that space can be difficult. We do allow you to use your deposit for a future reservation up to 6 months after the previous trip date. For both your protection and ours, we highly recommend Trip Insurance for all trips, local, regional and international. When emailing or calling for details and reservations, please ask and we can mail you a brochure outlining the benefits. For payment options, we accept cash, money orders and the following credit cards:



In short, we want to do all we can to ensure you have the best trip possible while visiting Seattle, and fishing with us.

Rivers:

Nooksack River- Located just outside Bellingham on the shoulders of Mt. Baker, slightly southeast about 30-45 minutes. Fall/Winter/Spring
Bogachial River- Located south and well east of Bellingham on the Olympic Peninsula, 4 hours driving time and ferry ride. Steelhead, salmon, dolly varden trout. Fall/Winter/Spring
Hoh River- Located south and well east of Bellingham on the Olympic Peninsula just south of Forks, 4 hours driving time and ferry ride. Steelhead, salmon, dolly varden trout. Fall/Winter/Spring
Sol Duc River- Located south and well east of Bellingham on the Olympic Peninsula just north of Forks, 4 hours driving time and ferry ride. Steelhead, salmon, dolly varden trout. Fall/Winter/Spring
Sauk River- The Sauk is located about a 1 1/2-2 hours driving time southeast of Bellingham, east of Interstate 5 about 40 miles and runs into the Skagit near Rockport. Steelhead, salmon, dolly varden, trout. Fall/Winter/Spring
Skagit River- The Skagit is located about 1 1/2 hours driving time southeast of Bellingham, it runs both east and west of Interstate 5. Steelhead, salmon, dolly varden, trout. Fall/Winter/Spring
Skykomish River- One of Seattles' closest and best known fisheries, the "Sky" is about 2 hours southeast of Bellingham along highway 2 near Monroe. Steelhead, salmon, trout. All Year
Spring/Summer/Fall
Stillaguamish River- The first river ever designated with a fly only section in the world, is about 1 1/2 hours south of Bellingham on Interstate 5 running on both the east and west sides of the freeway. Steelhead, salmon, trout, dolly varden. All Year

Lakes:

More info to come soon.

Puget Sound Saltwater:

Whidbey Island- South of Bellingham and just slightly west, Whidbey is our primary salmon fishing destination, about 1 hour along Interstate 5 with a ferry ride. Salmon. Summer/Fall

North Sound- The north Sound does offer some nice cutthroat fishing from the beaches but seem to be less condensed then in the south. Beaches are at times further away from each other and not all of them have very good access or much beach to offer. Those that do though, are some of the best beaches in the Sound to fish.