Fly fishing around Seattle



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Fly fishing around Seattle 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 and Articles written about us.

Emerald Water Anglers, LLC is a fully licensed and insured guide service in the state of Washington.

We provide transportation to and from all our Washington fisheries from all downtown Seattle, Bellevue and Airport 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, Kaufmans, Creekside and Puget Sound Fly Company, all are full service fly shops so if anything gets lost along the way or something is needed immediately, we are able to accommodate on a moments notice, usually!!

For all of our trips we make available technical gear with the Emerald Water Anglers logo on it. This is gear we use in the field. Technical gear can be added to any trip to make your experience more comfortable and memorable.

Group trips or casting clinics are welcome as we have 13 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 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.

Salish Lodge and Spa
Cave B Inn at Sagecliffe
Northern Lights Lodge
The Woodmark Hotel
The Sorento Hotel
The Willows Lodge
Hotel Nexus
Inn at the Market
Edgewater Hotel
Canal Cottages

A few more modestly priced options as well.

6th Avenue Inn
Ramada Inn
Silver Cloud Inn
Marriott Hotel

Also during your stay here in Seattle, please frequent some of our better friends who own some great establishments for dinner and drinks while here in town.

Steelhead Diner
Tini Biggs
Palace Kitchen
Dahlia Lounge

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.

To receive special reports and news on upcoming events, new destinations and new products, drop us an email to receive our newsletter. newsletter@emeraldwateranglers.com

Rivers:

Bogachial River- Located slightly north and well east of Seattle on the Olympic Peninsula, 3 1/2 hours driving time and ferry ride. Steelhead, salmon, dolly varden trout. Fall/Winter/Spring
Cowlitz River- Almost due south of Seattle along Interstate 5, 2 hours driving time. Steelhead, salmon, trout. Fall/Winter/Spring
Hoh River- Located slightly north and well east of Seattle on the Olympic Peninsula just south of Forks, 3 1/2-4 hours driving time and ferry ride. Steelhead, salmon, dolly varden trout. Fall/Winter/Spring
Sol Duc River- Located slightly north and well east of Seattle on the Olympic Peninsula just north of Forks, 3 1/2 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 northeast of Seattle, 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 2 hours driving time northeast of Seattle, 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 45 minutes or so northeast of Seattle along highway 2 near Monroe. Steelhead, salmon, trout. All Year
Snoqualmie River- The Snoqualmie is one of our best, short drive resources for both beginning and advanced anglers alike. Only about 30-45 minutes east of Seattle on Interstate 90 near Fall City and Snoqualmie. Steelhead, salmon, trout. Spring/Summer/Fall
Stillaguamish River- The first river ever designated with a fly only section in the world, is about 1 1/2 hours north of Seattle on Interstate 5 running on both the east and west sides of the freeway. Steelhead, salmon, trout, dolly varden. All Year
Yakima River- Washingtons' only real trout stream is just over Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90, southeast of Seattle about 1 1/2-2 hours driving time. Trout. All Year

Lakes:

Lake Nunnally- Located on the east side of the Columbia River, Nunnally is about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Seattle, southeast along Interstate 90. Trout. Spring/Summer/Fall
Lake Lenice- Located on the east side of the Columbia River, Lenice is about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Seattle, southeast along Interstate 90. Trout. Spring/Summer/Fall

Puget Sound Saltwater:

Whidbey Island- North of Seattle and just slightly west, Whidbey is our primary salmon fishing destination, about 1 hour along Interstate 5 with a ferry ride. Salmon. Summer/Fall
South Sound- Usually our more consistent sea run cutthroat fishery, the beaches we use vary from 20 minutes to about an hour south to southwest of Seattle along Interstate 5 and highway 16. Salmon, trout. All Year