The Pacific Northwest holds some of the most diverse and spectacular trout fishing in North America — wild steelhead in Olympic Peninsula rivers, sea-run cutthroat in coastal estuaries, and wild rainbow trout in the volcanic rivers of the Cascades. Washington and Oregon combined offer more variety of trout species and fishing styles than almost any other region.
Pacific Northwest Steelhead
The Deschutes, Rogue, North Umpqua, Skagit, Hoh, and Queets are among the most revered rivers in all of fly fishing. Summer steelhead on the Deschutes with a dry fly, or swinging a traditional wet fly on the North Umpqua, represents the highest expression of American trout fishing tradition. See our complete steelhead guide.
Sea-Run Cutthroat
Coastal cutthroat trout that spend time in saltwater estuaries before returning to coastal streams offer unique fishing on the Washington and Oregon coasts. These fish typically run 12–18 inches and can be caught in tidal zones and lower river sections from August through October. Small spinners, Woolly Buggers, and small baitfish patterns all produce.
Wild Rainbow Trout
The Yakima, Methow, and Wenatchee in Washington; the John Day, Metolius, and resident Deschutes fish in Oregon. The Metolius River near Sisters is a unique spring-fed river with exceptional wild rainbow and bull trout requiring careful, technical fishing.
Best Pacific Northwest Waters
- Deschutes River, Oregon — summer steelhead and resident redside rainbows
- North Umpqua, Oregon — legendary summer steelhead on fly only
- Hoh River, Washington — wild winter and summer steelhead
- Skagit River, Washington — iconic winter steelhead
- Yakima River, Washington — best trout river in eastern Washington
- Metolius River, Oregon — technical wild rainbow and bull trout
Book a Guided Trip
➜ Browse Pacific Northwest Fishing Guide Trips — Viator
Where to Stay
➜ Browse Hotels Near the Deschutes River — Booking.com