Methow River fishing is the chief draw of the Methow Valley, a beautiful area of northeastern Washington State. Located in the scenic Cascade Mountains, Methow Valley is a attractive place for many outdoors activities, including hunting, hiking, cross-country skiing, and white-water rafting, in addition to fishing.

A Methow Valley Washington map would show numerous streams and lakes perfect for fishing. The main river on a Methow Valley map would of course be Methow River, a tributary of the Columbia River. Other major fishing streams you would see on a Methow Valley Washington map would be the Chewuck River, Twisp River, Boulder Creek, and Beaver Creek.

Methow River fishing is justly famous for steelhead trout, one of the most prized game fish in the world. Other species caught on Methow River include whitefish, Chinook salmon, brown trout, eastern brook trout, rainbow trout, west slope cutthroat, and bull trout.

Methow River fishing season runs from June 1st to September 30th on most sections. Some tributaries and sections of the Methow River close for fishing on August 30th. Steelhead season runs from October through March. A Methow Valley map showing open sections is available from fishing supply stores and many hotels. A detailed Methow Valley map showing the best fishing grounds is available from the Methow Valley Ranger District in Winthrop.

Following posted rules and regulations for Methow Valley fishing helps ensure the preservation of this pristine waterway. Anglers must practice safe catch and release, use only artificial lure or fly with a single barbless hook, not play fish to exhaustion, use a rubberized or knotless landing net, grasp the fish properly by its back and head and turn it belly up while removing the hook, and cut the leader if the fish swallows the hook.

If you look at a Methow Valley map, you will also see many glacial lakes around the Methow River. These lakes offer great opportunities for lake fishing. Rainbow trout, west slope cutthroat, eastern brook trout, brown trout, and even smallmouth bass can be found in Methow Valley lakes. Fishing season on the lakes extends longer than on the Methow River.

Many lakes have great sites for Methow Valley camping. Big Twin Lake Campground on the Big Twin Lake makes a good place for Methow Valley camping. Open mid-April to the end of October, the lake is stocked for fly-fishing and fishing from boats. Other good sites for Methow Valley camping can be found in the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests and the North Cascades National Park.

Several Methow Valley hotels offer deals combining Methow River fishing and accommodation. Mt Garner Inn in Winthrop is a good choice. Sun Mountain Lodge Washington, the best of the Winthrop hotels, also has courses in fly-fishing for anglers of all levels.

Methow River fishing is as good as it gets in Washington State: plentiful fish in a pristine waterway surrounded by beautiful countryside close to quality accommodation and campsites. Methow Valley is a great place for a Washington fishing vacation.