The Methow River (pronounced met-how) in northeastern Washington State is a beautiful watershed running off the east slope of the northern Cascades down through the Methow Valley. River and valley perpetuates the name of the Methow Indians who were mentioned in passing in the journals of Lewis and Clark, though not much more is known about this Plateau Salish tribe.
Big boulders and high canyon walls give way to surrounding orchard land; a mixture of arid land blending into the mountains; riparian areas consist of cottonwood, alder and aspen. Wildlife including white tail deer are sometimes seen along the banks of the river as well wintering populations of bald and golden eagles.
In the middle of it all runs this amazingly resilient freestone river. Surrounded by high glaciated peaks, frigid waters tumble down to the valley floor and create a natural fish habitat for a variety of species, including the steelhead.
While the Methow is considered a closed river for steelhead fishing, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife often declares an “emergency opening” of the river, which usually takes place in October or November and often runs sometimes as late as March of the following year.
It all depends on the steelhead population. The opening of the “emergency” steelhead fishing season on the Methow is based on yearly statistics of the steelhead population gathered by WDFW.
The past few seasons have been tremendous for steelhead on the Methow. Isn’t it time you joined us for a day on this incredible steelhead river? What better way to combat those winter blues than to wet your line and experience some first-class fly fishing.
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