Trip brief · Methow River
How to go fish the Methow River
The months we list for the Methow River are June, July, August, September, October. You are inside that window now, so this brief is written for August.
August
No USGS gauge is mapped to this river.
Flies to tie — August
Grasshopper#8-12
Daves Hopper
Ant#14-18
Access
Winthrop Town Access
48.470, -120.180parking
Twisp River Road Confluence
48.360, -120.120parking
Carlton Bridge Access
48.250, -120.070parking
Gold Creek Confluence
48.380, -120.140
Regs — check current rules before you go
Methow River trout fishing is open generally from June 1 through October 31, with selective gear rules (barbless hooks, artificial lures only) in many sections. Steelhead fishing is subject to annual WDFW determination based on run strength — check current Washington State regulations before targeting steelhead, as the season may be closed. Wild steelhead must be released; hatchery steelhead (clipped adipose fin) handling per current rules. A valid Washington fishing license plus salmon/steelhead punchcard required when targeting steelhead. Threatened species including Bull Trout must be released immediately without removal from the water.
Pack list
- A current state fishing licence
- Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
- Net, nippers, forceps
- Floatant and desiccant
- Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
- Water, sun cover, polarised glasses
Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.
Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Methow River page →