Methow River

[GermanShorthair]

Hey guys, my father is looking to making a trip to the methow river for some steelhead.   We have never been there, and we were wondering what kind of fishing access is there, and any info would help. thanks in advance

[Firstlight]

Lots of access, and lots of fish. Flies, and gear are both picking off a lot of fish. Sounds like the wardens are out in full force writing tickets for people not retaining the hatchery fish, so make sure you keep them.

[Buschingc]

Lots of places to fish, but there were a ton of people last week when I was there.. It looked like stealhead fishing on the cowlitz... Just way to many people. Anyways.. I heard a rumor that they closed the methow down..My brother called me yesterday about it.. Its only a rumor, but I just wanted to give you a heads up.. Check with the Fish and Game...

[fisheral87]

Looks like they just moved the closure up from the 30th to the 26th of September. FYI.

[boneaddict]

You mean October?

[twisp_river_slayer]

you have to stand in line just to fish a hole. There were people sitting on holes in the dark just to fish them. Its pretty crazy. Especially since the wenatchee is open and is produceing fish, that usually takes a lot of pressure off the methow

[oldschool]

 All done to many people hit it to hard.

[twisp_river_slayer]

no it was september. They closed the river for catch and release trout becuase people were targeting steelhead. Now its open until they meet their requirment for hatchery fish kept

[boneaddict]

gotcha.  I was chasing moose when it was prime, but man its hit hard.  Sure miss the 80's

[JackOfAllTrades]

Ok, so hatchery Steelies open.. I'm assuming anywhere down stream from where the Twisp combines? It would be nice to take a mid-day from hunting to cast a few times. Hopefully once Deer opens then the pressure on the river will reduce.

-Steve

[twisp_river_slayer]

haha yeah thats what i hear. I have seen some awesome pictures from the 80's and even older. This year it just seems like it every magazine or article you read said something abut the methow so it got the word out to everyone. Yeah its an awesome fishery but it has its capacity for the amount of fishermen.

[JackOfAllTrades]

I have seen some awesome pictures from the 80's and even older.

Yup.. You should have seen things before the Boldt decision.

-Steve

[boneaddict]

I used to get my deer as close to the opener as possible and then spend the rest of my time landing big fish after big fish.

[MtnMuley]

Very crowded.  Get there early and hold your ground.  Not my syle of combat fishing, but the fish are there.  Good Luck.

[GermanShorthair]

Thanks guys for all the info we are not the combat fishing style ouselves so don't know if we will make it, but thanks for the info.