Fishing the Green River (Duwamish): A Guide to Top Spots and Tips

Fishing the Green River (Duwamish) offers thrilling year-round opportunities. From the early hotspots like Spokane Street Bridge to the tranquil Flaming Geyser State Park, you'll find prime locations for salmon and steelhead. Adapt your gear with medium-heavy rods and consider bright lures to attract coho and chum. Timing with tides can boost your success, especially in the lower river stretches. Don't forget to check regulations, like the anti-snagging rule, and secure your fishing license. Each season brings unique rewards, from Chinook in fall to winter-run steelhead. Dive deeper and uncover the secrets of this vibrant fishery.

Key Takeaways

• Spokane Street Bridge and Herrings House Park are prime early hotspots for salmon fishing on the Green River.
• Timing outings with tides enhances success, as salmon follow incoming and outgoing tides in the lower stretches.
• Use float fishing with eggs and spinners for effective salmon bait, adjusting techniques to target specific species.
• Riverview Park in Kent and WDFW Access Site near Highway 18 are favored for salmon and steelhead.
• Bright lures like hot pink and chartreuse, paired with medium-heavy rods, are effective gear choices for salmon fishing.

Overview of Green River Fishing

While many may confuse it with its namesake in Washington, the Green River in Utah offers a distinct and thrilling fishing experience that stands on its own merits. Nestled below the Flaming Gorge Dam, this river is divided into three sections: A, B, and C. Each section presents its challenges and rewards, with Section A being high-gradient, teeming with large rainbow and brown trout. The preferred method here is drift boat fishing, where you can employ top-water fly choices. With the presence of Chinook salmon in the system, anglers have an exciting opportunity to catch these magnificent fish during the open season. When fishing the Green River, sight fishing with top-water flies like yellow sallies and blue-winged olives is key. Drift boats help you navigate and position yourself effectively across the sections. If fly fishing isn't your style, streamers such as Wooly Buggers and jigs in colors like black, tan, copper, and olive do wonders, especially for those hefty brown trout lurking in Section C's calmer waters. The river is a thriving fishery for these trout, providing a rich and diverse environment for anglers.

Accessing this fishing haven is straightforward. A trail runs alongside the river, offering excellent shore fishing opportunities, while boat launches cater to drift boat anglers. Visit near banks and structures in riffles for the best spots, and remember, it's mostly catch-and-release here.

Understanding Fishing Regulations

Understanding the fishing regulations for the Green River is critical for any angler looking to make the most of their experience. First, if you're 15 or older, you need a fishing license for Washington waters, including the Green River. Purchase it online or from dealers across the state. Guarantee you also have a catch record card for species like salmon and steelhead, even if you don't catch anything. Remember, there are no temporary cards, so visit a dealer for immediate fishing. Online or phone orders for licenses and endorsements may take up to 10 days for delivery, but a temporary license can be emailed if your WILD ID has an associated email.

Pay close attention to species-specific rules. For salmon, there's a minimum size of 12 inches and a daily limit of six, with no more than three adults. Be aware of the mandatory Chinook release in certain areas. Trout fishing follows statewide size and daily limits but watch for exceptions concerning cutthroat and wild rainbow trout.

Be mindful of seasonal restrictions, such as the anti-snagging rule and night closures from August 20 to December 31. Trout fishing is open from the Saturday before Memorial Day to year-end. These seasonal restrictions also include closed waters from the Auburn-Black Diamond Rd. bridge to 150 feet downstream of Keta (Crisp) Creek. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure a legal and pleasurable fishing trip on the Green River.

Seasonal Fishing Opportunities

Once you're confident with the regulations, it's time to explore the Green River's seasonal fishing opportunities that await you. Spring brings good chances to reel in resident trout in the Middle Green River. Steelhead are present, though not as abundant as in other seasons. Summer offers excellent trout fishing in the cooler upper stretches. Summer-run steelhead can also be found in select areas, while Chinook begin their journey in deeper holes and upper sections. The Duwamish Estuary, though dramatically transformed, serves as a crucial habitat for juvenile salmon, showing restoration efforts' importance. Fall is the prime time for salmon fishing. Chinook are plentiful, especially in August and September, making it the best time to target them. Coho peak in October, offering thrilling encounters. Late fall sees a good number of chum entering the river. Trout remain present, but the cooler waters make them less active. As winter approaches, the focus shifts to steelhead, marking the peak season for winter-run varieties. There's also a chance to encounter late coho and remnants of chum early in the season. Resident trout can be pursued year-round, providing consistent action no matter the time. The hatchery programs evaluated in the draft Environmental Impact Statement play a significant role in supporting the recovery and population management of these fish species. Equip yourself with this seasonal insight to enhance your Green River fishing adventures.

Prime Locations for Anglers

Exploring the Green River's prime fishing locations is vital for any angler looking to maximize their catch. Start your adventure at the Spokane Street Bridge, an early hotspot renowned for its salmon activity. Herrings House Park along the Duwamish Waterway also offers incredible opportunities for salmon enthusiasts. For those with a boat, the 1st Ave. Boat Launch provides excellent access, while Duwamish Waterway Park facilitates easy entry to some of the river's most fruitful spots.

As you move upstream, Riverview Park in Kent becomes a favored destination as salmon migrate. The WDFW Access Site near the Highway 18 Bridge in Auburn is perfect for both salmon and steelhead. At Flaming Geyser State Park, you'll find another gem for catching chum salmon, whereas the Green River Gorge occasionally sees these fish, adding excitement to your fishing trip. Keep in mind that the Green River has anti-snagging rules and night closures in various sections to ensure a sustainable fishing environment. The Green River is a must-do destination for anglers seeking the next big catch, with opportunities to land memorable catches of brown, rainbow trout, and whitefish.

The industrial shoreline of the Duwamish River offers extensive access, with deep holes significant for targeting Chinook salmon. Equip yourself with bright, aggressive lures or natural baits for success. Remember, regulations such as single-point barbless hooks and anti-snagging rules apply, guaranteeing a responsible and rewarding fishing experience.

Techniques for Salmon Fishing

Having explored the prime locations along the Green River, it's now time to focus on the techniques that will help you land those prized salmon. In the lower stretches, where water temperatures can be warm and salmon finicky, timing your outings with the tides is indispensable. Fish follow incoming tides, but savvy anglers know salmon are also catchable on the outgoing tide. For bait, float fishing with eggs is a go-to, while spinners and jigs work wonders for coho later in the season.

As you move upstream, traditional methods come into play. Jigs and spinners remain effective, especially for pink and coho salmon. Chum salmon, on the other hand, are best approached with floats and jigs. Remember, different species prefer specific river stretches—chum might not venture as far upstream as other salmon. It's important to match the reel size with the rod length and power to ensure a balanced setup and maximize your chances of success on the water. For those targeting coho, consider using Yakima Baits Spinfish as they have been proven to be effective in enticing these salmon, especially when used in the right conditions.

Gear matters too. Opt for medium-heavy to heavy rods with lengths between 7'6" and 11' to handle the fight. Reliable reels like the Abu Garcia C3 or Shimano Calcutta are excellent choices. When it comes to lures, bright colors such as hot pink and chartreuse attract attention, and don't forget to use swivels to prevent line twists.

Effective Steelhead Strategies

Steelhead fishing on the Green River, while occasionally challenging, can be incredibly rewarding with the right strategies. Begin with thorough pre-trip planning—research river conditions, monitor steelhead run timings, and study local fishing reports to pinpoint essential fishing windows. Knowing the river's current levels and how they influence steelhead behavior is vital. You'll want to identify the best access points, such as parks and bridge crossings, and always check the latest fishing regulations to avoid any surprises. Connecting with a local ODFW biologist can provide latest updates on fish activity and river conditions, ensuring you are well-prepared.

Locating steelhead requires a keen eye. These fish often hold near the river's bottom, preferring softer waters near banks or behind obstacles. In high water, target areas higher in the river; during low water, focus lower. Steelhead love deep holes and the head of runs, so vary your techniques accordingly.

For fishing techniques, drift fishing with natural baits like salmon roe is effective. Consider a corky rig with a sliding drift float for versatility. Adjust your gear based on water clarity, using bright colors like orange and pink in murky conditions.

• Research river conditions and timing.
• Identify access points and study fishing reports.
• Fish in softer waters and near obstacles.
• Use drift fishing with natural baits.
• Adjust gear based on water clarity and levels.

Choosing the Right Gear

After mastering effective steelhead strategies, turning your attention to selecting the right gear can greatly enhance your fishing experience on the Green River. Start with the correct rod. Fly rods are versatile for trout, salmon, and steelhead. If you prefer lure or float fishing, a spinning rod is your best bet. For specialized techniques, consider bait cast rods or centerpin rods, particularly effective for steelhead in larger rivers. Opt for longer rods, around 7 to 10 feet, to handle bigger waters and larger fish. Additionally, breathable stocking foot waders are considered the best option for comfort and mobility while navigating river terrains.

Pair your rod with the right reel. Fly reels are indispensable for fly fishing, while spinning reels offer versatility for various species. Spinning reels are designed with line guides that start larger and become smaller towards the tip, enhancing casting precision. If centerpin fishing appeals to you, invest in a centerpin reel. Ensure your reel matches the rod's size and weight and has a dependable drag system. For salmon, consider the Hardy Cascapedia or Orvis Hydros.

Don't overlook essential gear like quality fishing lines, leaders, and swivels to prevent line twists. Floats help adjust hook depth, while terminal tackle like weights and snaps is necessary for river fishing. Finally, equip yourself with waders, a fishing jacket, and polarized sunglasses for comfort and safety.

Timing Your Fishing Trip

Timing your fishing trip on the Green River can dramatically boost your chances of landing a prized catch. Understanding the nuances of fish runs and river conditions is imperative. For instance, targeting chinook salmon in deep holes during their August to October run can be highly rewarding. Coho, on the other hand, are more active after rainfall in September, peaking in early November. Pay attention to water temperatures; salmon become more finicky in warmer waters, especially in the lower stretches.

Maximize your success by considering these key factors:

• Best Coho Month: October is prime, but September and November can also yield productive days.
• Chinook's Sweet Spot: Look for them in deep holes during their upstream journey, particularly in October.
• Morning & Evening Bites: Salmon are most active during these times when river flows are manageable.
• Chum Salmon Strategy: Natural baits like salmon roe work well, especially in the lower Green River.
• Tidal Timing: Use tide tables to plan your trip; targeting fish a few hours after low slack can uncover their movement patterns.

With precise timing and strategic planning, your fishing trip will be both successful and memorable.

Sustainable Fishing Practices

Sustainable fishing practices guarantee the long-term health of fish populations and the ecosystems they inhabit. When fishing the Green River, focus on using gear that minimizes bycatch. Opt for larger mesh nets and curved hooks to protect juvenile and non-target species. Trolling is a recommended technique, as it's both effective and gentle on fish. Always adhere to local regulations regarding gear and methods to contribute to sustainability. Bycatch is a major concern in many fishing methods, with an estimated 63 billion pounds of unintended marine species caught annually. Maintaining sustainable fishing practices is crucial because it helps protect the livelihoods of coastal and Indigenous communities.

Preserving habitats is critical. Support efforts to establish no-fishing zones and replenishing areas near key habitats like coral reefs. Participate in community-led management initiatives focused on habitat restoration and meeting conservation goals. These efforts ensure fish populations remain robust for future generations.

Quotas and seasonal restrictions play a fundamental role. Respect the set quotas and adhere to open-and-closed seasons to prevent overfishing. Follow harvest control rules and daily catch limits to protect fish stocks, and be mindful of night closures and anti-snagging rules.

Engage with your community to promote sustainable practices. Encourage local leadership and rely on science and data for informed decision-making. Embrace responsible fishing behaviors, registering and recording your catches to maintain healthy fisheries.

Planning Your Fishing Adventure

When you're planning your fishing adventure on the Green River, understanding the local fishing seasons and regulations is essential for a successful outing. From November 1 to December 31, you can target salmon, remembering to release any Chinook you catch. Make sure you observe the night closure and anti-snagging rules from August 20 to December 31. Pay attention to tidal movements, as fish often follow the incoming tide up the river, but can still be found during the outgoing tide. Keep in mind that according to health advisories, salmon is the safest seafood to eat from the Duwamish River, while resident fish should be avoided due to high levels of toxins.

To get the most out of your trip, consider these tips:

• Check Regulations: Stay updated on fishing limits and species-specific rules.
• Scout Locations: Visit Fort Dent Park or the Duwamish Waterway for prime spots.
• Timing is Key: Plan around tides and the season to increase your catch chances.
• Gear Up: Use chartreuse and firetiger lures or natural baits like salmon roe.
• Stay Informed: Follow health advisories, especially in the Duwamish Waterway.

With these considerations in mind, your Green River fishing experience can be both fruitful and environmentally responsible. Equip yourself with the right knowledge, gear, and respect for the river, and you'll make the most of your fishing adventure.