Washington
Skagit River near Newhalem
Location Snapshot
Skagit River near Newhalem is an upper North Cascades river reach surrounded by steep forested mountains and shaped by cold tributaries and glacially influenced water. Rainbow trout and chinook salmon are the principal supported targets.
Current River Rating
Fair · 67
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Consider
Recommended Window
Wednesday, 4:00 PM–7:00 PM
Why
- Water temperature is within the preferred trout range.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: Medium
Current Readings
- Flow
- 3510 CFS
- Gage Height
- 83.83 ft
- Water Temperature
- 51.6 °F
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 9:45 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 12178000 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Overcast
Temperature
50°F
Feels like
43°F
Wind
7 mph SW
Wind gust
7 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 12:15 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 3 AM
Clear
Temp 52°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Tue 7 AM
Clear
Temp 53°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Tue 11 AM
Clear
Temp 67°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 3 PM
Clear
Temp 73°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 7 PM
Clear
Temp 65°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Tue 11 PM
Clear
Temp 63°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 74°F / Low 50°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 18 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 76°F / Low 54°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 12 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 63°F / Low 47°F
Chance 18%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 6 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Mostly clear
High 59°F / Low 41°F
Chance 14%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 5 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
The Skagit near Newhalem, in the North Cascades, is a salmon river.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Skagit River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Chinook Salmon
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- Medium confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Regulated flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Whatcom, Washington
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Whatcom
Management Category
Anadromous and resident salmonid river
Regulation Scope
Skagit River near Newhalem.
Regulation Summary
Skagit near Newhalem: WDFW Skagit River rules. Confirm current Fishing Regulations.
Target Species
rainbow-trout, chinook-salmon
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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