Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Snoqualmie River - Carnation - Washington

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Morning #18 - #22 Griffith's Gnat
Winter Stonefly Afternoon #16 - #20 Black Stonefly Nymph
February Midges Morning #18 - #22 Zebra Midge
Winter Stonefly Afternoon #16 - #20 Black Stonefly Nymph
March Blue Wing Olive Afternoon #16 - #20 BWO Dry Fly, RS2
Sculpins All Day #4 - #8 Zoo Cougar, Muddler Minnow
April Sculpins All Day #4 - #8 Zoo Cougar, Muddler Minnow
Caddis Evening #12 - #16 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
May Sculpins All Day #4 - #8 Zoo Cougar, Muddler Minnow
Caddis Evening #12 - #16 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
June Mayflies Afternoon #12 - #16 Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph
Caddis Evening #12 - #16 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
July Mayflies Afternoon #12 - #16 Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph
Grasshoppers All Day #6 - #10 Parachute Hopper, Foam Hopper
August Grasshoppers All Day #6 - #10 Parachute Hopper, Foam Hopper
Ants/Beetles All Day #14 - #18 Parachute Ant, Deer Hair Beetle
September Ants/Beetles All Day #14 - #18 Parachute Ant, Deer Hair Beetle
Mayflies Afternoon #12 - #16 Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph
October Blue Wing Olive Afternoon #16 - #20 BWO Dry Fly, RS2
October Caddis All Day #8 - #12 October Caddis Pupa, Elk Hair Caddis
November Blue Wing Olive Afternoon #16 - #20 BWO Dry Fly, RS2
Tiny Winter Black Stonefly All Day #16 - #20 Black Stonefly Nymph
December Midges Morning #18 - #22 Griffith's Gnat
Tiny Winter Black Stonefly All Day #16 - #20 Black Stonefly Nymph

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The Snoqualmie River in Carnation offers numerous excellent fly fishing spots, offering a great experience to fishing enthusiasts of all levels.

  • Tolt River Confluence: This point where Tolt and Snoqualmie Rivers meet is renowned for its seasonal catches of trout.
  • Chinook Bend: This area is popular for its high-quality fly-fishing experience featuring Steelhead and Cutthroat Trout.
  • River’s Edge: Ideal for beginners due to its calm waters and easy access, offering a selection of Cutthroat Trout and Coho Salmon.
  • Reintree Run: A hidden gem with a dense population of the native Cutthroat Trout and Steelhead, ideal for experienced anglers.
  • Fall City Area: Located near Snoqualmie Falls, it provides a beautiful area for fly-fishing and is famous for its Coho and Sockeye Salmon.

Each angler is advised to follow all fishing regulations and ensure they have the appropriate fishing license.

Best Access Points

If you are planning to fly fish on the Snoqualmie River, check out these highly recommended access points within or near Carnation:

  • Chinook Bend Natural Area: This public fishing area covers 2.5 miles of the Snoqualmie River. Please note that it is catch and release only.
  • Tolt River Confluence: The convergence of Tolt and Snoqualmie rivers is popular among anglers. Some quality runs hold a good number of fishes.
  • Plum Boat Launch: An excellent access point located downstream of the Tolt River confluence. This location is great for drifting down to the next access point.
  • Nelems Memorial Park: This location allows easy access to the river. Fishing here requires a Snoqualmie Valley Regional Park Fishing permit.
  • Fall City Bridge: Upstream from Fall City is another good area for fly fishing. There’s limited public access, so be sure to respect private property. Accessible by foot from the bridge.

Local Fish

  • Rainbow Trout: This is the most prevalent fish targeted by fly fishermen in the Snoqualmie River. They are often found in fast-moving water.
  • Brown Trout: This species is less common than the Rainbow Trout but because of their larger average size, they are considered a prize catch on the Snoqualmie.
  • Cutthroat Trout: Known for their aggressive strikes, these fish are named after the distinctive red slash found just below their jawline.
  • Brook Trout: An exotic species introduced to the Snoqualmie River. They provide an exciting opportunity for fly anglers to target a non-native species.
  • Bull Trout: Bull Trout are a threatened species, so catch and release is mandatory on the River. They are identifiable by their size and spots, with mature adults often exceeding 20 inches in length.
  • Steelhead: Steelhead are ocean-run Rainbow Trout, larger than their freshwater counterparts, and are a sought-after species among experienced anglers on the River.
  • Mountain Whitefish: These fish are often found in the same habitats as trout. Their smaller mouths make them a fun challenge for fly fishing.
  • Salmon: The Snoqualmie River hosts four species of Pacific Salmon: Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, and Pink. Each species provides a unique fly fishing experience.

About The River

Have you ever heard of the Snoqualmie River in Carnation? If not, allow us to introduce you!

The Snoqualmie River, a prominent water body flowing through the picturesque city of Carnation, has a rich history that dates back to thousands of years. Home to the indigenous Snoqualmie People, its name itself is a testament to the heritage of the land.

Known for its stunning beauty and

  • magnificent waterfalls
  • bountiful salmon runs
  • vast farmlands

the river is not just a sight to behold but a backbone of the community’s agricultural economy.

The City of Carnation, originally named Tolt, banks on this river. Its change in name to ‘Carnation’ in 1917 reflects the city’s attempt to align with the trending Carnation Milk Farms.

Today, the Snoqualmie River continues to flow with its ancient essence, holding the city of Carnation in its beautiful embrace and weaving together a tapestry of human history and natural wonder.

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