I am going camping near this river during memorial day and was wondering if there is any good fishing? Any tips would be appreciated. Camping near Twisp. Thanks. Marc

I heard it may be opened up for springer fishing. Check with WDF&G or local tackle shops. With the huge Columbia run racing up the river so fast they should be in there by now, and like the other tribs getting better each week thru May. ... I don't know about trout but it should have some? And the summer steelhead run should be better than in years, in a few more weeks.

[ 05-04-2001: Message edited by: RT 1 ]

Hey, E-mail me at home and I will fil you on the methow, I use to spend my summers and falls on that river fishing and hunting.
Peace Superfly

Check with Mazama Troutfitters in Mazama. They'll fill you in on all the happenings in the area. If you are interested in lakes, Big Twin is no secret, but it can be hot, hot, hot for some jumbo rainbows and cutts. Chironomids are usually the daily ticket and night tubing with big ugly leeches is a hoot. Its just past the high school about a half mile up the Sun Mountain road. Also, Cougar and Davis are good (I'm not sure if Cougar is open till fall). Also, the outdoorsman in Winthrop can answer some questions for you.

Wow, I would be shocked if the Methow opened for Kings. I would be interested in any follow ups on this issue.

Thanks for all the advice. Any gear recommendations for the river? Drifting or plunking? Thanks. Marc

The Methow does not open up until June 1 and even then a lot of it stays closed. It was one of the rivers that was hit pretty hard by the ESA listing. The seasons on it are pretty short and restrictive, so as to protect the remaining steelhead in it. If you want to fish for something, there is good fishing in a lot of the lakes around there, and if your up for some good splashy fun, the Black Canyon should be at about peak whitewater levels. Have fun!

Marc,
You may be getting some bad information here. So far as I know the river is still open from June 1 to Sept. 20, from Gold Creek to the Weeman Bridge above Winthrop. It's catch and release only and selective gear rules (artificials only, single barbless hook). Check the current regs, they're available on line or at any license outlet.