Fishing Around Darrington
Every year the smolts of of a variety of large fish like the Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink and Chum Salmon as well as native and hatchery Steelhead will leave our five rivers on their long journey to the salt water to return when they are mature and ready to spawn, creating the next generation. In a good year there are many opportunities for the angler to intercept some of these big fish as they return.
In the mountains surrounding Darrington you can also find the high lakes which are frozen much of the year. For an ever so brief season, midsummer to fall, the alpines fill with wildflowers and life and the lakes reappear with their resident fish hungry after their long winter.
Learn More About Darrington’s Five rivers
The Sauk River is fed by the large tributaries of the Suiattle River and White Chuck River before it flows into the Skagit River. Spring and fall runs of big fish return every year to the Sauk River to spawn.
The North Fork Stillaguamish River begins as the drainage of North Mountain, north of town, from three river branches fed by mountain springs. On this river is the Steelhead Hatchery at Fortson. This river also has populations of several salmon species. The two largest tributaries for this river, Squire Creek and Boulder River are both closed to fishing.
Regulations vary, especially on the rivers, so it is always a good idea to bring your WDFW rule book with you, and check the WDFW website before heading out to fish. It is important to keep up to date with WDFW Emergency Closures. Keep in mind when fishing in rivers and lakes within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, compliance with other regulations may apply.
Didn’t bring your fishing pole? The Gold Nugget Jewelry and Loan can assist you with fishing pole rentals, fishing licence and getting your Discover Pass.
Darrington High Lakes and Trails
There are about 1,600 lakes considered as high lakes in western Washington at an elevation of 2,500 feet. Most of these are very remote with only a boot path if any to follow. For most of the year they lay under heavy snows seeing a very brief summer when the waters finally thaw. These lakes will also take you to some of the most beautiful places in our country! Most of our high lakes are within the National Forest, see their webpage. Several of these lakes at some time have been stocked creating a local population of trout. See the WDFW website. Many of the high lakes have never been stocked however they have been fished for years. There are a couple of trails leading to high lakes, most are not maintained.
Discover Texas Pond
Texas Pond is an old millpond built back in the early 1900s for a large cedar bolt camp. There is one campsite nestled in the trees and one picnic site near the pond. Near the picnic site is easy access to launch a small boat.
Below is a map showing approximate locations of Darrington’s high lakes. Access to these lakes is very rugged and routes are unknown.