The Outdoor Report: Skagit River Opens For Kings on 4/20

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The Skagit River opens for spring Chinook fishing April 20, just days before the Washington lowland lake trout opener, signaling the start of a busy outdoor season.

This week’s Outdoor Report lines up a little bit of everything the Pacific Northwest does best: salmon season anticipation, a snowy sendoff at Mt. Baker, and one of the most family-friendly fishing openers of the year.

Skagit River Opens for Spring Chinook April 20

Opening day on the Skagit River for hatchery spring Chinook lands on April 20 this year — bringing a bit of tongue-in-cheek overlap with the unofficial “holiday” many associate with smoke. On the river, though, it’ll be more about smoke from camp stoves and riverside setups as anglers plunk for kings.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced a limited fishery:

WDFW drives this fishery based on a forecasted return of harvestable hatchery spring Chinook to Marblemount Hatchery. The agency will actively monitor catch rates, and anglers should cooperate with creel surveys. As always with Skagit fisheries, expect the possibility of in-season changes tied to tribal fisheries. Checking emergency regulations before heading out is essential.

Mt. Baker Closes Out the Season on a High Note

After a volatile winter, Mt. Baker Ski Area wrapped up its 2025-26 season on Sunday, April 19 — but not before delivering a proper Northwest finale. A midweek storm cycle dropped an estimated 12 to 18 inches of fresh snow across upper elevations, setting up a surprisingly strong closing weekend. For those who made the trip, it was a reminder that Baker can still deliver powder deep into April.

Now, attention shifts to spring and summer pursuits — but not before local ski shops clear out remaining inventory. If you missed the mountain this year, the offseason sales might be your next best opportunity.

Lowland Lake Opener Set for April 25

The lowland lake opener — traditionally the fourth Saturday in April — arrives April 25, and it’s shaping up to be another strong year, especially for families. WDFW has stocked lakes across northwest Washington with catchable rainbow trout for shoreline anglers and boaters alike.

These numbers translate to accessible fishing, especially for younger anglers or anyone looking for fast action from the bank. For complete and the latest trout stocking results, visit the WDFW trout stocking page.

Local Tactics: Simple and Effective

For those heading north toward shallow lakes near the Canadian border, PNW Daily’s go-to setup:

• Troll a Thomas Colorado spoon in the classic 50/50 gold-silver pattern
• Mix in Thomas Buoyant spoons, particularly copper/gold combinations
• Don’t overlook small plugs in varied colors and sizes
• Troll a small dodger with a wedding ring or small hoochie with spin-n-glo, smile blade, or Colorado blade (tipped with corn)

These presentations consistently produce during the early-season window when trout are freshly stocked and cruising.

Final Take

This stretch of April is one of the most dynamic outdoor windows of the year in northwest Washington. You can chase spring Chinook on a glacial river one day, hit the salt and chase open marine area windows, and wrap the week introducing a kid to trout fishing on a calm lake.

Just be ready for crowds — especially on opening day for lowland lakes, Saturday, April 25 — and keep an eye on regulations as conditions evolve.