Headwaters of the Methow

The headwaters of the Methow, often called the Met, originate high in the snowy peaks east of the Cascade Range at about 9,000 feet. The river courses from high alpine terrain to gently sloped, wide valleys, winding for about 80 miles through Ponderosa pine forests, rolling hills, ranches and orchards before dumping into the Columbia River at Pateros.

The river usually peaks around Memorial Day, and the fishing season officially opens June 1. But the waters were still high and the fishing only mediocre when we first planned a trip in mid-June. So we waited for the conditions to improve before making the four-hour drive from Seattle in early July.
Fishing Tips