Natron_a,
The Skagit River in the Newhalem area isn't open to salmon fishing. There are small numbers of rainbow trout in the river, but I can't say that there are enough to target them. Gorge reservoir upstream of Gorge Dam is stocked with Ross Lake rainbow trout, and the upper part of it is accessible from shore. The Skagit River upstream of Ross Dam is more than steep; it's about 26 miles up the Ross Lake reservoir to where you encounter the free flowing upper Skagit River. Also, it's in Canada, so you need a B.C. fishing license. And you cannot drive there from Ross Dam or Newhalem. You'd have to drive around and enter B.C. at Sumas or another border crossing. If you just want some stream fishing for resident trout near Newhalem, drive up to the Newhalem Creek hydro diversion dam. It's on the gravel road past the NPS visitor center. Park at the end of the road, cross Newhalem Creek and hike upstream for a mile or so for decent fishing for rainbow trout averaging 9".
Sg
The Skagit River in the Newhalem area isn't open to salmon fishing. There are small numbers of rainbow trout in the river, but I can't say that there are enough to target them. Gorge reservoir upstream of Gorge Dam is stocked with Ross Lake rainbow trout, and the upper part of it is accessible from shore. The Skagit River upstream of Ross Dam is more than steep; it's about 26 miles up the Ross Lake reservoir to where you encounter the free flowing upper Skagit River. Also, it's in Canada, so you need a B.C. fishing license. And you cannot drive there from Ross Dam or Newhalem. You'd have to drive around and enter B.C. at Sumas or another border crossing. If you just want some stream fishing for resident trout near Newhalem, drive up to the Newhalem Creek hydro diversion dam. It's on the gravel road past the NPS visitor center. Park at the end of the road, cross Newhalem Creek and hike upstream for a mile or so for decent fishing for rainbow trout averaging 9".
Sg