Seasons
Steelhead Summer
June1st - early October
Our Summer Steelhead season opens June 1st. At the beginning of the season you will encounter a mix of out migrating late Winter and Spring Steelhead as well as the first arrivals of our Summer run fish.
Summer Run Steelhead are a blast on 6-8wt outfits and are notorious for smashing a skated or greased line fly. The average Summer Run Steelhead weighs in at about 7-9lbs.
From late August and throughout September the Summer Steelhead fishing can be exceptional but keep in mind that every year is a bit different.
Steelhead Winter and early Spring
Mid December - April 31st
During December and January the majority of the Steelhead you will encounter are planted fish. The average size of these "planted" Steelhead is 9lbs or so.
Wild Steelhead begin moving into our rivers in earnest in the later part of January and continue well into the later part of April and early May. The peak time for a crack at one of the coveted 20lb+ Steelhead is February through mid April. Winter Steelhead are notorious for their extreme tenacity when hooked and This dictates the use of heavier equipment.
Rods spined for 7wt and heavier line are recommended. Our catch and release policy on all Wild Steelhead, Salmon and Trout is strictly adhered to.
Salmon King / Chinook Silver / Coho
October - Mid November
Silver / Coho Salmon are the primary fly rod quarry when the the Salmon are running here on the Peninsula's coastal rivers. Fall King / Chinook Salmon are also taken on a fairly regular basis by those who put forth the extra effort to learn the techniques of hooking up with and doing battle with these mighty fish.
There are decent numbers of Spring Kings in the Sol-Duc River during May and June and there is a good influx of planted summer run Silvers during August but by far the largest runs of both Silvers and Kings are available in the rivers during October and early November. 8wt -10wt outfits are recommended and sink tip lines with 90 to 200 grain tips will be adequate for most any hydrologic condition you may encounter.
Cutthroat Trout Sea-run
June 1st - October
Sea-run Cutthroat Trout are one of our special jewels here on the Olympic Peninsula rivers and saltwater estuarine areas. Populations of these beautiful fish are currently fairly healthy.
The prime time to encounter Sea-run Cutthroat is from late June through October. The "Peninsula" rivers also host populations of resident and holdover Cutthroat. These fish are aggressive feeders and will take a wide variety of fly patterns.
Equipment should be kept on the light side to experience the full potential of this great game fish. 3wt-6wt rods are adequate and a good selection of nymphs, terrestrials, wet fly's, dry's and streamers will cover all the bases.
