Olympic Peninsula 

Pacific Northwest

The combination of the Olympic Mountain’s breathtaking landscape and healthy returns of trophy steelhead make Washington’s Olympic Peninsula a remarkable angling venue. Rivers like the Hoh, Sol Duc, Bogachiel, Queets, and Calawah remain a true stronghold of wild trophy winter steelhead. Techniques used will range from swinging streamers with spey rods to nymphing with single hand rods. The breathtaking landscape of the Olympic Mountains and old growth timber which are home to large herds of elk and countless eagles, combined with the presence of trophy steelhead make for an unforgettable angling experience.

Location:
The town of Forks is located in the northwestern corner of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.

Olympic Peninsula Fishing Program:
What we love about steelhead fly fishing on the Olympic Peninsula is the range of options in terms of fly fishing style and methods. Although many anglers may associate the Olympic Peninsula with boat-based indicator fishing, the fact is that indicator fishing is only one of many productive methods available.

Anglers who want to fly fish from the boat all day typically enjoy consistent catch rates and a relaxed steelhead fly fishing program. Many guides on the Olympic Peninsula rig a set of weighted nymphs under a strike indicator. Very long, drag-free drifts are achieved with this method and it is very effective.

The rivers of the Olympic Peninsula also have plenty to offer the wade angler or those who want to fly fish a swung fly. Our guides know all the intricacies of swing fishing and love to share “the big pull” with anglers of all skill levels. The rivers of the Olympic Peninsula are a good size for casting a spey rod, though it is not necessary.

All guide trips on the Olympic Peninsula will employ a boat, either for fishing or transportation. Winter steelhead generally run from 5 – 15 pounds, with the average fish around 10 lbs. and a handful of 15+ pound fish being caught each year.

This is true winter steelhead fishing and as such challenging weather conditions and relatively low catch rates are the norm. Under good conditions two “pulls” or takes per person per day would be considered very acceptable. On the bright side, the wild coastal steelhead in the region are typically very bright and often large. Additionally, the rivers are very well suited to the fly and a great pleasure to fish.

Olympic Peninsula Accommodations and Meals:
The town of Forks, WA has a variety of accommodations available from simple to sophisticated.

Packages are available with accommodations at the “Bogy House” on the banks of the Bogachiel River. This private anglers retreat provides a comfortable and roomy home base to return to after a day of fishing. Anglers sleep in double occupancy rooms at the Bogy House, which only accommodates eight anglers at a time. Meals, provided by your guide, are designed to be crowd-pleasing and hearty. Menu items like Alaska Grilled Salmon, Montana Rib Eye steaks (somtimes substituted with Elk tenderloin), Southern style BBQ Chicken, and custom "Smokehouse Maple" Pork Chops ensure that you’ll be properly fueled for the next days’ fishing.

Olympic Peninsula Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Forks, WA.
Days 2-5: Full days of guided fishing
Day 6: Depart Forks.

Complete Trip Details