Updated Fishing Report for the Olympic Peninsula

Updated July 13th

The Rivers -  Lots of snow this year with late run-off is keeping some rivers high.  Steelhead, Salmon, Cutthroat and Rainbow trout will be the target throughout the summer, with salmon opportunities increasing toward fall.

Sol Duc:  Still a little high for this time of year, but the water is beautiful and dropping.  Summer Steelhead are available here, a few Summer Chinook are sneaking in, and Sockeye are running as well.  Cutthroat and rainbow trout are scattered around, but cool water temps will make you work for them.

Calawah and Bogachiel:  The lower reaches of these two rivers are a good place to target summer steelhead.  The Calawah is low and clear, and unless it rains quite a bit, will remain so.  Early morning bite here.  The Bogachiel is in great shape with a few more bright fish trickling in consistently.  Trout fishing has been ok in both rivers, with reports of fish up to 15". Time to look to dry lines and surface tactics for both the steelhead and the cutts.

Hoh River:  Still pretty dirty.  It has tried to come into shape recently, but we'll see what happens as the weather warms and snow melts. Hiking up above the campground may promise better clarity and a few early summer-runs. Fall is a great time here.

Elwha River : Same story here.  Snow melt is very apparent.  In the last week it has picked up a small amount of visibility, but is still very high.  A few fish are being caught, but don't count on consistency.  We're probably looking at close to a month for this river to really start fishing well.  Until then, the adventurous angler can find some nice fish in the tributaries. 

Dungeness River:  Still a little full here too, but certainly fishable.  Open above Gold Creek.  Best access is at the trailhead.  Smaller rainbows, lots of pocket water, and tons of solitude.

Lakes - Many lakes are still fishing well for trout.  Wentworth, Beaver, Sutherland, Anderson, and Gibbs Lake to name a few.  Damsel and Dragonflies, Callibaetis Mayflies, Caddisflies, and Chironomids should be hatching.  Don't forget the streamers as well : Buggers, Leeches, Sculpins, etc.

Lake Crescent - This lightly fished gem offers anglers a unique experience.  From the breathtaking scenery to the native Beardslee trout, you won't be disappointed.  Recent reports have been good, and as the water warms a few more degrees, it should only get better.  At 600 feet deep, the nutrient poor, crystal clear water is not real conducive to bug life.  Although hatches will occur, and fish will hit attractors and terrestrials quite well at times, streamers are usually more productive.  Leeches, Buggers, Sculpins, Zonkers, and other baitfish patters.

Saltwater - Beach fishing for cutthroat has been somewhat spotty, but that's the nature of it.  We had some good days in May, and haven't had many reports lately. (Not a lot of anglers target this interesting fishery.)  Miyawaki's Beach Popper has been the hot fly, and this topwater "slider" is incredibly exciting to fish.  Locally tied and available here at the shop, no beach box is complete without it.  Salmon fishing from the beach in area 9 opens July 16th.