Friday, November 2, 2018

The First Big Wet Slap!


Your Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishing Guide.
Catch & Release, Fly Fishing Only!

"Red sky in morning, sailors take warning!"
photo credit: Walter Hodges/Jetta Productions 

    After so much mild summerish autumn weather, it was only a matter of time before the first big push of rain and wind would come funneling up the coast and slap us with a doozey. The rivers are up, the trees are down, the lights are off. But today the saltchuck here was beautiful. Between spates this is often the case.  The rivers have been lower than I wanted to fish over, for way too long. But  after this weather system passes through, (after the weekend), and the rivers are once again dropping into good shape, which may take a while, it will be time to get back on the rivers to swing flies for the hatchery run steelhead. In terms of average size, fighting abilities, and a fierce will to live, they hardly compare to their wild progenitors. But there's lots of them. they are relatively easy to catch, and we should do that. Just say'n.

The forecast is looking grim for the rivers right now though:

http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-strong-atmospheric-river-should-hit.html

    These storms and rising waters do move the fish around. On the saltchuck too. And it is amazing how quickly the beaches can come back into good fishing shape after a big gnarly blow like the one we had here last night. These waters will often be clearly fish-able while the rivers will remain high and dirty for days, or even weeks. And we can expect to catch some heroic wild trout here now too. It never fails to amaze me how uniquely magical it is to be catching wild trout in the saltwater. It helps that we are situated in the Olympic Mountains Rainshadow too. this makes most storms much less severe for us, compared to the western slopes of the mountains. I have had some sublime, mild days over here on the salt, while the west-end was howling. Don't pay any attention to the weather man: Call me for the details.

Sea-run cutthroat fishing in style. Slow, stealthy and quiet.
One angler, one guide, one beautiful day.


Your Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishing Guide and Instructor

     I am guiding fly fishers on the Olympic Peninsula beaches, rivers and streams. We walk and wade, fly fishing for sea-run Coastal Cutthroat trout in freshwater and saltwater, and in the rivers for Cutthroat trout and summer steelhead. This is strictly catch and release, traditional fly fishing only. Lunch, snacks, soft beverages, and use of some equipment is included. I also offer personalized and private fly fishing and fly casting instruction for beginners through advanced casters.  I would be happy to help you plan your Olympic Peninsula fly fishing adventure, for all levels of ability. Public presentations, Naturalist Guide, rowboat picnics, tide pool and  river trail day trips. Please call, write or email for booking details. Now booking through autumn and beyond. Please call or write for details.

Bob Triggs
Little Stone Flyfisher
P.O. Box 261
Port Townsend, WA
98368

Licensed Washington State Guide 
Certified Fly Casting Instructor / Joan Wulff Method 
Trout Unlimited Aquatic Educator Award
W.S.U.Beach Watcher
U.S.C.G First Aid/CPR/BLS/AED/BBP/HIV Certified

Phone: 360-385-9618