Your Olympic Peninsula fly fishing guide, Catch & Release, Fly Fishing only! |
October, Wet & Wild!
The Hoh River gauge doesn't lie. |
Let's just say that we have finally gotten that rain that we have needed. Over the last few weeks we have seen a building pattern of warmer air and intermittent rain, that has really recharged our summer-drought-dry region and renewed the flows in the Olympic Peninsula rivers. The rain forest has lost the dusty grey mantel of summer, and regained the dripping wet beauty that signals the real change of seasons here. Suddenly everything is a deep, vibrant shade of green. The rivers have been bouncing up and down in flows, with each front that has swept across the Olympic mountains creating a surge in the renewal of life and energy. And you can bet that the autumn fish are appreciating this opportunity to get moving too. Summer steelhead and cutthroat trout will be attuned to these changes in flows, temperatures etc., and they will be feeding on the abundance of big meaty October Caddis flies that are hatching now. With this unusually warm weather, and no hard freeze in sight yet, we may expect that the hatches will persist well into November. It has happened before.
On the salt- The wind has really been piping in on most days here lately. We have had gales and small craft warnings on several occasions over the last weeks. Yet most mornings here have been calm, and often the evening hours near sunset can be calm as well. Just something to remember- when you are looking at the marine weather forecasts, and it all looks bad. Sometimes you can get a few hours of fishing in the early morning, and again at the end of the day. That way you still have time to clean the gutters and rake the yard. The sea run Cutthroat and coho have been cooperative, and we do expect to continue the beach fishing too through this mild autumn. Beach fishing is a wonderful alternative to the rivers, when most of them get too high after the rains. And even if your favorite beach is exposed to the wind and waves, you can usually find another beach that does not have the same exposure, and get some good fishing in anyway. It pays to have a map of the region and be willing to do some exploring.
10/22/14 Update
Check out Dr Cliff Mass weather blog for an update on the big wind and rain storm we are in right now. The west-end Olympic Peninsula rivers, as well as most of western Washington's other rivers, are bank full and running hard and dirty now, with more rain on the way. Looks like the saltwater may be one of the better options, if you can get out of the wind. I can't wait for these rivers to drop back into shape.
Autumn steelhead and trout fishing, on the jade green waters of the Olympic Peninsula rain forest. |
Right now I am tying some more summer steelhead and cutthroat flies for this late autumn fishing. And by the way that this fall weather has been shaping up the rivers so far, I am going to be sure to tie some "winter" patterns on heavier hooks too. And though I prefer dry line and surface fly fishing to just about any other way of presenting a fly to summer steelhead and trout here, I will be bringing along my sink tips and heavy sink or "Poly" leaders too. Once these rivers get deeper, colder, and flowing stronger, we sometimes have to use winter skills to get the fly to slow down and hunt in front of the fish. Temperature and flow are important considerations no matter what season you are fishing. We can usually find some good dry line water here anyway, but this is about increasing your options for presenting the fly On the swing. (No "bobbers" required!)
"A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?"
Speaking of steelhead flies. I don't think that you can find a better example of traditional Olympic Peninsula steelhead flies than the flies tied by the legendary Syd Glasso of Forks, Wa. I have friends here who had Mr Glasso for their elementary school teacher. And when they were doing well in class he would reward the students with one of his own hand tied flies.These flies are priceless today. I have had the good fortune to see quite a few of these classic flies, they are elegant in their symmetry, simplicity and colors. In use they come to life, glowing in the emerald waters with each swing. British Columbia author, artisan fly tier and angler Art Lingren recently shared some pictures of some of these classic steelhead flies, tied by Mr Glasso in the 1980's. Posted here with permission. These are the flies I want to learn how to tie. I guess I have my work cut out for me.
The Courtesan Spey by Syd Glasso Art Lingren photo |
The Quillayute Spey by Syd Glasso Art Lingren photo |
The Orange Heron by Syd Glasso Art Lingren photo |
The Sol Duc Spey by Syd Glasso Art Lingren photo |
The Thunder & Lightning by Syd Glasso Art Lingren photo |
Unnamed Spey, White Heron by Syd Glasso Art Lingren photo |
Brown Heron by Syd Glasso Art Lingren photo |
The Spirit Fly by Syd Glasso Art Lingren photo |
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 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. Personalized and private fly fishing and fly casting instruction. I would be happy to help you plan your Olympic Peninsula adventure. casting instruction, and guided trips are available, for beginners through expert anglers. Public presentations, Naturalist guide for rowboat picnics, Tide Pool and river trail day trips. Please call, write or email for booking details.
Bob Triggs
Little Stone Flyfisher
P.O. Box 261
Port Townsend, WA
98368
Licensed Washington State Guide
Certified Fly Casting Instructor
Trout Unlimited Aquatic Educator Award
U.S.C.G First Aid/CPR/BLS/AED/BBP/HIV Certified
Phone: 360-385-9618
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LittleStoneFlyfisher