 The last week I spent floating and fishing the Olympic Peninsulas rivers. The
rivers where mostly too low and clear to be effective . My first thoughts were to check the Queets river, as it is the largest with some color. mainly looking to see if the Salmon creek factory run had started. As we made our way from the Outhouse parking area just shy of the Salmon river bridge we noticed about eight cars and trucks parked there as well. After the half mile walk to the river we discovered no one had caught a fish thus far. Crossing the Queets is not recommended , but I am a big fella with some practice so across the river i went. Swinging my fly from the north shore of the river across from the salmon river confluence I felt something good would come of it. I swung the fly of choice, a large spey style Winters Hope in honor of my old friend Bill McMillan and the arrival of the winter. After moving through two huge runs and not a pluck I crossed the tailout of the second run and headed back to the salmon river confluence. I passed several anglers chucking guts and jigs , some fly guys showed up as well but nothing happening for anyone. I was there with my fellow spey bums Rick and Greg and as we made or way back to the truck , seeing a small herd of Elk, bald eagles, and bleached out bones of what was left from a good run of salmon we never spoke until we were at the truck..." Hoh river...yea I think there is enough daylight left". We fished down from G and L shake on the lower Hoh with no results. later that night around the fire we drank and laughed until our faces hurt. The next morning with some help from Advil ,and drinking a lot of water we made our way to the Bogichield river. Just down from the hatchery and swung again for hours without a grab. Only seeing a few boats who also were having the same results we decided to head back home for the Seahawks game and watch the win over the Giants. It is the trip for me that means the most, time with friends in beautiful places, and feeling the rivers currents tug at your waders , the sounds of the river, and the thought of all the people elsewhere shopping , parking , eating mall food...I would rather be Christmas Steelheading No matter the number of fish ! |
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