2008 Winter Steelhead
Guiding
Washington State Guide License #113093
Montana
's cold off season finds Dan "Rooster" Leavens seven hundred miles
to the west on Washington 's Olympic Peninsula. Forks,
Washington is home to five of the west coasts greatest steelhead rivers,
and is perhaps one of the last strongholds of the native steelhead. The Hoh,
The Bogachiel, The Calawah, The Sol Duc and the Dickey Rivers all have great
runs of fish, and are well within a short drive from Forks. Having spent
the last 15 years chasing steelhead on the coast during the winter months,
Rooster now maintains a guide service during the peak season in Washington
State.
If you have never had the thrill of hooking one of these wild fish on a fly, treat yourself to a day or two with Rooster on one of these great rivers.
Getting there: remember, any fishery on the planet will take some doing to get to. The best ones always involve several different modes of transportation.
Countless flights into Seattle will get you within a short drive of Forks. You will need to rent a car and take the Bainbridge Island ferry from downtown Seattle. From the ferry dock, you will take a great drive on highway 101 over the north end of the Olympic Peninsula. You are about 2 hours from Forks when you leave the ferry dock. (enter mapquest directions and map)
Where to Stay in Forks
Forks has several different options for lodging. There are several motels, various bed and breakfasts as well as cabin rentals. We recommend staying at one of the following places:
www.forksmotel.com
www.olympicsuitesinn.com
www.pacificinn.com
These motels are clean, comfortable and offer easy access to meeting us for breakfast prior to your trip. They all have wireless internet as well.
Where we'll meet in Forks
The Inn Place Restaurant, Forks, WA. The restaurant is located on the main drag of Forks, on the right side headed south. It is next to the Pacific Inn and across the street from the Forks Motel. We meet for breakfast at 0500, order our lunches, and head out to the river from there. My cell phone # is 406-498-4773 , it's a good idea to check in with me prior to and the night before your trip.
Our Cold Weather Gear Recommendations
Your day of fishing will be in either a drift boat or raft, depending on which stretch of water we decide to fish. Like any fishery, each morning is full of discussion with our guides and anglers determining our "strategery" for the day. You will need standard cold weather fishing equipment - breathable waders, layers of fleece, a good hat, sunglasses and raingear. The Olympic Peninsula is a rain forest - and you can expect to see some of it.
Fishing Gear and Equpment
We use two different techniques while targeting steelhead. Traditional spey style fishing with two handed rods as well as indicator nymphing will bring fish to the fly. Both are effective, although if you are a die-hard spey fisherman you should consider the latter part of the season, as the warmer water temps tend to get the fish more active.
Single handed rods should be in the 9 to 10 foot range, in a 7,8 or 9 weight with a matched floating line. I really like Rio 's steelhead line.
Spey rods should be 13 - 15 feet, and matched with a Skagit style line system.
If you would like more specifics on gear, please drop me an email to steelhead@thestoneflyinn.com
I always have several rods in all classes rigged and ready for use - if you would like to use my gear, just be sure and let me know prior to your trip.
The Season - Best time to Come
Good numbers of fish start entering the system in early February, and good fishing can be had at any given time through April 15th. Need more details? Give Rooster a call at 1-888-316-0982.
What is the cost?
Guide trip rates are $425 per day, and include all your gear, flies, soft drinks and lunch. Need help making reservations? Let Rooster take care of it for you.
Can't get enough? Thinking about a remote Steelhead trip?
Consider a long range five day charter aboard the Adventurous out of Sitka , Alaska . Rooster and Captain Travis Peterson spend 3 weeks each spring chasing steel in the coastal region of Southeast Alaska . Fish remote rivers that have runs of fish that see no pressure. No Indian nets, and are all catch and release. Your trip will include your lodging, your meals, your guiding and more of Alaska in one week than you could see any other way.
The season runs from April 15 th through May 15 th . Charter rates and more information are available at www.Alaskacharterservice.com
