Olympic Peninsula Steelhead Fishing Drop in Trip
March 20th thru 27th 2025
Swinging flies on the Olympic Peninsula is an experience unlike any other. The landscape is rugged, and the beauty is intense. It is a trip into another world. Time moves slower here, marked only by the methodical step-cast-swing-repeat process of the diligent angler. And then, just then just like that, it all comes together………..
A drop in trip is being organized to fish the Olympic Peninsula, WA. We will be establishing a base camp at Bogachiel State Park near Forks, WA. We will fish the Hoh, Sol Duc and Bogachiel Rivers. There are choices of rivers as well as camping accommodations as well as motel accommodations in Forks. This is a long trip to travel by vehicle but one may choose to fly to Seattle, WA and rent a car to get to Bogachiel State Park or Forks. Read the fish out sheets for details. Ed Beggs (Fish Master)
Olympic Peninsula Fish Out Sheet for March 20nd-27th 2025
This trip is set up as a drop in trip as the window of time has been stretched out to accommodate individual schedules. If driving from the bay area the mileage is about 875 miles, a two day trip. If flying to Seattle, WA renting a car and driving to Forks, WA it is about 140 miles for a 3 hour drive. There will be a base camp set up at Bogachiel State Park but depending on number of participants share multiple camp sites in the park. Campsites 15 and 6 are my choice for our group if available. At this time of the year campsites are walk up, (no reservations). Those who prefer a motel accommodations can be made in Forks, WA about fifteen minutes away. Again this is a drop in trip but fishing with a partner is advised. Communication is a must. If one desires a guide please do make your reservations early. To preview the trip venue a few websites to whet your appetite.
https://www.northwestflyfisherman.com/fly_fishing_the_olympic_peninsula.htm
https://thewadinglist.com/rainforest-steelhead/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KurPST5rwqI
What to fish with: 7-8 wt spey rods or 7-9 wt single hand rods with an assortment of sink tips. For flies and assortment of large intruder fly’s sizes 1-4 is the way to go.
What to wear: Expect rain and cold so dress in layers and keep dry. We will be in a rain forest!! Always bring extra clothing in case of a dunk. Waders, Boots, Rain/Wader Jacket, Hat, Polarized Sun Glasses, 2 pair of Gloves.
Camping: Be self-sufficient in providing your own food and shelter. Depending on day
and circumstances we may do communal or potluck type meals. Camp site will be $30 per night and a $11 fee for extra vehicle. https://parks.wa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9276/Bogachiel
Motels:There are plenty of motels in Forks. Pacific motel is one of them, $69 and up. https://pacificinnmotel.com/ for reservations call 1-800-235-7344. Town Motel, $60 and up. http://www.townmotelforks.com/ call 1-866-599-6674. There are other motels as well.
Fishing License: Get your license before your trip. If you go online it can take ten days. https://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/. You can also get a license at Swains General Store in Port Angeles or Forks Outfitter in Forks. Non Resident Fees run $84.50 for annual, $28.85 for day and $35.55 for 3day.
Fly Shop: Waters West/Fly Fishing Outfitters in Port Angeles is an outstanding fly shop and can provide the latest information on the rivers and conditions as well as a great selection of fly’s and fly tying materials. 140 W Front Street Port Angeles, WA (360) 417-0937. www.waterswest.com .
Camping Fees: The nominal campground fees are $30 per campsite. Usually we can fit in four persons to a campsite. Extra vehicles is a $11.00 charge.
Car Parking Permit: If you are driving to spots to wade on the OP you will have to acquire a Washington State Discover Pass. Price is $35 for an annual pass or $11.50 for one day pass. Call Discover Pass Customer Service at 1-844-271-7041 or https://discoverpass.wa.gov/
Coordination: Sign up ASAP. If you decide to attend communicate your travel plans and when you expect to arrive at Bogacheil State Park or at a Motel in Forks. From this we will coordinate our fishing plans for the day. If you opt for a guide and want to share the drift let our participants know. Call me for fine tuning on travel and fishing plans. Ed at (510) 418-3861 cell or edwardbeggs@comcast.net
