Back to Stlhd_Dreamings original question:
If you get off of I-5 at the Arlington exit, head east (about 1 mile) and turn Left (North) onto 27th Ave (by the Firestation and the feed store). Head all the way back until it becomes a dirt road. This is a WDFW parking area (don't forget your sticker!) with a couple of miles of beach access. If you walk along the river about 1 mile to the West, you'll come across a 'poor excuse' for rapids. Assuming the water level is low enough for you to cross - go ahead and cross. Walk another 1/8 mile (just below the rapids) and there's a really nice hole where the fish tend to stack-up before running the rapids. I've spent many enjoyable hours at that hole, being frustrated by 'rolling, splashing, non-biting' fish... even swore I'd quit fishing a few times at that spot! But it didn't happen...
The fish on the main-stem Stilly are finicky biters. When they're on - it can be hot... but mostly I've found they're 'off'!
Hope that helps!
BTW - this is also a good 'take-out' spot for drifters launching from Haller Park...
Buck