Like most systems with a hatchery producing steelhead, the early action on the Queets is near/below the hatchery, in this case the mouth of Salmon River. Salmon River hatchery steelehead originated from the Cook Creek stock at the Quinault National Fish Hatchery. This stock has an advanced run timing (early) not unlike the Chambers Creek stock that is commonly used at WDFW hatcheries (e.g., Bogachiel). This run is typically over in February... early or late depending on the year.

The late action for natives can be absolutely red hot... like a lot of other rivers. The returns of wild steelhead in the Queets system used to run around 10,000. I understand that the returns are now only 4 or 5 thousand. Not sure why this is as the salmon and steelhead in this system are intensively managed with very good data sources providing decision makers with information not available in most systems for most salmon and steelhead populations. The salmon populations in the last 3-4 years are huge so I am not sure why the swing.

Upstream of the Clearwater, the Queets is a lot like the Hoh with a combination of glacial til and clay bank (monster ones) erosion that can really make the water turbid for long periods of time. If you are local and get lots of chances to see the water, you can pick and choose your days to fish. If are from way out of town, the Queets is not going to be your first choice because of the "hit or miss" nature of the water clarity.