Hi

I grew up in Quilcene and I do share your frustration. I have caught them on buzz bombs, cut plug herring and spoons. I would agree with Dan that spinners are the best way to catch them...in the bay. Large bronze spoons with colorful red beads are definetly worth a try. I'd also try a large wedding ring with a small piece of worm. I have caught many coho in hip waders off the beach with this set up. Plus, this will catch sea-run cutthroat and Quil/Dabob bay sea-run cutthroat fishing (catch and release) is phenominal.

For the life of me, I can't figure out why these fish head up the Big Quil so early. There are only about two miles of river before they reach the hatchery and subsequent barrier. Even with low flows, many of the fish struggle upstream way earlier than any other smaller streams I know of. Don't bother with the combat river fishing--It is a snagger-fest, and reminds me of the post about the Skok.

So bring your large spinners with you and switch colors if you don't have much action. Oh, also you may be tempted to fish right on the surface, but most of the fish I've caught are near the bottom in about 30' - 40' of water near the entrance to the bay on the west side, just north of the spit.

Good luck!