Those of you who haven't fly fished for silvers at Neah Bay are missing out! I'm talking casting and stripping, clouser minnows at hundreds of aggressive salmon, often watching them charge your fly! I use an 8wt, with an interchangable sink tip line and chartruese and white clousers. On a nice day the water is like glass! The only catch is you need a good stable boat for those not so nice days! There is only one fly fishing charter that I know of out there, run by Chris Bellows at Topwater Charters. I have never fished with him, but know a few who have and they all had great trips. I know that he has helped me many times when I had questions, or justed wanted to know where to find the fish. If you are looking for a great in-state trip, either guided or on your own.... this one cant be beat!

I've had great fun fishing out Sekiu with the bugrod these past late summer/falls...I just rent a boat from Van Ripers and head on out...it is actually fairly easy!!

Look for rips, birds and make your way in amongst the trollers and moochers and you will find fish...if you are still having trouble, just bucktail on the surface...great way to find fish and get some large coho (12+ pounds) to slam flies on the surface!

Elkrun, sounds great. For a long time I've wanted to do flyrod silvers, but down here the oppportunity just doesn't exist like it does in Neah Bay ( a lot closer than Alaska too).

What's the time frame that I should mark on my calendar?

BTW, if we were to trailer our Hewes 179 Searunner up there, we'd gladly take a third person aboard (assuming that's a big enough boat for the conditions?)

Gary-

I've had great days on the opener in july. 2 years ago we hammered them and they ran 6-8lbs. Last year they were sparse and a smallish 4lbs. Everything was late last year, but look for the best tides in early to mid august. You can hit them pretty well at Sekiu, but overall, I've had a way higher percentage of amazing days at Neah. A lot less company too. Last year the fish came into the strait really late and you had to run to swiftsure bank (12 miles) if you watch the weather and the tides, you can hit it so it is glass the entire way. On the other hand, it can be puke city too. I have seen 14 foot boats out at swiftsure, but I dont think I'd do it..... It is seriously, the best fishing you could ask for most days in august. Maybe I'll see you there! ELKRUN

Thanks ElkRun, early August is just before the Columbia chinook fishing really takes off in my area, so it would be a good time to make a run up and see some new country. Thanks for the info - I'm taping this thread to the fridge's door as a reminder!