Is an 8'6" 5/6wt loaded with 200yd 20lb dacron backing and WF 6 floating line suitable for chasing after Hoh river summer steelhead? I am also curious to know where to go look for a place that I can get familiar with flyfishing on a river.
I've read the Hoh River Journal and was curious just where the heck Nolan Creek Rd. is, I've driven past it tons of times but can't seem to figure out where it is.

Hey, anything is possible.

In general, a 7wt. is more appropriate for summer runs. One might also up it to an 8wt. in larger rivers.

20# backing is a little light is my estimation on any steelhead rod. 30# is far better and leaves the weakest link your tippet - saves buying a new flyline.

On smaller and bushy streams/rivers an 8 1/2 ft. rod would be okay but on others a longer rod really adds to your mending abilities.

mmm

MMM is right on. I would suggest at least a 7wt in a 9'6'-10' range. Great for mending/roll casting. On the OP, I would go minimum of a 7, I normally use an 8wt for summer (but am getting a Sage 7136 for my summerrun spey fishing though). You hook into those pig springers or big summerruns, you would really have to play them right to land on a 6wt.

Agree again with MMM. 30# backing is way to go. 20# is a bit light. I've seen these fish eat 20# leaders, wouldn't want something holding my backing to be that light as well. LOL.

I prefer an 8 weight for all situations. however if its what you have then use it. My friend and I would sometimes take our 5 weights to deschutes and catch steelies. just make sure your drag is set wright and you will have a blast , got to love the light tackle

Yeah, that light tackle is great fun, sport!

Unfortunately, it increases the stress on the fish and tires them to the point of being life threatening. Not a good outcome for C & R and/or wild fish. Be better than that and use the right tackle.

mmm

Speaking of weakest link, you can use heavier leader and get away with using lighter/shorter gear.

Ideally, 7/8 wt., 9 or 9-1/2 ft. rod would fit, but what you have will also work.

Only one big problem Nymph, he's fishing on the OP, and some big fish there. Fly rods are designed for certain size lines/flies. You can overline the rods, or even oversize your tippets, but rods won't handle it on a fight. You just put the weakest link of the outfit from the line to the rod. I'd rather snip a leader then my rod. I personally wouldn't go below a 7wt (and that's a spey rod, or 10' one hander) and prefer an 8' for single hand. Then go bigger for winterruns (minimum 8wt and up to 9/10wt for tips). I've battled quite a few fish on the Hoh with a 5wt, and worse experience in my life (young kid trying to fish for "trout" and end up hooking into a big steelhead). Took all I had to land that fish, and was near exhausted when I did. Key is to land the fish as quick as possible. Now, if it was a spey 5/6wt, maybe. A bit more play in the rod. Similar to a noodle rod. But still, you'll be beating the crap out of the fish. A heavier tippet/leader won't help you bring the fish in quicker when your rod will be working way too hard.

nolan creek road is not much of a road. more like a goat path. heading north on 101 cross nolan creek and look to the left quickly and you'll find nolan creek road. follow it down to the bar.

Thanks for the info guys! Looks like I'll just use the rod I got for cutthroat rather than try to push it to the limit going for steelhead. Gonna save up some money for a quality all around 8wt which I plan to use for saltwater too.
Hey, Griz, is the road the one with the huge dirt pile by it just next to the bridge?

sorry so long getting back rockhopper. yep big dirt pile down there. county or state site don't recall.