Hood Canal Area - Where to Go

Looking for some suggestions on where to go fishing in the lower Hood Canal area. My base camp will be near Tahuya. I like to fly-fish but also enjoy spinning and drift gear. No boat.

What about sea run cutthroats in the canal. Are there good places to wade and fish? Patterns. Is this a good time of year.

What about trout fishing below Lake Cushman?

What about middle or east fork of the Satsop?

Okay, what about trout fishing within Olympic National Park? Or the Pennisula?

When are you coming up? I would try the Skokomish or venture out to the Wynoochee. There's also the Dewatto river near Tahuya. Make sure to check the regs.

Are you planning on heading up there now or later on in the summer??

This is primetime for sea-run cutthroat on the beaches. Just look for beaches with good structure, oysters beds or a definite point and freshwater influence.

Focus on large tidal swings particularly on an incoming tide as it pushes the various baits that sea-runs like closer to shore and keeps them from wandering off...which they like to do.

Fish an intermediate sink line and any sort of baitfish like imitations such as clousers, decievers and small sea habits. Dont hesitate to fish Crazy Charlies in a color that is represents any euphasids, anthropods (sp?) and other 'shrimpy' organisms.

Thanks Sparky, Steely. I will be up next week. I definitely want to check out the beaches for searuns and may have some good access where I am staying. Once you are out below the tideline, are the beaches public for wading?

I appreciate all the suggestions. I will post or e-mail how I do - depending on the appropriateness (or how embarrassed I feel ).

Well, I enjoyed my visit to Washington, but alas, the forest fire situation here in Oregon has cut my trip short and I did not get to take advantage of the many fishing suggestions I received. However, the pennisula is definitely on my list of things to do. Enjoy fishing everyone!