Sol Duc River Fly Fishing – Steelhead

Pricing:  Full Day $550 – $100 Additional 3rd Angler – All equipment included – Fishing License, WA Sales Tax and Gratuity not included
Season:  December – April
Species:  Wild Steelhead
EWA Cancellation Policy

Fly fishing the Sol Duc River is one of Washington’s quintessential steelhead rivers and stepping onto Washington’s Olympic Peninsula lands you smack dab in the middle of winter steelheading’s hallowed ground. Inch for inch this area provides both opportunity and sustenance to the steelhead fanatic. Winter steelhead fly-fishers seem to be imbued with a strange quirk not generally seen in genes of the normal fly flinger.

The ability to survive and even revel in abusive weather conditions, cold water, lethargic fish tendencies, shortened days and bleak conditions that scream, “stay home” are all part of the magic and legend surrounding winter fish on the fly. In reality the quiet solitude, peaceful unhurried pace and dramatic possibilities make this a “must do” experience for serious fly anglers. As in most cases the rewards are commensurate with the challenges overcome. Rivers on the OP typically are smaller, each with a unique personality. The Sol Duc is a different river in many respects that its closely positioned neighbors the Bogachiel, Hoh and Calawah Rivers, technical in every respect. Small pocket water holding areas to trees tickling your shoulders while trying to make a cast are all part of a day on the Duc.

Shorter, switch rods are great here, as long casts are not necessary most of the time. Due to its origin in the mountains but not starting on a glacier, it is typically the last to blow out and the first to clear, depending on where recent rainfall was concentrated.  Our Sol Duc River steelhead fly fishing guides work hard to ensure an educational and memorable experience whether a novice or expert two handed angler.

While many hope to fish the Sol Duc, please understand the conditions change on a daily basis out here in the spring so any given day may alter plans putting us on one of the other rivers in the region.

Our Sol Duc River steelhead fly fishing guides are excited to see you become a proficient spey caster and work hard to ensure each person leaves us an improved angler with a similar passion for the swung fly.

Single and multi day trips are available.  We have partnered with Manitou Lodge to provide an exceptional lodging experience on our O.P. steelhead trips.  Please let them know you are fishing with us.

See also Queets River, Hoh River and Bogachiel River

Additional Information:

Flies:  Intruders, General Practitioner, Metal Detector, Mega Moal, Skagit Minnows, Morrish’s Trailer Trash, River Rats, Fergus Rock Star, Skunks, Purple Perils, Skykomish Sunrises
Ideal Flows:  Below 31ft, see current flows here
Clothing/Equipment Lists:  Summer season, Winter season
Rods and Lines:  11 1/2 – 13 1/3 foot, 5-8wt spey rods, Rage, Skagit, Scandi, Scout and OPST heads with various tips from floating T-10, T-14 and T-18
Species: Wild Steelhead
Duration:  Full day trip 8-9 hours fishing time
Distance from Seattle:  4  hours