GPS Coordinates: 47°54’17.60″N 124°32’56.71″W
Trip Questionnaire: Please click on the link below. This will take you an electronic questionnaire form that we ask you to complete and submit to The Fly Shop. Please be sure to click the “Submit” button at the end of the form. The information provided will help us — and the outfitter best coordinate your trip. THANK YOU!
Trip Questionnaire: CLICK HERE
As with all steelhead angling, if you’re looking to catch obscene numbers of fish, this trip probably isn’t for you! Guests visiting the Olympic Peninsula generally average 1 – 2 hook ups per angler per day, but keep in mind this is not always the case! There are many days that accomplished anglers and good students will exceed these numbers, and other days when even the best effort won’t come close to putting a fish in the net. Steelhead fishing is not a numbers game; it is about catching the most prized freshwater game fish that swims. Anglers willing to fish hard, cover a lot of water, listen to their guides, and put in a long day, will have the best potential of landing a trophy.
Travel Logistics: Getting to Forks, Washington
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is a 190-mile (3.75 hours) drive away from the Bogey House outside of Forks, Washington. Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, also referred to as Sea–Tac, is the primary commercial airport serving the Seattle metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Washington. It is in the city of SeaTac, approximately 14 miles south of Downtown Seattle and 18 miles north-northeast of Downtown Tacoma. It’s a hub of aviation activity and an economic driver for the entire region. SEA Airport is home to 31 airlines serving domestic and international destinations.
A majority of guests prefer to rent a car and make the drive to and from the lodge on their own. It’s nice have a vehicle for mobility. Your guides will provide transportation to and from the lodge on your fishing days.
Directions from SEA/TAC to the Lodge
Type in 182 Hermison Rd. Forks, WA 98331 for Google maps directions
Normal check-in is any time after 6:00 PM and check-out time is always right after breakfast, although special accommodations can be arranged for when needed and requested.
Fishing Licenses:
You can purchase your Washington fishing license online at Washington Fishing License
Fishing Methods:
Most anglers visiting Jack on the Olympic Peninsula are there to swings flies. Spey rods are the game on the OP. It is hard to argue that they cast further, more often, with less effort… which equals more fish landed. Rods from 12.5ft to 13.5ft are the go to, in line weights 7 or 8. You can fish all week with only your spey rods, but single handers can be useful and fun to swing flies as well, so do not hesitate to bring along a 9 or 9.5 foot 8wt if you would like.
Gratuities:
Gratuities are a personal decision based on services rendered. Normally, guides are tipped daily as you may have a different guide each day. We recommend that you tip your guide on a daily basis, somewhere in the nature of $100- $150 per day, per boat/guide (usually shared between two anglers). For the lodge staff, (chefs, housekeeping, wait staff, etc.) we recommend $50 per day per person and pay them separately at the end of your stay. If you have any questions concerning gratuities, please feel free to call or ask the lodge owner for guidelines.
As soon as you have your flight schedule finalized to Washington please forward it to us at travel@theflyshop.com , so that we can coordinate your transfer to the lodge.
Weather:
The weather on the OP can vary greatly. Live by the layering system so you can be prepared for everything. It can be warm and sunny but it can also be wet and cold so be prepared for a week of anything Mother Nature can throw at you. Storms can come through anytime, so be prepared for all conditions all season long. Be prepared to fish in a downpour.
Communications:
The Quinault Lodge is located on the banks of Lake Quinault. There is WIfI throughout the property, but it isn’t the fastest and not always consistent. Do not expect to be able to stream videos and download very fast. Depending on your carrier, there is Cell coverage at the cabin.
Important Tackle Note:
Evening Hatch-OP winter steelhead program is a catch-and-release only facility and there is no fishing from the boat.
Liquor:
Jack has a modest bar with many common liquors on hand as well as beer and wine served with dinner. This is included in the price of the trip. Drinks typically on hand are, Smirnoff Vodka, Pendelton Blended Whisky, Bombay Gin, Chivas Scotch, Coors Light, Costco Select IPA, 14 Hands Cabernet. We cannot guarantee these will be present, if you have a special drink you prefer, please bring it along.
Lodging:
Jack has established a property right on the banks of the Bogachiel River and is perfectly situated to access many different rivers on the Olympic Peninsula. It is a cozy place and has the capacity for 6 anglers, although they can accommodate groups up to 10 with another offsite cabin with all meals served at the Lodge. Rooms are double occupancy and each room has its own bathroom or one located very close, just outside of the room.
Dining:
Dan is the gracious host that prepares the meals for you while you are staying at the Lodge. Dan is no stranger to the kitchen and has been in the restaurant business since 2000. He has managed/run and worked every position at BJ’s Restaurant. He strives to make food that looks amazing and tastes even better and is a master at pairing food with craft beer. After a long day swinging flies on a wet and cold peninsula river, Dan will keep you fed and your energy up while recharging back at the lodge. Breakfasts are served each morning and are typically made to order and lunches are served streamside and are typically a deli sandwich with some side snacks.
If you have any food allergies or medical conditions we need to know about email us at travel@theflyshop.com.
Recommended Equipment
The Evening Hatch provides all flies/leaders and tippet. They can provide you with rods and reels with some notice. We encourage you to bring your own rod/reel set up and some of your favorite fly patterns. If you choose to use their rods and by chance the rod is broke there will be a $100 charge for repair/shipping fees.
Rods:
Spey rods are the go to tool up here. Due to the nature of these rivers, Spey casters will certainly have an advantage with distance and efficiency. If you have not already joined the two handed revolution now is the time to start! Spey casters can simply cover more water more effectively and the team of expert instructors have all the tools to work with novice and veterans alike!
The most popular choice of Spey rods for the Olympic Peninsula are in the #7 and #8 weight category between 12.5 and 14 feet long. Your choice of rod for the trip is a matter of personal preference, though we have found that the lighter, relatively shorter rods are about perfect for every situation in the runs of the all of these rivers. If you are having trouble deciding which rods are the most suitable for you, we would be more than happy to give you some expert advice, based on our experience there!
Reels:
This is probably the most important part of your tackle system! A reel of mediocre quality will not withstand the brute force of a fresh sea run trophy. Any high quality single action reel with 150+ yards of backing capacity with a good drag system will work fine. You hard-core guys know your classic Hardy’s and other noise makers will sing regardless of the drag system.
Lines:
Below are some examples of what we feel are the most suitable Spey lines for fishing the Olympic Peninsula. This will serve as a general guideline that anyone with any questions about equipment should follow. If you are uncertain which line you should select to properly match your rod, do not hesitate to contact us. We are experts in this field and we are happy to assist you in preparing the correct rod/line combinations.:
Skagit style lines are basically shortened, condensed shooting heads developed in the Pacific North West by a hard core group of anglers that were looking for a way to cast sinking tip and large weighted flies long distances, with a very short compact casting stroke, and small D-Loop. These lines have become very popular with steelheaders due to the fact that they are easy for both the expert and novice to cast, not to mention extremely useful in situations where room for a back cast is limited. These lines also work very well for people who prefer to fish shorter 12’-13’6 foot rods. The Airflo Skagit Compact heads can be very effecient tools on all of the Olympic Rivers. These lines should be paired with the MOW sink tips in Heavy(T-14) or Medium(T-11) for these rivers. Many Skagit casters prefer to prepare their own sink tips using varied lengths of T-14. We prefer these custom tips in 2.5ft increasing length incriments. Give us a call if you have questions on these iterchangeable sink tips.
Scandi lines are the full floating version of the Skagit. Also short belly shooting heads, they are amazing at very efficiently loading the rod with a compact stroke and little effort, even in tight conditions. Long leaders are required to anchor these Scandi lines during the casting stroke. These are used in situations where you are throwing smaller flies and fish are moving farther up in the water column to take the fly.
Leaders:
Leaders for fishing sink tips in steelhead fly fishing are very simple…15lb Maxima. You may want to bring a larger selection simply to insure that you will be prepared for any and every situation.
For the Scandi Lines, you will want long leaders, between 12 and 16 feet long, to provide the line stick of the anchor point. Rio’s nylon mono Steelhead Leaders are great and inexpensive, Airflo’s Poly Leaders are the best casting, but cost more.
Waders:
Chest high breathable waders are recommended when fishing any cold water these days and these rivers are no exception. Durability and comfort are key elements to consider when selecting a wader, there are many different manufactures that make quality products.
Wading Boots:
These rivers are primarily cobble and small to moderate gravel, with a few obvious boulders. Some stretches do have larger rocks, and can be more difficult to wade in. If you’re used to using a wading staff at home we do recommend you bring it with you. Felt soles are strongly suggested. “Sticky” Vibram rubber-soled wading boots do not work well here. We also highly recommend studs on your felt sole wading boots, you will wade better and feel safer and fish more effectively. Be careful getting in and out of the boat. The Simms Carbide Studs are the best, good grip but also not super sharp so they aren’t as hard on the rafts.
Rain Gear:
This is extremley important on the Olympic Peninsula when steelhead are present. The OP receives 14 feet of rain annually with most of it coming during those prime winter months. You do not want to get caught with less than excellent rain gear and layering. Be prepared for what Mother Nature has in store and you will fish much longer hours… and catch more fish! Your choice of garment must allow freedom of movement and keep you dry, even in a downpour. We would be happy to suggest ideas for a raincoat.
Layering:
The “layering” system works best with today’s top quality synthetic and wool garments. The idea is that by adding or removing multiple layers of clothing, in varying thickness and insulation, you will be able to obtain ideal body temperature and comfort, instead of just one big layer that you are either hot or cold in. If you have any questions we would be pleased to offer advice on the many options of the layering system. Do not use COTTON layers in these conditions.
If unsure of what gear you need to fully enjoy a week on the OP we would be pleased to recommend equipment options. Although we do not seek to endorse specific brand names, our extensive experience has shown certain products to be superior.
Note:
Guides will provide fly patterns and this is included in the cost of your trip, but you might bring some of your favorite trout flies as outlined below.
Flies:
The usual steelhead menu, in the full spectrum of colors commonly used, will work great on the Olympic Peninsula. Some are dark and somber, others are vibrant and bright, due to the diversity of water conditions. Even the same river can display different moods and may go from low and clear to high and muddy in a matter of hours. Have a large assortment of wet flies in varying sizes, colors, and weights for your entire stay. Flies that would spook fish in one condition may be barely visible in another. Rember to have flies also in varying weights and sizes as well as a variety of colors. It pays to carry a variety of patterns and be prepared for whatever nature and her fish can throw at you. Steelhead will always be deliciously unpredictable. Tube Flies are the newest fly design concept to hit steelhead fly fishing and the possibilities are endless. Tubes allow steelhead fishermen versatility when it comes to meeting changing conditions by changing the type of tube they use, allowing more control over the depth and action of the fly. They also have the advantage of having a larger fly with a shorter shank hook, exactly what is called for to drag out large steelhead. The stinger style flies will also allow this and the Intruder Style flies are a favorite on the OP. Some patterns they like 3-6 inches of a Bunny Leeches and or Intruder. Color combos: Black and Chartreuse, Shrimp Pink and Orange, Purple and Pink, Black and Blue, Black and Claret, Shrimp Pink and Baby Pink.
Ask us here at The Fly Shop® to put a package together for you that willl work in all of the fishing scenarios you may enconter, we will have you prepared before you get there.
Water Bottle:
In an effort to “Kick Plastic”…We ask that you bring your own favorite water container… in turn, your guide and vessel will have a clean supply of water to fill from.
Contact numbers
Bogey House
Jack Mitchell (509) 859-2280
Daniel Lawson (253) 329-7697
jack@theeveninghatch.com
The Fly Shop®
800-669-3474 • BUS. 530-222-3555
(Open 7 days a week, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
E-mail: travel@theflyshop.com