About Washington State Steelhead with Jeff Brazda, Steelhead fly fishing guide

Fly Fishing around Forks:

This area is blessed with no less than seven superb steelhead rivers, from the Hoko River near Sekiu, 60 minutes to the north, to the Queets and then, Clearwater 45 minutes to the south. Fly Fishing at it's best !

Fly Fishing on the Hoko:

This small river flowing into the Straight of Juan De Fuca has been blessed with the states first "fly-fishing only" section. The section extends upstream from the falls to Ellis creek bridge. The area just above these falls can be reached rather easily. It's the upper 5 mile or so, that requires a bike or a hike in. With the remoteness comes serenity. This lovely small stretch lends itself well to a swung fly, while its upper region has some bedrock canyon type stuff, that fishes well under the indicator. I make as many visits as I can to this area, and am usually alone with only the steelhead. Do not drive through any logging gates with your vehicle, or you will be spending way more time trying to get out, than you will be fishing.

The lower canyon area is a delight to walk fish, with knowledge of entrance and exit trails. One can literally cover 75% of the canyon at proper flows. This section fishes well with short tips or nymphing techniques. The fish in this lower section are often chrome bright. With a decent hatchery run, and a substantial wild run. This entire river fishes well late into the season. An experienced fisher can easily see the difference between upper river fish and lower river fish. Upper river steelhead are noticeably larger in the girth. Check the regulations regularly, as the closing dates in the upper river area are often later in the season, than the lower.