Dolly Varden

[DaveMonti]

I think just a big streamer will work.  I've read that white is a good color, anything that is a big and flashy fly.

Are they active at this time of year?  Maybe it is that the conditions are just right?   Maybe you have a sweet spot!

[JakeLand]

Like the river Romeos!

 Summer fishing attire 

[constructeur]

When salmon smolts migrate a small baitfish pattern swung across the current and retrieved up the bank does well. Otherwise flashy and exciting flies that would mimic a spinner or spoon do fine. These particular Char are predatory, and opportunistic, and will chew on quite a few different offerings.

Keep in mind, a few years ago the law changed making it unlawful to completely lift C&R salmon, steelhead, and dollys/bulls completely out of the water. Knotless nets help a bit with this, as do smashed barbs.

Edit, added Bull trout intel from the old North Sound bio: http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/forum/threads/a-skagit-bull-trout-bio.83193/

[JakeLand]

When salmon smolts migrate a small baitfish pattern swung across the current and retrieved up the bank does well. Otherwise flashy and exciting flies that would mimic a spinner or spoon do fine. These particular Char are predatory, and opportunistic, and will chew on quite a few different offerings.

Keep in mind, a few years ago the law changed making it unlawful to completely lift C&R salmon, steelhead, and dollys/bulls completely out of the water. Knotless nets help a bit with this, as do smashed barbs.

Edit, added Bull trout intel from the old North Sound bio: http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/forum/threads/a-skagit-bull-trout-bio.83193/

Good read there ! Where we fish it's not mandatory ( in the rules ) we self rule it because we don't see the numbers that we used to plus in my opinion they are not the best table fair just a blast to catch

[fish vacuum]

Very nice fish! They make for a good fishery that many overlook. They're super aggressive and will hit just about anything that might fit in their mouth.
The fish in those pics are some real pigs!

[boneaddict]

I'd love to get after them with a fly rod!  Jake, you'll have to tell me your secrets!

Muddler minnows work well.  Flashy stuff.   I used a purple and Mylar combo of my own creation when I was targeting them sometimes Lots of steelhead stuff.  Usually swinging through fast water.   They are aggressive.   

[BOWHUNTER45]

Nice ..

[DaveMonti]

I thought all bull trout are catch and release.

[JakeLand]

On the skagit you can keep if over 20"

[DaveMonti]

Thanks.  I don't keep anything, but I know you can't even target them in Montana, so I didn't think you could keep hem here. 

[JakeLand]

My opinion they aren't good eating but they are fun to catch and release

[singleshot12]

I think years ago there was a bounty on them in Alaska.

Washington too,I think around the 1950's.

One of the reasons they were named "Bull Trout" I believe was becuase they were known to ram a steelhead or chinook in the belly knocking the eggs out of her to eat.

They are a pretty fish though,fun to fight and are great smoked.

[JakeLand]

If you haven't ever caught one you will be surprised at how well they fight ! And they will use the fast water to their advantage that's for sure

[singleshot12]

Maybe why the flyfishing clubs wanted to preserve the all mighty Dolly. They are sure thick out there now.

[Bill W]

The "dollies" are thought to be sea-going bull trout per WDFW.