Stream or stillwater fishing in Olympic National Forest?

[Tjkride]

The wife, son, dogs, and I are taking a couple day hiking trip up there this coming weekend and I wasnt sure how the fishing is or even what lure or bait to use. This is my first time on this side of the country. I'll be using an ultra lite trout rod and reel and 4lb test line cause thats what I always keep in my hiking bag. I always used small spinners and good old fashioned crawlers or shiners back home. Most of the time I'll use bait I find near where I'm fishin because hey, whats better than what they are actually eating? Any advice is appreciated.

[Bullkllr]

You should be congratulated for being adventurous; a two day hiking trip on the peninsula this time of year is not for the faint-hearted.

Fishing- really depends on where you are planning on going. I wish I could say the regs are not complicated, but have you taken a look at the book WDFW puts out?

There's not a ton of lakes, and most might not be open.

Some rivers are open under winter regs, which basically means steelhead and whitefish. You can fish for trout, but as noted it's complicated. Most smaller streams will not open until June. Stream regs are designed to protect salmon and steelhead smolts... they're not really managed as trout fisheries.

Hope this helps. I might be able to give more pointers with more specific locations.

[Tjkride]

We will be short hiking. Hike for the day and back out for a nice room at night. No way would the family or the dogs for that matter agree to sleep out there with me. However is most areas for fishing will be closed I will have to avert my attention elsewhere. Thank you for the response, this forum has been truly great.

[Dan-o]

We will be short hiking. Hike for the day and back out for a nice room at night. No way would the family or the dogs for that matter agree to sleep out there with me. However is most areas for fishing will be closed I will have to avert my attention elsewhere. Thank you for the response, this forum has been truly great.

Welcome to the site, BTW.

I've read several of your posts and appreciate your outlook.

I can't help with Peninsula fishing, but hit me up next Fall.

I'm in Auburn, and would be happy to take you on a local (Auburn) duck hunt on private ground that is lightly hunted.

[Tjkride]

I will take most any offer on a chance to put some meat in the freezer. I must admit, most of my waterfowl hunting is stalking through swamps and marshes with shallow waters and fetching my own birds.

[dreamunelk]

This time of year you are better off leaving the rod and reel at home unless you are going after Stealhead.  Where are you thinking of going.  West or East side?

[Tjkride]

West side, more like than not. My wife lives the ocean and want to hike for a day near it.

[JimmyHoffa]

West side, more like than not. My wife lives the ocean and want to hike for a day near it.

The ocean would mostly fall in the national park.  Except for a couple beaches, they don't allow dogs.  But on the plus side, there are surf perch; but that might require a little longer casting rod.

[Tjkride]

Thats what I was concerned about, not many places the dogs can go in the park, I want to stick to the Forest side as much as I can. My little 4 foot trout rod wont make the surf caster list? Haha