Where to go in OR or WA?

[mdogs444]

A buddy and me are looking to take a trip out west for the spring (Feb-Mar) steelhead run. We currently live in Ohio (steelhead alley area) and have never been out to the PNW for steels. From what I've read, the olympia peninsula near Forks is a good destination, but I don't know much about the area, the rivers, or any cabin rentals/lodging.

Would anyone be able to provide any insight for this vacation?

[jporter]

You may look at somewhere like Tillamook, OR, you'd have the Trask and Wilson River. Both are close to town with hotels but great steelhead rivers. You might also just watch the fish reports and go were they’re running Feb-Mar isn’t a high traffic time of year for vacationers.

[roryseiter]

Forks would be a great base. There are many rivers to choose from. A guide would be well worth it. A lot depends on the river flows and number of fish returning. You don't have to plan much else until you get here.

[fredaevans]

Months mentioned are the height of the Winter fishing on the upper Rogue River. Tonne of public access; if you decide to come this way I'll tell you 'what rock' to stand on.

Can't assure there will fish in front of you, but you'll know about access. Do I sound like a hero/big mouth? Not in the least. The upper Rogue has close to 60 miles of river and the fishing pressure (there are a few exceptions) is light especially during the week. No one will even know you're there.

Last out/spots I saw a grand total of three other fishermen.

[mikel]

These guys have always been helpful....

The Caddis Fly Angling Shop

...I'd give em a call

-Mike

[ontheflyguide]

Originally Posted by fredaevans

Months mentioned are the height of the Winter fishing on the upper Rogue River. Tonne of public access; if you decide to come this way I'll tell you 'what rock' to stand on.

Can't assure there will fish in front of you, but you'll know about access. Do I sound like a hero/big mouth? Not in the least. The upper Rogue has close to 60 miles of river and the fishing pressure (there are a few exceptions) is light especially during the week. No one will even know you're there.

Last out/spots I saw a grand total of three other fishermen.

Although this is old, I have to Agree with Fred, the Rogue offers a ton to fly fishermen during these months!

[fredaevans]

Originally Posted by mikel

These guys have always been helpful....

The Caddis Fly Angling Shop

...I'd give em a call

-Mike

Interesting you should bring up the Caddis Fly shop. Amazing how many of their 'sales' I've forwarded on to the UK. If an item is on sale there, it's usually a hell of a god deal.
fae

[gatortransplant]

If you're headed out to Forks (I was just there in February), check out Rain Coast Guides. Took a trip with Jim and it was the best guided trip I've ever taken. Definitely worth a shot. Plus the rivers around Forks are incredible. I can't wait to go back! But it might ruin Great Lakes steelheading for you, at least a little bit...