Guide Service

We specialize in both spey and single-handed fly casting. Swinging flies for Steelhead in the winter/spring, and fly fishing for trout and salmon in the Summer/Fall.

We offer full day float trips and half/full day walk & wade trips(summer/fall only). We understand that anglers are unique, and their guided trip should be too, don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to plan a custom trip.

More than anything, we want you to enjoy your day on the water and learn about our unique area.

In an effort to preserve our fishery for the future, all wild fish are strictly catch and release. Hatchery fish may be harvested according to season/bag limits.

We fish and guide on a few select rivers all year round, targeting species according to what’s running in the river at the time. Here are the species we target and months they are present. For more in-depth info on these unique species click on the SPECIES tab below.

Species we target and months they are in the river:

Trout – Cutthroat & Rainbow – May-October

Summer Steelhead – June-October

Coho Salmon – July-November

Chinook Salmon – September-November

Winter Steelhead (Swing only) – November-April

species info goes here

The Olympic Peninsula is a rain forest, so much so that in the upper reaches of the OP we may receive 200 inches of rain per year. All this rain has to go somewhere and most of it drains directly into the Pacific ocean, anywhere this fresh water drains into the ocean you’ll find a blooming and highly dynamic ecosystem. These freshwater drainages are migration hot spots for many species. Some move into the rivers for spawning and some for feeding purposes. The Olympic Peninsula has since become a mecca for sight seers, bird watchers, hikers/backpackers, nature lovers of all kinds, and of course, sport fishing!

Great!  We love welcoming new fly anglers to this lifelong hobby. 

There is no better place to learn than on the water, having a guide at your side will help shorten the learning curve and save you the frustration of having to figure things out on your own. Think of a guided trip as a full day immersive fly fishing lesson

We also provide all the essential gear. Just show up ready to learn and we’ll take care of the rest.

Our guided trips include all necessary tackle, lunch/snacks and water. Anglers are certainly welcome to bring their favorite rods, flies, beverages, etc.

This is what you will need to bring:

• Waders and Boots – If you do not have any, let us know so we can get you a pair of rentals, or set you up with your own brand new Waders & Boots
• Fishing License – Make sure to get this before the day of your trip. If you get it online it usually takes about 10 days to get to you. Otherwise you can get one at Swains General Store, Mt. Pleasant IGS grocery store (open late), or Wal-Mart in Port Angeles or Forks Outfitters in Forks. Make sure to get the “Salmon/Steelhead Catch Card” as well. The catch card is required and free when you purchase your license.
• Sunglasses and hat (eye and head protection and helpful for seeing into the water)
• Quality Rain Jacket in muted tone if possible(bright colored jackets can spook fish, especially during summer conditions). It rains often here, some days just a light sprinkle other days it might seem like the air is water. Cheap rain jackets just do not hold up in this environment.
• Appropriate clothing: summers are generally mild, with a lightweight long sleeve being the most you’d probably need, but fall and winter are a different world. Dress in layers, and remember the more insulated your core is, the warmer your hands and feet will be. A warm hat and gloves are also highly recommended. Thick wool socks are highly recommended to protect your feet and keep them warm.

We do most of our river fishing around Forks, Washington, about an hour west of our shop. 

We will often meet our clients right in, or nearby Forks, depending on the river we are fishing. 

If you are staying in Port Angeles and do not have transportation, we can usually make arrangements for your guide to pick you up in town.

If you need gear, all tackle is provided on any guided trip.

We are happy to offer rental gear for anglers who want to travel light or may just be fishing for a day while in the area.

Waders & Boots – $25/day

• We require a $150 Deposit to hold your preferred date. Deposit is fully refundable if the trip is cancelled due to unfishable conditions. (Trips will not be canceled due to rain or bad weather, unless conditions are unfishable or dangerous. It rains quite a bit here.)
• For trips booked less than a month in advance, full payment is required at booking.
• Cancellations over one month in advance of trip – 100% refund of deposit
• Cancellations less than one month, but more than two weeks from trip – 50% refund of deposit
• Cancellations within two weeks of trip – no refund of deposit
• The full amount will be due if the trip is canceled within a week, unless we can re-book the date before the trip.

Just give us a call at (360) 417-0937 or email info@waterswest.com