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 & BootsFishing 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.

Sea-Run Cutthroat Trout: Sea-Run Cuts spend most of their time in the ocean, and migrate into fresh water to feed and or to spawn. They enter the rivers at all times of the year but primarily in summer through fall when waters are warmer and at much lower flows. These Sea-Runs are incredibly feisty, love both hitting big dries on the surface, and large steamer patterns underneath. Pound for pound are great fighters. Average size 10 to 15 inches with the largest (most infrequent) near 20 inches.Resident Cutthroat Trout: Resident Cutts spend most or all of their life in the river. They range in size from 5 to 15 inches and may be a little more selective in their feeding habits but one true fact about trout on the OP, they love big surface imitations!Rainbow Trout:Fewer and far between than the Sea-Run or Resident Cutthroat. Rainbow trout of the OP are fast, hot, wild fish. Great fun and put on their best aerial display once hooked. Average size 5 to 16 inches.Summer Steelhead:These are sea-run rainbow trout. Summer Steelhead coming from the ocean enter the river in the summer from June to as late as October migrating up river to spawn. Averaging 5lbs to 12lbs summer steelhead are incredibly fast and strong for their size and put the heat to any reel. We use lighter fly lines and often fish smaller flies. For rods, we can get away with using single handed rods but at times might prefer smaller/lighter spey rods. (Your guide can provide all rods if needed)Summer run steelhead are no longer as abundant as they once were decades ago. Even for an advanced angler if you catch one a day you are doing great! But this makes it so much more special when you do catch one. If you’re new to fly fishing, Steelhead fishing may not present the best sport as it is very difficult even for advanced anglers to find and hook these rare catch fish… if you don’t mind a high probability of not seeing a fish and would like to learn how to fish for steelhead, than we would love to take you out. Who knows, with a guide your chances are dramatically improved! Our summer runs average 5lbs to 12lbs. Also, we do have a summer hatchery/stocked run in a few of our rivers.Coho Salmon: AKA "Silvers" Coho offer great sport opportunity through summer into fall. They fight hard, and are great fun on a fly rod. Though we do book trips specifically targeting Coho, they are also often caught while fishing for summer run steelhead or early winter run steelhead. Average size ranges from 5lbs to 12 lbs. But some can be upwards of 20lbs!Chinook Salmon: AKA King salmon/ AKA Springer. “King Salmon” is just a name for “Chinook” / “Springer” is just a Chinook that arrive in the Spring / Fall Chinook arrives in the Fall. Chinook are the largest of our Salmonid species with the largest upwards of 50lbs! Chinook salmon live at sea for a few years then make their migration into the rivers to spawn at specific times of the year based upon ocean and river conditions. Chinook salmon can range greatly in size. Average size range of adult Chinook salmon 10lbs – 30lbs. Chinook can be very difficult to catch on a fly, and only those looking for an unsure challenge search out these fish on a fly

Guide Service

We are a conservation minded outfitter providing year-round guided fly fishing trips on the Olympic Peninsula for steelhead, salmon, trout & we take anglers of all skill levels from beginner to seasoned veteran.

Head guide Curtis Reed has been with Waters West for over 20 years and is an integral part and a major asset to the shop. During this time, he has fished and guided extensively throughout the Olympic Peninsula with heavy emphasis on the famous steelhead rivers near Forks, Washington. Curt is a skilled fisherman and a true professional. A day on the water will always be fun and informative and most likely involve hands that smell of fish. He’s a well-rounded fly tier, an outstanding spey caster and one of the best instructors around. He teaches many of our classes and clinics on all things fly fishing and is available for private lessons as well. His fly fishing roots began as a boy studying entomology and tying flies for his dad. It wasn’t long until he had his first 4-weight and was hooked for life. He has since evolved into a very knowledgeable, incredibly patient guide with a passion for fishing and a gift for teaching.

What We Do

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.

Seasons

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

Where we fish

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 is a must visit destination for sight seers, bird watchers, hikers/backpackers, nature lovers of all kinds, and of course, fly anglers!

Guided Trip Details

I'm New To Fly 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.

What Should I Bring?

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.

Where do we meet?

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.

Need waders?

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

How Do I Book A Trip?

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

Species Info

Sea-Run Cutthroat Trout: Sea-Run Cuts spend most of their time in the ocean, and migrate into fresh water to feed and or to spawn. They enter the rivers at all times of the year but primarily in summer through fall when waters are warmer and at much lower flows. These Sea-Runs are incredibly feisty, love both hitting big dries on the surface, and large steamer patterns underneath. Pound for pound are great fighters. Average size 10 to 15 inches with the largest (most infrequent) near 20 inches.
Resident Cutthroat Trout: Resident Cutts spend most or all of their life in the river. They range in size from 5 to 15 inches and may be a little more selective in their feeding habits but one true fact about trout on the OP, they love big surface imitations!
Rainbow Trout:Fewer and far between than the Sea-Run or Resident Cutthroat. Rainbow trout of the OP are fast, hot, wild fish. Great fun and put on their best aerial display once hooked. Average size 5 to 16 inches.
Summer Steelhead:These are sea-run rainbow trout. Summer Steelhead coming from the ocean enter the river in the summer from June to as late as October migrating up river to spawn. Averaging 5lbs to 12lbs summer steelhead are incredibly fast and strong for their size and put the heat to any reel. We use lighter fly lines and often fish smaller flies. For rods, we can get away with using single handed rods but at times might prefer smaller/lighter spey rods. (Your guide can provide all rods if needed)
Summer run steelhead are no longer as abundant as they once were decades ago. Even for an advanced angler if you catch one a day you are doing great! But this makes it so much more special when you do catch one. If you’re new to fly fishing, Steelhead fishing may not present the best sport as it is very difficult even for advanced anglers to find and hook these rare catch fish… if you don’t mind a high probability of not seeing a fish and would like to learn how to fish for steelhead, than we would love to take you out. Who knows, with a guide your chances are dramatically improved! Our summer runs average 5lbs to 12lbs. Also, we do have a summer hatchery/stocked run in a few of our rivers.
Coho Salmon: AKA "Silvers" Coho offer great sport opportunity through summer into fall. They fight hard, and are great fun on a fly rod. Though we do book trips specifically targeting Coho, they are also often caught while fishing for summer run steelhead or early winter run steelhead. Average size ranges from 5lbs to 12 lbs. But some can be upwards of 20lbs!
Chinook Salmon: AKA King salmon/ AKA Springer. “King Salmon” is just a name for “Chinook” / “Springer” is just a Chinook that arrive in the Spring / Fall Chinook arrives in the Fall. Chinook are the largest of our Salmonid species with the largest upwards of 50lbs! Chinook salmon live at sea for a few years then make their migration into the rivers to spawn at specific times of the year based upon ocean and river conditions. Chinook salmon can range greatly in size. Average size range of adult Chinook salmon 10lbs – 30lbs. Chinook can be very difficult to catch on a fly, and only those looking for an unsure challenge search out these fish on a fly

Deposit Policy

Please review our deposit policy here

Rates

Type Of Trip	1 Angler	2 Anglers	3 Anglers
Full Day Float Trip	$450.00 USD+tax	$550.00 USD+tax	N/A

These rates include all fishing gear (rods, reels, leaders, flies, etc).
Not included in this price is your Washington State Fishing license, sales tax, wader & boot rental(if needed), and gratuity for the guide.