Lateral Line Media

Just got back from Steelhead Fishing on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Wayne and Angie took good care of us at the Fishermans Widow Bed and Breakfast which is located on the banks of the Sol Duc River. A great spot for anyone traveling to the Olympic Peninsula. The first day we met up with Jeff Brazda at 5:30 am and got some flavor before heading to the Hoh River. The Hoh was awesome, aqua blue water running through the moss covered national forest.

The Quiet Hoh Canyon.

Elwah River

We nymphed with various egg patterns throughout the day casting on the fly and stopping occasionally to wade some solid runs. Things on the Hoh were slow, Jason and I each hooked up but couldn’t seal the deal. Jeff worked hard to find us fish. Pulling the boat back up river if he wasn’t satisfied with the results of a run. We even floated another 5 or so miles in search of fresh fish moving up. It was clear that the bite was off but we worked our asses off looking for them.


Day 2 we met “Rooster” at the same place at 5:30. We had got some steady rain the night before and we were trying to come up with a plan over breakfast. Rooster decided that we would start on the Bogachiel River in hopes of finding some fresh fish. About 10 minutes after the put in I was hooked up with my first Pacific Steelhead. The butterflies were fluttering as I battled the hen towards shore and got her to the net.

Life was good and it was only 6:30 in the morning. We had found some fish and they were eating. Another mile or so down river we got into a nice looking slot and we hooked up to a freshie that tore down the river and into a log jam. We found another one just across the river that took us down the river before it found the net.

Jason and I switched seats and on his next cast he was hooked up to his very first Steelhead EVER! His life will never be the same.

Rooster hollared to start casting into this shallow riffle that sometimes produces a fish and just as we were talking about it we were hooked up battling a nice sized hen.

We got the call that the upper part of the river was fishing well so we hauled the boat out and went to another section. Jason hooked up right at the boat ramp and then again down below. He is definately hooked.

It was an unbelievable trip both days were unreal. Jeff Brazda and Dan “Rooster” Leavens both own and operate their own fly fishing operations but they work together when the Steelhead are running on the Olympic Peninsula. Check them out. They are the hardest working guides that I have ever been out with. They will find you your fish weather you are in Washington, Montana or Alaska.
Brazdas Fly Fishing and The Stonefly Inn

Every bridge has some color.