This week Baxter, Big Worm and I left the Golden State and made the marathon 473-hour trip north to the “OP” — Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Why would we drive a bazillion miles and swap the 71 degrees of California for 42 and steady rain? Duh — giant steelhead of course!
Well, at least in theory…
Like most trips, this one didn’t quite go as planned. Here’s the photo diary…
The rivers of the OP are incredible and, as Baxter says, “make you really horny…”
Epic country
…which was definitely the case pretty much everywhere we went. Very sexy water!
Sure looks fishy...
But alas, the fish just aren’t here in big numbers this season. On the first day, we landed 3 but I dropped my digital camera over the side and we have no photographic evidence of that (sure, that’s what they all say!). The next day was slower — we had three legit grabs on plugs and pink worms fished under floats — but no fish to the boat. Did I happen to mention that the scenery was epic?
There's a 20 pounder around here somewhere!
So, I guess I have established that the area is beautiful and the rivers just ooze steel appeal. Besides the flora and fauna, we enjoyed launching at some “creative” spots…
No paved 4 lane launches with floating docks here!
We’ve also had a ball snooping around the local tackle shops in the evenings. Here’s Big Worm stoked to see an end cap stocked with the products he manufacturers:
The CEO likes what he sees at Forks Outfitters
And me posing with one of the most important pieces of literature of our time…by a couple authors without peer. I know, at least I’m modest! Hey! Why haven’t you guys sold all these out yet?? I wanna talk to the manager!
Hey ,Christmas is only 217 days away!
Forks, WA is home to the whole Twilight thing, and though we didn’t run into any vampires (we think), we met a bunch of friendly folks on the river like these boys who showed us the proper line down a narrow spot…
Follow us!
…and some spey guys like this dude who was also getting soaked and skunked like us — only he had a better excuse!
Well, needless to say, not the fishiest fishing trip…but you know how it is– that’s not so much the main goal anymore. And at least Baxter has shot the whole thing on his circa 1989 Handicam (which he had set to “night vision” for an entire day).
Soon to be a major motion picture event!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
JD,
Cool site and great pics. Sorry we had to drive for 18 hours and endure heinous weather for you to show me the site in a hotel room after a long day of fishing, if thats what it takes I am glad to have been exposed to the new online magazine.
When catching is tough, and you still have fun you know you are a true steelheader!
I love the site, and thanks for the time fishing.
Your fan,
Mike B.
Great pics, cool story! As I have said before; “Can I go next time?” Lol… Just kidding, but you do inspire some future road trips. I just have to find another crazy fisherman willing to really venture out!
Question: about the “dropped the camera, nite vision thing”… how do ya end up with all those fine pics of the epic scenery?
ahhhh. Ya know what? I went out yesterday and got a huge one, just as I was grabbing for the camera, it flopped back in the water… Man I hate when that happens.
All kidding aside, thanks for the great post. I get a peek at all the locations I hope to visit some day.
See ya on the water,
Steve
Hey JD
How did the balloon raft work?
Mel
JD, The whole “dropped the camera thing” and the “video camera on night vision for a day thing”…inside voice, inside voice…