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Sol Duc River Fishing Guide

Washington

A Quillayute system river near Forks with wild steelhead, plus Chinook and coho seasons the state sets each year.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Sol Duc River for steelhead, chinook salmon and coho salmon. In October, steelhead, chinook salmon and coho salmon are in season, and Pat's Rubber Legs, Egg Pattern and Clouser Minnow are a good place to start. There are 4 shops nearby (2 fly, 2 bait and tackle); the closest is Angler's Obsession in Forks. Grays Harbor is also nearby if you want to make a trip of it.

Season at a Glance

Steelhead
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
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Area around a representative access point; the river runs beyond it. View Larger Map

What You'll Catch

Sol Duc River Species

Steelhead

Steelhead

Prime Now
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: Oct to Apr

Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon

Prime Now
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: May to Oct

Coho Salmon

Coho Salmon

Prime Now
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: Aug to Nov

Images: USFWS; Michael Humling, USFWS; Timothy Knepp, USFWS. Public domain.

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

8 picks for October. marks species in season in October.

  • Egg-Sucking Leech #2-6

    Fly

    Streamer · Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Steelhead

    Shop This Fly

  • Intruder 2 to 4 in

    Fly

    Streamer · Chinook Salmon, Steelhead

    Shop This Fly

  • Pat's Rubber Legs #4-10

    Fly

    Nymph · Steelhead

    Shop This Fly

  • Egg Pattern #8-16

    Fly

    Nymph · Steelhead · Indicator rig.

    Shop This Fly

  • Clouser Minnow #1/0-8

    Fly

    Streamer · Coho Salmon

    Shop This Fly

  • Inline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz

    Lure

    Spinner · Coho Salmon, Steelhead

    Shop This Lure

  • Casting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz

    Lure

    Spoon · Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon

    Shop This Lure

  • Cured Salmon Eggs Single or cluster

    Bait

    Natural Bait · Chinook Salmon, Steelhead · Where bait is legal.

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Steelhead

Fly 11 to 13 ft 7 or 8 wt spey or switch rod with a Skagit head and sink tips, or a 10 ft 8 wt single hand rod with an indicator rig.

Spin / Cast 8.5 to 10.5 ft medium-light rod, 3000 spinning reel, 8 to 12 lb line. Float and jig or drift rigs.

Chinook Salmon

Fly 10 ft 9 or 10 wt rod, sink-tip line, 15 to 20 lb leader.

Spin / Cast 9 to 10.5 ft medium-heavy casting rod, line-counter or levelwind reel, 20 to 30 lb line.

Coho Salmon

Fly 9 to 10 ft 8 wt rod, sink-tip line, 12 lb leader.

Spin / Cast 8.5 to 9 ft medium rod, 3000 spinning reel, 10 to 15 lb line.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Sol Duc River

Fly Rods

Echo Spey Rod

A two-handed rod for swinging flies across big steelhead and salmon runs.

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Flies

Steelhead Fly Assortment

Egg patterns, leeches, and swing flies for winter runs.

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Fly Lines

Scientific Anglers Sink-Tip Fly Line

Gets streamers down to fish holding deep in current.

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Fly Rods

Orvis Clearwater 9 ft 8 wt Fly Rod

An 8 weight handles bass bugs, redfish flats, and wind. The most versatile warmwater and inshore size.

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Fly Reels

Redington Behemoth Fly Reel

A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.

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Leaders & Tippet

RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet

Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.

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Waders & Boots

Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders

Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.

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Waders & Boots

Simms Freestone Wading Boots

Supportive boots with good grip on slick rock.

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Nearby

Shops Near Sol Duc River

Farther Out

Nearby

Guides and Charters Near Sol Duc River

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Saltwater & Coast · Washington · About 75 mi

Grays Harbor

The bay behind the Westport and Ocean Shores jetties, where small boats fish for big chinook and coho salmon.

Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon