Choosing the Right Gear:

• Rods: When using conventional spinning and baitcasting setups, choose medium to heavy-action rods with a length of 8 to 10 feet. These rods provide the strength needed to handle salmon and cast longer distances.

• Reels: Select reels that match the rod's power and can hold enough fishing line. Reels with smooth drag systems are essential for playing and landing salmon.

• Line: Use braided or monofilament fishing line with a test strength ranging from 15 to 50 pounds, depending on the salmon species you're targeting and the specific fishing conditions.

Fishing Techniques:

• Casting: Cast your lures or bait upstream and let them drift naturally downstream. This mimics the movement of salmon prey and can attract hungry fish.

• Plugging: Plugging is another effective method, especially when fishing from a boat. Attach lures or bait to a diver to reach the desired depth.

Bait and Lures:

• Bait: Common baits for salmon fishing on the Olympic Peninsula include herring, anchovies, sand shrimp, and eggs (roe). Brining and curing baits can improve their effectiveness.

• Lures: Salmon lures can include spinners, spoons, plugs, twitching jigs, and soft plastic swimbaits. Experiment with different colors and sizes to see what the salmon are actively biting.

Fishing Locations:

• The Olympic Peninsula offers numerous fishing opportunities, including the Sol Duc, Hoh, Bogachiel, Calawah, and Quillayute rivers.

Timing and Seasonality:

• Salmon runs vary depending on the species. Fall Chinook and Coho/Silver salmon typically run in the fall, while Spring Chinook (springer) run in the spring and early summer.