Did the Hoh open May 16 for Wed-Sunday fishing in the lower river like last year?

Yes.

Open from willoughby's to the mouth

Thanks man.

I'm relatively inexperienced with salmon steelheading and want to make my first hook up. So as far as I understand, deep holes are for springers and riffles/head ins are for steelies right? What lb test mainline should I use for springers? 15 or 20? I always use PLine so line capacity usually isn't an issue. BTW, how much line should I have to go after the big bruisers? Don't really feel like getting spooled cause I don't have a backup baitcaster and I am not about to rely on a 3 BB spinning reel to stand up to the rigors of scorching runs. Also, what spoons spinners seem to work best?

Bait and spinners, number 5's. Those Hoh kings shouldn't even be open. IMO

Here's my thoughts.......

Springers = deep holes or tailouts. They also seem to love the heads of pools. When the waters up, hunt for them near the shoreline. For gear, I've never used any more than 15 lb. test. This year, while I've only hooked 10 or so, I've used a light rod loaded with 12# berkely big game. Try the pink worm for those buggers. I've nailed 5 using that method this year.

Steelies = tailouts, pools, depressions, and under heavy coverage. I've hooked more steelies casting under branches and behind boulders than anywhere else. Forget tailouts once the sun hits the water (unless your working with minimum visibility). Those little buggers love to hide. Think of steelhead fishing as a game of hide and seek. Ask yourself where you'd hide if you were trying not to get caught........ For gear go light. Even for natives, I have never broken the 12# test mark. In the summer I fish 8 lb. big game mainline, and 8 lb. flourocarbon leader exclusively. Think jigs with shrimp tails. Get out there and have some fun. Try a river that doesn't get too much pressure. Casting over other fisherman and having to battle for a spot can be a bit intimidating for some.
Cuttie