Elsewhere on the site, Bob has links to the USGS web site for real-time river flows in cu/ft per second, and for the Sol Duc it is measured in "boards". When I go over to the greater Forks area, I just pack and go when I can...usually only once or twice per year. Can you tell me what the optimal flows are for FISHING the Hoh, Sol Duc, Bog, and Hoko (fly water)?
Also, any comments if the best flows for a SAFE FLOAT differ from the best water levels for fish? (Sometimes I take Mom for a float)

1800 and below on the hoh. as far as the duc goes you better have some time on the sticks and follow some one down. seven boards are just right

Seven boards or higher is better..

Well here is another answer ... five boards or lower for all steelhead fishing for my fave fishing.

The last three responses shows you something: different heights for different folks.

It depends upon what you're targeting, how you like to fish, whether you're banking or boating, etc.

Different sections of river fish far differently at different flows as well.

That's all part of the learning process and it's very much to each his own.

Water color varies on time of year and other factors, but if you're looking to see when they're fishable ... plan on about 12-15 boards on the 'Duc and 2000 cfs on the HOh. Calawah and Bogachiel don't often reflect flow / height well enough to give a number on those.

I know this all seems vague, but even though you may not have intended it, so was the question

It depends where you are floating. Seven boards will get you in trouble in a hard boat above the hatchery.

Since you can get down the entire Sol Duc with a raft under almost any conditions, I'll suggest the following as a guidline for *experienced* drift boat users.

Riverside to Bear Creek: 12 boards or higher.

Bear Creek to Hatchery: 15 boards minimum.

Hatchery to Maxfield: 5 boards minimum (can be done in 4, but hang on).

Shuwah Drift: 5 boards minimum to float *over* the row of rocks at the base of the Shuwah rapids, but, you can float this at no boards if you know the little turn to take at the bottom of the Shuwah rapids.

Whitcomb Dimmel to Rayonier: With expertice this can be run when the rest of the Sol Duc is too low---no boards.

Rayonier to Lyndecker: I like 5 boards or the boat takes a hammering.

Bottom line: Float these drifts with someone who knows them, first. Every stretch of the Sol Duc has Class 2 or 3 water.

So Bob, how come you're angler # 3? Did you create two test userid's first?