I have enjoyed reading this BB for a couple of years. I grew up in Olympia and caught my first stealhead in the Deschutes river in Thurston county in 65 or 66. I think it was 20 years before i caught the next one and not for lack of river time. I havee fond memories of fishing on the Toutle pre 80 with a favorite uncle. I now live in a desert. Our trees are 2 ft sagebrush. I know that all is not well on any of my former fishing haunts but am looking to spending time on any river that is bank fishable jan 24 or 25.
I do not excpect to learn where your zipperlip is but would like some suggestions ( please not blue creek). If anyone wants some to chase chukar down this way I do know where they are. Thanks in advance

tite lines

If I were you I would try the Lyre River, the Sol Duc, or the Humptulips. For great bamk fishing I highly recomend the Lyre, it's near Port Angles.

In the Seattle area I like the Skykomish near Reiter in late January. Traditionally there are still some late brats along with some wild fish. On the coast the Hoh and Sol Duc are good bets for a possible lunker. Good luck!

Since both days are weekdays, you could probably get away with fishing one of the "larger" rivers and not experience war-like conditions. In town the Sky or Sno would be good bets. On the coast, my namesake river should be peaking for hatchery fish during this time.

For more solitude,in town,I'd recommend the Raging or Pilchuck Rivers. Up north the Samish could be a sleeper. On the peninsula I'd fish the Hoko or Clearwater Rivers.

Boy, a Tuesday morning in late January on the banks of the Raging can be a lonely place.

Desert Dog,
Since it sounds as if your already on the east side, I would go further east and fish the Grand Rhonde. There seem to be a lot more fish there than there are on the coast. Maybe not the size, but the numbers are good. Its a sure bet river from now untill the end of march.

Hey dog ,
good to hear from a fellow Olympia Boy,if you get back on this side I'd try the kalama or the elochoman, maybe even the wynoochie...
Tight Lines...

Dog, If you are coming all the way from nevada I would hire a guide and let him worry about where the fish are. try the Quinalt you should be able to find some good fishing.

Thanks to all that responded. I am looking forward to a day on a river and if the fish gods smile maybe even catch a fish though that is only a small part of the pleasure of being on a western river.

Tight lines all

Give the upper Quinault a try(Check regulations first). Fish around Big Creek on the North Shore road. Last 2 years have been very good for some of the locals. The tribal hatchery on the lake puts out big steelhead. A lot of these fish spawn in the upper river. Good luck!

Hohwaiian, what is in the Clearwater this time of year? Hatchery Brats?

Spike, a few brats and early nates sprinked around. I usually spend an hour or so drift fishing DNR Bar, for a shot of solitude this time of year, before slugging it out at the Salmon just up the road. The road's out this year, so it will be a real lonely drift in March. Gotta go up and around. Time: about an hour fifteen.

Hey, Hohwiian. You say the road is out, how far up? Thanks

just wondering about fishing from the bank from there, I`ve never fished it so am just
wondering if it`s worth a hike, depending on the length of the hike
(I know I know, anytime you can fish, it`s worth the hike)..*L* But I`ll have a 12 year old with me if I go..

Fellow steelheaders email me concerning this thread. I've already had a dozen emails slapping me on the wrist or asking for edification on the rivers I listed.

Peace Out...

Its amazing that some people think that they own a river and have the nerve to e-mail you. Its not like the rivers you listed were any secret. Come on guys. Guy just asked were to go not your secret little hole. If your afraid of your river getting crowded more than it is now anyone can figure out most of these rivers with the catch reports off the net unless you guys aren't punch them card Ha Ha. Keep up the good reports Hohwaiian. Now if you started to tell about ones hidden little hole that might be something else. Just my .02
Tight lines
Kevin