Quinault River - Quinault Lake - Washington
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Quinault River – Quinault Lake - Water Flow Chart
Quinault River – Quinault Lake - Weather report & radar
Quinault River – Quinault Lake - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midge | Afternoon | Size 18-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Winter Stonefly | Morning through afternoon | Size 16-20 | Black Stones | |
| February | Winter Steelhead | All Day | Size 6-2 | Ted’s Green Butt Carbuncle, Pink Worm |
| March | Winter Steelhead | All Day | Size 6-2 | Purple Grape, Blue Moon |
| April | Spring Chinook | All Day | Size 6-2 | Spruce Fly, Comet |
| May | Spring Chinook | All Day | Size 6-2 | Firecracker Prawn, GP Prawn |
| June | Summer Steelhead | All Day | Size 6-2 | Freight Train, Cabellero Egg Sucking Leech |
| July | Summer Steelhead | All Day | Size 6-2 | Purple Peril, Skagit Minnow |
| August | Summer Steelhead | All Day | Size 6-2 | Coho Blue, Undertaker |
| Fall Chinook | All Day | Size 6-2 | Jumbo Critter, Flash Fly | |
| September | Summer Steelhead | All Day | Size 6-2 | Green Butt Skunk, Freight Train |
| Fall Chinook | All Day | Size 6-2 | Hot Pink Comet, GP Orange Prawn | |
| October | Summer Steelhead | All Day | Size 6-2 | Purple Grape, GP Orange Prawn |
| Fall Chinook | All Day | Size 6-2 | Fire Red Flash Fly, Flash Orange Comet | |
| November | Winter Steelhead | All Day | Size 6-2 | Jumbo Smolt, Green Butt Skunk |
| December | Winter Steelhead | All Day | Size 6-2 | Blue Moon, GP Orange Prawn |
Quinault River – Quinault Lake Access Points
The Quinault River – Quinault Lake offers prime fly fishing and several access points for anglers:
- Graves Creek Bridge: Easy public access and great for steelhead fishing.
- Quinault Lodge: Direct access to Quinault lake for prime trout fishing.
- Rain Forest Resort Village: Provides access to the lower portion of the lake.
- Quinault River North Fork Trail: Perfect for adventurous anglers providing access to exclusive fly fishing spots on the river.
It’s important to note that fishing regulations vary seasonally, and the entirety of the Quinault is located within the Quinault Indian Reservation – a fishing license from the Quinault Indian Nation is required.
Quinault River – Quinault Lake Fishing Spots
Renowned for its abundant stock of salmon and steelhead, the Quinault River – Quinault Lake in Washington offers some amazing fishing spots. If you plan to fly fish, make sure to check these hot spots.
- Mainstem Quinault: Both Upper and Lower Quinault provide excellent fishing opportunities. Particularly from February to April for winter steelhead, and from September for salmon.
- North Fork Quinault: Ideal for cutthroat trout and rainbow trout. It is perfect during the summer and fall season, prior to first heavy rains.
- Quinault Lake: This deep blue lake’s western shore is a fantastic spot for chum salmon fly fishing during fall season.
- East Fork Quinault: Perfect place during the late summer for trout fishing including brook trout.
Always respect tribal regulations and ensure you have acquired necessary permits if exploring the Quinault Indian Nation territories.
Quinault River – Quinault Lake Local Fish Species
- Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, this fish is one of the largest and most popular targets for fly fishers.
- Steelhead Trout: Known for their aggressive bites and acrobatic displays after being hooked, these are a favorite for those seeking challenge and excitement.
- Coho Salmon: This salmon type is known for their tenacity and power, testing angler’s line strength and fishing skills.
- Chum Salmon: These are a staple in freshwater fly fishing due to their predictable behaviors and migrations.
- Cutthroat Trout: Renowned for their beautiful coloring, Cutthroat Trout are a prized catch for many anglers.
- Sockeye Salmon: Sockeyes are known for their bright red coloring during spawning periods. They are challenging to catch due to their selective feeding habits.
- Pink Salmon: The smallest of the salmon variety, they are abundant and put up a spirited fight, making them a fun catch for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
- Bull Trout: This trout species is sought after due to their strength and size, making them a worthy adversary for seasoned anglers.
About the Quinault River – Quinault Lake
The Quinault River – Quinault Lake are nestled within the heart of Washington. The river, which originates from the lake, is a notable tributary of the Pacific Ocean. This dynamic duo forms an integral part of the Olympic Peninsula’s ecosystem.
Quinault Lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and is widely recognized as the ‘gem of the Olympics’. The lake came into existence due to the gradual melting of glaciers thousands of years ago.
- All around the lake, majestic evergreen forests create a serene ambiance that beckons nature lovers.
- The Quinault Indian Nation, a federally recognized tribe, resides close by and holds significant cultural importance to the area.
Meanwhile, the Quinault River is a vibrant habitat for a variety of aquatic species, including several types of salmon.
Today, the enchanting Quinault River and Lake continue to draw visitors from around the world, eager to behold their breathtaking beauty and bask in their serene and pristine surroundings.
Community Contributions
Be part of the fishing community!
No updates submitted for this river.
