Elwha River - McDonald Bridge - Washington
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Elwha River – McDonald Bridge - Water Flow Chart
Elwha River – McDonald Bridge - Weather report & radar
Elwha River – McDonald Bridge - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midge Hatch | Afternoon | #18-22 | Zebra Midge |
| February | Stonefly Hatch | Morning | #6-10 | Hall’s Stonefly |
| Midge Hatch | Afternoon | #18-22 | Zebra Midge | |
| March | Midge Hatch | Afternoon | #18-22 | Zebra Midge |
| Mayfly Hatch | Morning | #12-16 | Adams | |
| April | Mayfly Hatch | Morning | #12-16 | Adams |
| Stonefly Hatch | Morning | #6-10 | Hall’s Stonefly | |
| Caddis Fly Hatch | Evening | #14-18 | Godard Caddis | |
| May | Mayfly Hatch | Morning | #12-16 | Adams |
| Caddis Fly Hatch | Evening | #14-18 | Godard Caddis | |
| Stonefly Hatch | Afternoon | #6-10 | Hall’s Stonefly | |
| June | Mayfly Hatch | Morning | #12-16 | Adams |
| Caddis Fly Hatch | Evening | #14-18 | Godard Caddis | |
| Stonefly Hatch | Afternoon | #6-10 | Hall’s Stonefly | |
| July | Mayfly Hatch | Morning | #12-16 | Adams |
| Caddis Fly Hatch | Evening | #14-18 | Godard Caddis | |
| Stonefly Hatch | Afternoon | #6-10 | Hall’s Stonefly | |
| August | Mayfly Hatch | Morning | #12-16 | Adams |
| Caddis Fly Hatch | Evening | #14-18 | Godard Caddis | |
| Stonefly Hatch | Afternoon | #6-10 | Hall’s Stonefly | |
| September | Mayfly Hatch | Morning | #12-16 | Adams |
| Caddis Fly Hatch | Evening | #14-18 | Godard Caddis | |
| October | Mayfly Hatch | Morning | #12-16 | Adams |
| Stonefly Hatch | Afternoon | #6-10 | Hall’s Stonefly | |
| November | Mayfly Hatch | Morning | #12-16 | Adams |
| December | Midge Hatch | Afternoon | #18-22 | Zebra Midge |
Elwha River – McDonald Bridge Access Points
One of the best spots for fly fishing on the Elwha River is around the McDonald Bridge. This location combines the beauty of the wilderness with the thrill of fly fishing. Let’s check some key points:
- Access from Highway 112:
This can be reached by going west from Port Angeles on Highway 101, then turning right on Highway 112.
- Riverside Trail:
Just south of the bridge, you’ll find a small trail that leads right alongside the river. It’s a popular entry point for fly fishermen.
- Fish species:
This section of the Elwha River is renowned for its runs of Coho, Chinook, and Steelhead.
- Season:
Fly fishing here is best from mid-Summer to late Fall.
Remember to always follow local regulations and practice catch and release to keep the fishing tradition alive.
Elwha River – McDonald Bridge Fishing Spots
The Elwha River – McDonald Bridge area boasts a number of excellent spots for fly fishing. Here are some of the best:
- River’s Mouth: The river’s mouth offers a wide stretch of calm, shallow water – perfect for fly fishing salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout.
- Altair Campground: The campground offers easy river access and is an ideal spot to catch Chinook salmon, particularly during the fall spawning run.
- Elwha Dam Site: Even though the dam now stands removed, the area is a hot spot for trout and steelhead throughout the fall and winter seasons.
- McDonald Bridge: Fishing close to the bridge can yield catches of Chinook, Coho salmon, and steelhead. However, it’s advised to use strong leader material because of the rocks and diving birds.
Elwha River – McDonald Bridge Local Fish Species
- Chinook Salmon: Known as the King Salmon, they are the largest of all salmon species.
- Coho Salmon: They are also known as Silver Salmon and are known for their acrobatics when hooked.
- Sockeye Salmon: Also called Red salmon, they are known for their rich, red flesh and sharp fighting abilities.
- Pink Salmon: Known as Humpies, they are most prevalent in odd-numbered years and offer great opportunities for beginner fly fishermen.
- Chum Salmon: Also referred to as Dog salmon, they are aggressive and known for their powerful runs.
- Sea-run Cutthroat Trout: These fish are local residents of Elwha River and are admired for their attractive colors and patterns.
- Steelhead Trout: A migratory form of the rainbow trout, known for their trophy sizes and hard fights.
- Bull Trout: These are large char species that are known for their predatory nature.
About the Elwha River – McDonald Bridge
Did you know that the Elwha River – McDonald Bridge shares a deep-rooted history with its awe-inspiring surroundings? This majestic bridge is profoundly ingrained in the culture and history of the Pacific Northwest. It straddles the formidable Elwha River that flows majestically from the heart of the Olympic National Park.
The Elwha River – McDonald Bridge was originally built in the 1910s during the homestead era, playing a crucial role in connecting isolated communities. Here are some noteworthy elements in its history:
- It witnessed the largest dam removal project in the U.S, reviving the river’s ecological vitality.
- The bridge overlooks the lush Elwha valley, offering stunning panoramic views.
- It was part of the historical Glines Canyon Dam, built in 1913 to generate electricity.
In essence, a jaunt across the Elwha River – McDonald Bridge is essentially a walk through the annals of the Pacific Northwest histo
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