Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Quinault River - Taholah - Washington

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Steelhead All Day 2-6 Green Butt, Intruder, Glo Bug
February Steelhead All Day 2-6 Nymph, Glo Bug, Eggo
March Steelhead All Day 2-6 Nymph, Polar Shrimp, Green Butt Skunk
April Steelhead All Day 2-6 Polar Shrimp, Green Butt Skunk, Nymph
May No Major Hatch N/A N/A N/A
June No Major Hatch N/A N/A N/A
July No Major Hatch N/A N/A N/A
August No Major Hatch N/A N/A N/A
September Silver Salmon All Day 4-8 Humpy Hooker, Egg Sucking Leech, Aleutian Queen
October Silver Salmon, Coho All Day 4-8 Aleutian Queen, Egg Sucking Leech, Coho Blue
November Chum Salmon All Day 4-8 Clouser Minnow, Black Comet, Moto's Minnow
December Steelhead, Chum Salmon All Day 2-6 for Steelhead, 4-8 for Chum Green Butt, Intruder, Glo Bug for Steelhead, Moto's Minnow, Egg Sucking Leech, Chum Fry for Chum

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

For the lovers of fly-fishing, the Quinault River – Taholah offers several premier spots to cast your line, featuring a variety of fish species including Steelhead, Coho and Chinook salmon.

  • Upper Quinault River: Excellent for rainbow and cutthroat trout, especially during summer and fall.
  • Quinault Indian Reservation: Home to a diversity of salmon, it is however essential to check local regulations as fishing is strictly regulated.
  • Amanda Park: The Kalaloch Creek entering here has a good population of Steelhead.
  • Lake Quinault: Located at the Lower Quinault River, this lake provides opportunities for big catch, including Coho and Chinook salmon.
  • Graves Creek: This tributary of the Quinault River is particularly good place to fly fish for Steelhead.

Remember to always adhere to local fishing regulations and respect the local environment when fly-fishing at Quinault River – Taholah.

Best Access Points

The Quinault River in Taholah delivers excellent fly fishing opportunities. Some of the prime access points include:

  • South Shore Road: This route stretches alongside the Quinault River offering great fly fishing spots. It’s easy to navigate for most vehicles.
  • Quinault River bridges: Several bridges cross the Quinault River where you are allowed to fish and have space for parking.
  • Canal Road: This road runs far up the river, presenting stunning views and fishing outlets.
  • Quinault Indian Reservation: Please note you will require a tribal license to fish here. On acquiring one, you can access more remote parts of the river.

Remember to observe fishing regulations and restrictions, protect the environment, and ensure your safety while exploring these access points.

Local Fish

  • Steelhead Trout: This is a popular choice for fly fishers due to its availability and the challenge it poses to capture.
  • Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, it is highly sought after due to its size and fight once it is hooked.
  • Coho Salmon: These salmon are known for their aggressive behavior which makes them an appealing target.
  • Chum Salmon: This species of salmon is known for its strength and tendency to swim upstream to their spawning grounds.
  • Pink Salmon: Although not as challenging as other species, they are a popular target for fly fishing due to their abundance.
  • Sockeye Salmon: Known for their vibrant red color during spawning season, they put up a big fight which is a fun challenge for fly fishers.
  • Sea-Run Cutthroat: Known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights, they are a favorite among fly fishers.
  • Bull Trout: This species is often a bycatch while targeting other species, but their large size and strength can be a fun challenge for fly fishers.

About The River

The Quinault River, a great source of life and culture, is nestled in the evergreen state, Washington. The Quinault River has a vibrant history, deeply intertwined with the Quinault Indian Nation. The tribe has been living by the river’s shores and upper basin around the village of Taholah for thousands of years.

  • The Quinault River is approximately 89 km in length and is famous for its pristine beauty.
  • Namesake ‘Quinault’ is derived from kwi’nail, meaning “long beach ridge” in Salishan, an indigenous language.
  • Its watershed, around 296,000 acres, is rich in biodiversity, with more than 200 bird species and 15 species of amphibians.
  • Fishing has been an essential aspect of the Quinault’s way of life, with the river teeming with Coho and Chum salmon, steelhead trout, and sturgeon.

A visit to this enchanting river promises a fascinating journey into nature’s lap and an intriguing peek into the history and culture of the Quinault people.

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