After the success on the Westport Jetty, we were stoked to hit the Hoh and catch some winter fish before it closes on the 15th. We arrived at the river to camp and it was in perfect shape, having dropped dramatically from the big rain. We were banking it so the high water was a concern. The weather was nice until we woke up to a steady rain forest downpour on the roof. The extra rain throughout the night made the river a bit higher than we'd like, so our expectations had to be adjusted accordingly.
We set out tromping through the forest to our secret spot and arrived about an hour after daylight, and it was looking a little grim. We crackered our first fish on a delayed hook set, and that gave us a bit of hope. After a while of soggy rain, we had another quick grab and go sloshing our yarn ball through the back eddy of a boulder. Bummer.
The river was definitely pushing some whitewater at this particular area, and so that made finding likely holding water more difficult, and getting around was also a PIA so we found one slot that I've always fished, but never really had much luck in because in normal flows it's a bit too skinny. But it happened to be the only calm-ish spot in this section of river with a straight current, so I knew that there would be a fish in it. I had my guy get set up with a float and fresh yarn ball and I told him, you're going to hook a fish in this hole. My confidence paid off, because first cast, BAM! like a freight train. One! Two! Four jumps the fish immediately exploded, and then made several powerful runs and came in for a quick pic and safe release. Beautiful buck, and man, that called for a toast. We worked hard for it.
I have one day left open to fish the Hoh, Monday the 15th if you're interested. Bank or boat, let me know and we can get on some fish. The conditions should be better by then.
Nate Treat Fishing
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"Specializing in Fishing Instruction and Shore Guiding on Washington's Rivers."
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