Best DIY resources for those new to the PNW?

cody- · Feb 3, 2022

Hey all,

I'm fixing to accept a job offer in Washington's dry side. I've been fly fishing since I moved for Utah a few years ago. I really struggled at first, but also really didn't initially put in the effort needed for find success until meeting someone who became a really great friend and mentor.

Getting to my question... Are there any specific online or print resources that you all found particularly helpful for getting the lay of the land or for species-specific strategies? I'm not looking for your hot spots, but would appreciate any book, map/gazetteer, or other suggestions to make my first fishing outings in the PNW more enjoyable.

Thanks!

Greg Armstrong · Feb 3, 2022

Seriously…

Greg Armstrong · Feb 3, 2022

And a good idea would also be to download the WDFW fishing app to know our complicated reg’s.

You’ll find spots with fish this way.

Northern · Feb 3, 2022

If you poke around the WDFW website, you'll find you can search the lakes by species and county, which is super handy.

cody- · Feb 3, 2022

Greg Armstrong said:
And a good idea would also be to download the WDFW fishing app to know our complicated reg’s.

You’ll find spots with fish this way.

Great idea. I feel a little spoiled here in Utah where things are pretty loose with no seasonal closures and very few tackle-related regulations. Definitely something I'll need to keep an eye on.

Leland Miyawaki · Feb 3, 2022

cody- said:
Hey all,

I'm fixing to accept a job offer in Washington's dry side. I've been fly fishing since I moved for Utah a few years ago. I really struggled at first, but also really didn't initially put in the effort needed for find success until meeting someone who became a really great friend and mentor.

Getting to my question... Are there any specific online or print resources that you all found particularly helpful for getting the lay of the land or for species-specific strategies? I'm not looking for your hot spots, but would appreciate any book, map/gazetteer, or other suggestions to make my first fishing outings in the PNW more enjoyable.

Thanks!

Don’t know which town you’re moving but hanging out at a flyfishing shop would be the thing to do. I’ve found that the guys in shops are freer with their information than the guys online. Probably because they’re talking to one person (you) and not the whole world (us) .
Leland.

RCF · Feb 3, 2022

Umm, ummm Pnwflyfishing.com

Buzzy · Feb 4, 2022

Do you tie your own flies? If you're into tying your own, then what @Leland Miyawaki says is really easy. You stop by the local shop (assuming "local" exists) and get to know the guys. They want to help you. I joined a fly club (PSFF.ORG) in the 1980's, man, was that helpful! Of course, with this ongoing pandemic, I don't know how many clubs actually meet anymore.

Good luck with your search.

RCF · Feb 4, 2022

On a more serious note... Washington is unique in a number of ways. You can fish Dry Falls. When it had water flowing over it it was 3 times wider and twice as high as Niagra falls. Lake Chelan is almost 400' below sea level at its deepest depth. Enjoy the history if you are into that.

The suggestions above for DIY research are definitely good ones. I would add that do some research at the county level to get further specifics. Depending on the county, you will bathymetric maps of the lake, water quality, visibility, average water temperatures by month, access, etc. Also the are a number of universities in eWA that have done studies and see what you can find there.

Oh don't believe anything or everything about Crab Creek until you do:

Browns in Crab Creek?

www.washingtonflyfishing.com

Washington is very diverse and a lot of fun discovering it. Ben her 65+ years and only scratched the surface... Enjoy!

Edited to add: Almost as confusing as the regulations are which pass do you need to park for access.

Bagman · Feb 4, 2022

even if your on the dry side don’t over look the Salt, we have had a few ruff years as far a fish catching goes but it’s a great way to spent some time even if you don’t put any to hand. Also make sure you go to wa emergency rule changes before you head out. You can save yourself some headaches, the spot you were fishing in yesterday may close the next day.

TYTLINZ · Feb 4, 2022

Depending on where you are on the dry side there is always Idaho close by as well!

Old Man · Feb 4, 2022

Greg Armstrong said:
Seriously…

View attachment 2663

This is a fairly good map. But the one made by Benchmark is better. Costs a little more also. I have the Benchmark one and it is dog eared from being used so much. Or you can go to any Ranger Station and buy a National Forest Map. They used to be free but not anymore.

Bob Rankin · Feb 4, 2022

I purchased this book, I think in 2000. It became my guide to adventuring Washington.

Buy this book and set forth!

Good luck.

Rob Allen · Feb 4, 2022

I am going to say that this website is your best resource.. Come here make friends contribute when you can and you'll have no trouble adapting what you learned in Utah to the PNW.

Stonedfish · Feb 4, 2022

A tank of gas and a map used to do it.
Still would today but lots of other resources like Google maps, shoreline viewers, books etc that make it even easier if someone had the gumption and enjoys exploring. Exploring can be just as good as fishing and some bust trips pay off in spades with better water conditions, weather etc. Have fun.
SF

Jake Watrous · Feb 4, 2022

cody- said:
Hey all,

I'm fixing to accept a job offer in Washington's dry side. I've been fly fishing since I moved for Utah a few years ago. I really struggled at first, but also really didn't initially put in the effort needed for find success until meeting someone who became a really great friend and mentor.

Getting to my question... Are there any specific online or print resources that you all found particularly helpful for getting the lay of the land or for species-specific strategies? I'm not looking for your hot spots, but would appreciate any book, map/gazetteer, or other suggestions to make my first fishing outings in the PNW more enjoyable.

Thanks!

Hire a guide like @Nick Clayton

clarkman · Feb 5, 2022

Do everything that everyone above said...

I dunno if there's a Washington version of the Sheehan "Fishing in Oregon" book (maybe the one listed above), but that's my primary resource for finding stuff that no one likes to talk about on fishing forums. That, and a few calls to the local bio's will yield a surprising amount of good information.

IHFISH · Feb 5, 2022

As usual, all the above advice is excellent. If you like targeting bass or think you might, "Flyfishing for Western Smallmouth" by David Paul Williams is worth checking out too.