Best DIY resources for those new to the PNW?

[cody-]

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!

 

[Old Man]

I have the complete Natgeo disc set. All 50 states. And I use it about as much as I use maps.

 

[cody-]

The advice is much appreciated! I've added some new books to my shopping list and have downloaded the Fish Washington and ONx app. I'll be back with more detailed questions once I start getting outfitted for small mouth bigger than this after moving.

 

[Old Man]

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.

You will probably go batty after seeing the Washington's Rules and Regulations. It's damn near a book. I put up with them for many years, Then I moved to Montana. Much more simpler.

 

[_WW_]

This seldom, if ever, gets mentioned. There are a ton of clues embedded in the state fishing regulations as to timing, quality, species, and access. Read between the lines!

 

[Bruce Baker]

You will probably go batty after seeing the Washington's Rules and Regulations. It's damn near a book. I put up with them for many years, Then I moved to Montana. Much more simpler.

Simpler, yes. But it's 104 pages

 

[Dekartes]

I don't know how you feel about hiking and backcountry. But that is 90% what I do now locally. No meth heads where I go. Just drop dead scenery and great fishing. Both the west and east sides have a lot to offer.

 

[cody-]

I don't know how you feel about hiking and backcountry. But that is 90% what I do now locally. No meth heads where I go. Just drop dead scenery and great fishing. Both the west and east sides have a lot to offer.

Fishing hikes are my all-time favorite, and how I spend most of my free time during summers currently in Utah. I haven't done any backpacking/overnight hikes but I can typically cover 5-8 miles/day and still get some fishing done.

 

[Tim L]

Had one of these since '91, pretty much every piece of water in the state. Good for a general list of whats out there, where to find, how many acres, species, etc, etc, lakes, streams, salt...

 

[Old Man]

Simpler, yes. But it's 104 pages

The Montana regs are a lot easier to read and understand. I'm old and slow and I understand them.

 

[MarshRat]

Silverbow Fly Shop in Spokane is a great resource. If you can't get there in-person, they have a great blog that they update with regional tips/patterns/reports.

https://www.silverbowflyshop.com/blog/

I spent several years fishing the dry side, feel free to PM me with specific questions. Welcome!

 

[TDub]

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

Buy this book and set forth!

Good luck.
View attachment 2945

I also got that book around that time. It was very helpful in getting me out in it.

 

[Old Man]

Simpler, yes. But it's 104 pages

Washington's is almost 200 pages

 

[Bruce Baker]

Washington's is almost 200 pages

148 to be exact.

 

[Divad]

OnX isn’t great unless you pay for the locked version, and then it’s awesome! I’d say it can be the number 1 resource at times for exploring. I’ll find slivers of state land, or private that when researched allow recreational traffic!

Highly recommend.

 

[HOG]

Do the opposite of this guy and you will catch fish.

Steelhead stuff.

Coming to a river near you Summer 2022!

pnwflyfishing.com

But seriously, reading, research and planning is necessary, just don’t forget to go fishing. More time on the water is best way to learn.

 

[Divad]

Do the opposite of this guy and you will catch fish.

Steelhead stuff.

Coming to a river near you Summer 2022!

pnwflyfishing.com

But seriously, reading, research and planning is necessary, just don’t forget to go fishing. More time on the water is best way to learn.

Blindly fishing though is not the best in new area, research here and there is key. Unless you have some amazing job that pays without working or you’re retired then that time is valuable. And it’s stupid to not spend the 5-20 minutes learning maybe that river had a fish kill months prior than to go out and fish it all day wondering what the fug you did wrong.

 

[GAT]

I don't think anyone else has mentioned it but if you find yourself in Oregon, this is like the 12th edition of a book that includes just about every fishery in Oregon:

 

[Aleforme]

Well, I just ordered a few books/guides!

 

[Old Man]

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.

This is a good map . But I prefer the one made by Benchmark. Costs a little more, But is a better map.

 

[Old Man]

I try to do all my fishing in the National Forests. No trouble with Boundaries Up there. and the fishing is better.