Fall has finally turned on here in the Pacific Northwest, and certainly on Hood Canal. We had one of the nicest fall weather patterns I can remember here. It seemed day after day of flat and calm weather was the norm – heck I will take it. True fall finally showed up the other day, bringing with it our standard rain and wind package that we are used to here in Western Washington – however this is what makes it such a cool area to live and fish in. 
The salmon come with fall, the rain/wind package and bring even more opportunity to the saltwater angler. Coho and Chum salmon are speeding back to their estuaries and give anglers an opportunity to target them in these mostly wadable saltwater environments. Chico Creek on the Kitsap Peninsula provides a great wading opportunity for the fly angler. Fish are readily cruising the estuary waiting for the right time to enter the stream.
On Hood Canal, Sea Run Cutthroat are homing in on there estuaries they return to and offer anglers a shot at some very nice fish. Actually, some of my largest fish caught come from the November – February time frame. The water really clears up from the summer algae blooms on Hood Canal in the winter. From the elevated front casting deck on my boat, anglers cast and retrieve flies streamer style – offering a unique visual fishery even during low light conditions. There really isn’t another fishery like it that I have experienced. The ability to visually see the fish chase down your fly resembles that of a spring creek.
Today, I finished building an elevated casting platform for my rear fishing deck. I figured anglers could use another 12 inches of height to elevate them and their cast, and give them a better visual perspective looking down. We will see how it works with my clients tomorrow.
I carry four guide rods on my boat. Recently added to my collection are a couple Redington Vice 696. These rods cast excellent and rival that of their Sage X cousins. They offer just a touch more length which is nice to give anglers a little more reach and also clear the hard cabin on my boat. The other two rods are Sage Salt 590 and 690. These rods are excellent, built to power through NW winds and drive streamers through it. However, they aren’t quite as soft as Redington Vice rods. The Rio Coastal Quickshooter is a great go to line right now, and for a large portion of the year works well. My other lines I use are the Scientific Angler Sonar Titan 3/5/Intermediate lines. These sink quicker than the quick shooter lines, and are especially effective when water temps. warm up and anglers need to get down quickly.
Fall and Winter are a great time of the year to experience Hood Canal. Come join Fjord Fly Fishing for a unique saltwater fly fishing experience this winter.
