Steelhead Fishing the Olympic Peninsula

Rods, Reels & Line

Steelhead are hard-fighting and acrobatic fish that can test all of your tackle, so you have to make sure you show up prepared. I've chosen this gear list based on average conditions during the winter season here on the coast. This is an all-around list that will serve anyone well in their steelhead adventures!

Reels & Spools

Daiwa Tatula SV TW Baitcast Reel

This reel is for casting.

Daiwa BG3500 BG Saltwater Spinning Reel

This reel is for spinning.

Line & Backing

PowerPro Super Slick V2 30 LB 300 YD

Lures, Flies, Tackle & Bait

This gear list is an all around for Float fishing steelhead.

Lures

Hawken Aerojig Plain Jighead, 1/8 oz

Other

Beau Mac Bobber Stop Eggs

Beau Mac Inline Slider Drift Float - 1/2 oz.

WFO Worm 4.5" Mystic Pink

Beau Mac PET Clear Torpedo Slip Floats - 25g

Gulf Coast Slam

Bags, Boxes, Storage & Organization

Backpacks & Lumbar Packs

Simms Tributary Hip Pack

The Tributary Hip Pack is fantastic choice for carrying just the essentials as you wade the river fishing.

Boat Bags & Dry Bags

Simms Stash Bag, Fishing Equipment Case

The Simms Stash Bag serve perfectly as a gear bag inside the boat for all the essentials and it even keeps your gear dry while it rains as it often does here on the peninsula.

Tackle Boxes & Fly Boxes

Plano Waterproof Stowaway Tackle Box

Plano Stowaway boxes are perfect for keeping hooks, jig heads, worms, bobber stops and anything else you'd need completely organized and dry for your fishing trip.

Clothing

Winter Steelhead Season can be brutal here in the Forks, WA area. The winds, rains, and cold temps will test any level of angler. You have to be prepared. This list will cover you.

Hats

SEALSKINZ Cold Weather Beanie Hat

Sealskinz Waterproof beanie over top of your favorite ballcap.

Sunglasses & Retainers

Smith Guide's Choice Bifocals Sunglasses

Neck Gaiters

Hoo-Rag Multi-Functional Face & Neck Mask

Tops

Under Armour Men's ColdGear Fitted Mock Long-Sleeve

Jackets/ Shells

Simms Rogue Fleece Hoody

Shorts & Pants

Simms Heavyweight Baselayer Bottom

Vests

Simms Rogue Fleece Vest

Rain Gear

Simms Guide Classic Wading Jacket

Waders

Simms Freestone Z Men's Stockingfoot Waterproof Chest Fishing Waders

Footwear

Simms G3 Guide Wading Boots for Men

Socks

Smartwool Men Classic Hike Full Cushion Crew

Tools & Accessories

A couple of must-haves for steelhead fishing are a solid net, good pliers, braided line cutters, gloves, lip balm for those cold days, and in fisheries where hatchery steelhead are retained, a sharp fillet knife.

Nets

Beckman Net

Pliers, Scissors & Tools

Dr. Slick Squall Fishing Plier, 7-1/2"

Knives

Rapala Soft Grip Fillet Knife

Misc. Gear

Blistex Medicated Lip Balm