Fly Fishing Sea-run Cutthroat & Basic Gear Setup

Join me on the quest to catch a Sea-run Cutthroat Trout and take a look at the gear I use for this unique fishery.
#flyfishing #flyfishdan #troutfishing #src
Online Outdoor & Fly Shops:
Trident Fly Fishing: alnk.to/apO3IST
Wyoming Fly Fishing Shop: alnk.to/h6AR0fO
O'Pros Fly Fishing Accessories: alnk.to/9boKRcb
Outdoor Clothing & Gear: alnk.to/6mKDayz
Things that I recommend for fly fishing:
O'Pros Rod Holder (Best Fly Fishing Accessory EVER!): bit.ly/3mlaQC9
Simms G4 Waders: bit.ly/3vQyl99
Korkers Wading Boots: bit.ly/3w3rIRj
Wading Staff: bit.ly/3bgM148
Fishpond Net (longer handle):
Fishpond Net (shorter handle):
Fishpond Waterproof Backpack: bit.ly/3v7LP23
SAGE Fly Rod (Great 1st Fly Rod!): bit.ly/31bVXKt
SAGE X Fly Rod (Fast Action next generation Sage TCR): bit.ly/3nBQJiq
ECHO Euro Nymphing Rod (Love this rod!): bit.ly/3BiOrcL
Winston 3-weight Fly Rod:
Orvis Battenkill Fly Reel (Bullet Proof Fly Reel): bit.ly/3CnUw98
Lamson Liquid Fly Reel (Great fly reel): bit.ly/3EkGrtH
Ross Colorado (Click & Paw - oldschool!): bit.ly/2ZtGELX
Rio Fly Line (The BEST Fly Line out there!): bit.ly/3ClzJ6r
Landing NET (Great net!): bit.ly/3CspJbC
Simms Sling Pack (LOVE THIS PACK!):
Simms Boat Bag: bit.ly/3BkPLMk
Fly Fishing Gear Bag (My recommendation; Simms no longer makes my exact bag): bit.ly/3pEDHU5
Top Quality Rain Jacket:
Waterproof Fly Box (Does not leak):
Love This New Fly Box (light and compact): bit.ly/3pJi990
Dry Shake: bit.ly/3CnBAr5
Forceps & Nippers: bit.ly/3Bj0LKk
Tapered Leaders: bit.ly/3EkpX4W
Tippet (5x, 4x, 3x): bit.ly/3ElZ5Se
You NEED a Dry Bag: bit.ly/3bnbrwF
Indicators (will not kink line):
Fly fishing for trout, fly fishing for Cutthroat in the Pacific Northwest has been a passion of mine for the last 40 years. I have spent most of my life fly fishing the great Pacific Northwest to include fly fishing in Alaska, fly fishing in Washington, fly fishing in Oregon, fly fishing in Idaho and fly fishing in Montana. I generally will fly fish and practice catch and release when fly fishing for trout, but I have been known to catch and cook during camping trips to many of my favorite fishing spots. I love to fly fish lakes in the higher elevation, though I have a few lowland lakes that are fly fishing only that are also on my most favorite list. I have a ton experience fly fishing rivers for trout and always enjoy discovering new rivers to fly fishing in and around the greater Pacific Northwest. I am also an accomplished at casting a fly rod - whether it is fly fishing casting for distance, fly fishing casting for accuracy, the double haul, roll cast, tower cast and many more fly fishing casting techniques - I can show you the basics when it comes to casting a fly rod. I also will cover many topics that relate to getting started with fly fishing. From your basic fly fishing setups, flies and fly boxes - we cover all the fly fishing needs for beginners. Thanks for taking the time to tune into FlyFishDan and I hope you consider subscribing to my fly fishing channel. Cheers and FISH-ON!!!

[@brandonjulian8736]

It's refreshing to see someone else struggle a bit with our SRC fishery as well lol 😆. I got my first one on spinning gear in Hood Canal 4 years ago. Started fly fishing for them after that and took a good while before I finally got another. Good luck!

[@FlyFishDan]

Not an easy fishery for sure - I will keep at it!

[@dondenman8124]

I love all your content Dan. I get home from work and think "I wonder if flyfish dan uploaded anything?" I check every night. Keep it up.

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks Don - I appreciate that! I have been on an uploading tear recently - glad you enjoy them, thank you!

[@drewhbend]

Realized need to get into this being so close to the sound- so fun

[@charlesqueen7912]

My favorite fish. They can be elusive and challenging, and worth the effort. I do enjoy your videos.

[@FlyFishDan]

They are super fun to challenge for sure - thank you for taking the time to watch! I do appreciate it - cheers!

[@TroutHunterWa]

Its Purdy down there :)

[@FlyFishDan]

Isn’t it though :))

[@squamishfish]

Growing up on Vancouver island I use to fish these Trout when I was younger on the estuaries ,From Victoria BC up the east side of the island to Sooke and the east side of the island up to Parksville past Nanaimo

[@treywilson8893]

Great video! Please keep them coming. This is an amazing fishery we have in our backyard but for me it's been very intimidating to get started. I would love to see a video on what to look for in a fishing spot and best time to get out regarding the tides and etc.

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks! I will focus on that on my next outing. Thanks for the ideas - cheers!

[@damonfoster3974]

I remember hearing the fox island bridge and also the hood canal was a great spot for sea runs

[@FlyFishDan]

Very good spots!

[@williamcooke6056]

Thanks for going through your gear, including the baskets and finger guards, interesting for sure! Never caught a SRC on a fly rod, but caught and released a couple trophies while steelheading over the years, a legit 5 pounder, and a 3.5, a couple of my most memorable fish. Great video!

[@FlyFishDan]

Nice! It's been a while since I've landed a steelhead, tough to find these days.

[@tompeterson559]

I think mylar is underrated for flies, especially when I think of all the chrome spinners out there. Nice fly!

[@Ew221]

Another great video Dan. I just bought the same stripping basket and am hoping to give SRC a go for the first time soon. Thanks for the motivation.

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you! It's a great basket for sure, love how light it is. Just be patient, you'll get into one...just make take a few trips :))

[@joelmorton2049]

Great video; interesting that you’re fishing that side of the inlet at your first spot. I’ve always heard you should fish the OTHER side. Might be worth a try next time I’m out there.

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks Joel - I have fished both sides with success. On this day, I didn't have my waders so the opposite side would have been more challenging since it's more of a gradual slope. Cheers!

[@4stringmanagmaildcom]

You've got it down. I usually just wear boots too. Wading in too far with waders can disrupt the fish. SRC are often caught in 1 foot of water and right at your rod tip. Quite often ankle deep is the ticket. I have even caught them standing on the dry. .

[@FlyFishDan]

Nice! I used to think I had to wade out as far as I could...but nope! Usually, like you just said, right by your feet :))

[@4stringmanagmaildcom]

@@FlyFishDan When I first started here at my place 8 years ago I would wade in waist deep and I actually saw huge fish swim almost between my legs cruising up and down the beach. I thought at the time they might be Steelhead or Salmon. Now I know what they were. I though it was all about getting the fly way out there. Nope. They actually are in close. I think it's something they do to avoid predation by all the seals we have. You don't often see seals in 1 ft of water.

[@flyfishingthepnw6752]

Dan, next time you are on that beach, swing a little white/flashy shrimp or ghost pattern. Lot of great current rolls through there

[@FlyFishDan]

Great tip and will do! Thanks!

[@neilfox9854]

Great video FlyFishDan. These guys can be tough. I usually just use a full intermediate line, like a Coastal Quickshooter, about 4' of level 8 lb. test mono and a Clouser. I've tried other stuff but that has been most productive, I also use a 10', 7wt rod to bang out long casts with few false casts. I have gotten skunked more than once though.

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks Neil - tough but rewarding for sure. I've been skunked more often than not with this fishery :)) Cheers!

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

Just gave it a try today, first time fly-fishing in salt, just a couple Cabezon today, I have caught a lot of SRC and Bull Trout on pink buzz bombs while fishing for humpies so decided to try something new.

[@FlyFishDan]

Nice!

[@devinshook3289]

Those SRC in the Sound are much different than fishing them in Oregon!

[@leemowers9395]

thanks for the video, even without landing one.

[@FlyFishDan]

You bet! Hopefully soon I will :))

[@ryanward58]

SRC is on my list to figure out, have some close friends who just moved to the San Juans... Keep meaning to bring my gear and just start...

[@FlyFishDan]

It's a touch fishery for sure, but oh so worth it!

[@oscarlambert3525]

Hey dan do you tie your fly right onto the tapered leader or do you add some tippet to the leader then your fly?

[@themidnightrider6805]

Go under the Manette according to tides you’ll really enjoy it!

[@FlyFishDan]

Sounds like a plan!! :))

[@DansBackcountry]

I've fished all those spots and not had too much luck either

[@makergrey]

Tfw I know both spots. One fish on, that's a decent day of Puget sound SRC fishing. Where are you based? Seems like most/many of your vids are in Central WA. Nice to see you over on this side.

[@FlyFishDan]

Very true, it was nice to feel a SRC! I’m actually based out of the south Puget Sound. I just do a ton of fishing over on the east side.

[@makergrey]

@@FlyFishDan Nice, I'm farther north but maybe we'll run into each other some time.

[@neilfox9854]

@@FlyFishDan I may see you on the water one day FlyFishDan, I know we go to the same Fly Shop.

[@posterestantejames]

I've never done this, but considering the situation, it seems like a single-handed spey cast or even a 4-weight switch rod might be in order. Thoughts, good or bad?

[@kevinmcphee7922]

The line he’s using is pretty much an integrated skagit line. So single hand Spey switch would probably work. One thing to consider before getting too light on rod/line weight… the resident coho can be found in the same spots, you want enough rod for that.

[@FlyFishDan]

That certainly could work as well (longer single-handed spey) - my personal preference is the lighter setup with the shooting line. I think the best setup is the one you have the most confidence in. Thanks for weighing in - I appreciate it!

[@FlyFishDan]

Great tips Kevin and solid advice. How fun would a resident coho be on the 6 weight though! :)) Cheers!

[@kevinmcphee7922]

@@FlyFishDan Hey a 6wt single is the standard, and would work for the coho you might run into... but when talking 2 handers, it can totally depend on the rod, some 3wt 2 handers are like a 6 or maybe a 5.

[@martinjohnson4124]

Is this right there by the Purdy spit?

[@FlyFishDan]

yup!

[@andrebuendia3554]

What tides are good for cut throat? Going in or out?

[@FlyFishDan]

Both incoming and out going can be good - moving water is the key. Slack tide typically is the slowest fishing (and near slack). I’ve always preferred incoming - pushes bait and fish in towards the shore. Hope that helps!

[@aaronberndt4396]

I fish that area all the time! Would you ever be interested in fishing with a subscriber ?

[@FlyFishDan]

Awesome! Always! Today, it's just a matter of finding the balance - a demanding job, the creative process, family keeps me busy and many of my trips are spontaneous. My hope is to one day to this type of work for a living...that would be tremendous and would allow a ton more time to fish. Here's to hope!

[@fishingwithfoxxxy1371]

I think that's the purdy spit can't tell

[@FlyFishDan]

Yes - that’s it. Busy has all get out though. Noisy!