Fly Fishing Sea-run Cutthroat & Basic Gear Setup

[@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!

[@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!

[@damonfoster3974]

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

[@FlyFishDan]

Very good spots!

[@drewhbend]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@tompeterson559]

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

[@StickyFlyCompany]

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 :))

[@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!

[@TroutHunterWa]

Its Purdy down there :)

[@FlyFishDan]

Isn’t it though :))

[@themidnightrider6805]

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

[@FlyFishDan]

Sounds like a plan!! :))

[@devinshook3289]

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

[@DansBackcountry]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@leemowers9395]

thanks for the video, even without landing one.

[@FlyFishDan]

You bet! Hopefully soon I will :))

[@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!

[@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!

[@fishingwithfoxxxy1371]

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

[@FlyFishDan]

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