The Thrill (Agony) of Steelhead Fishing on the OP

[@FlyFishDan]

Korkers wading river spiked soles: Korkers Wading Boots: alnk.to/5F6UL4K

[@timingram8953]

I changed to a felt bottom on my Sims, and I love their grip on those slippery rocks.

[@kevinmcphee7922]

Love my Korkers… felt in the raft, hexes for hiking and traction in the snot. Although the hexes are pretty round these days, might be time to replace

[@grob25]

I have not fished the OP in about as many years. Looks like an awesome trip. Thank you for keeping it real. It is called fishing, not catching. Some days, you just have to admire the scenery.

[@FlyFishDan]

It was a glorious trip and at the very same time frustrating - I'd do it again though in a heartbeat :))

[@gregoryroyack9931]

Thanks for the video, steelhead fishing is definitely not for the casual fisherman. I've been in the north peninsula for over 15 years and would say I focus predominately on trout out here as the steelhead and salmon have become a tougher deal as being skunked over a week of fishing is a norm especially on a swung fly. My personal opinion is that the rivers get pounded due to increased guide pressure with most of the rivers in the I-5 corridor being shut down. Take it easy, Dan.

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks for the insight Gregory - hopefully one day I'll get one on the fly...but you are right about sticking with trout if you are looking for consistency.

[@BennettM84]

Great video Dan! It's a great reminder about why we go and stand in a river to maybe catch a fish. The oneness with nature. Catching a fish is just icing on the cake!

[@FlyFishDan]

Well said!

[@mattharkness6697]

Great video of how real fishing can be Dan. It’s not always about catching fish anyways. You really showed how enjoyable the trip can still be. Thanks for the tip on the gloves. I think I messaged you while you weee on this particular trip if I’m correct. Next time!!

[@FlyFishDan]

Definitely a tough fishery for sure...and you are most welcome!

[@cloudy9862]

Hey Dan what fly fishing bag is that? I’ve been trying to find a new one!

[@FlyFishDan]

That is my Simms slingpack - great gear bag for sure

[@brucekung7977]

Hey dan, love your channel, positive energy. My buddy (older fellow) and i are hoping to do a 3 day trip south (we are in southern BC just across rhe boarder) to do some river and beach fishing in 2024... Would be fun to fish together!

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks Bruce, I appreciate that! Thank you for being a part of my channel too - you never know when we might bump into each other, just look for the tall fly fisher, that'd be me :))

[@jhorkey]

Was just out on the Hoh for 5 days over this last weekend. Also skunked. Glad to be in good company.

[@FlyFishDan]

It's tough for sure...it actually does feel better that I wasn't alone! Great water over the weekend too...I was surprised not to even get a tug

[@stinkbait5696]

I just wrapped up today on the hoh it’s been hit pretty hard no tugs but was fun for sure

[@Dream-season]

This channel is one of the best things going right now!!

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks! I appreciate that!

[@618Industries]

I fish to catch a peace of mind, a fish is just a bonus. Looks like a blast

[@FlyFishDan]

It was that kind of trip for sure - amazing place

[@brianradant2885]

Pretty accurate depiction of steelheading: high hopes, low expectations. A bad day on the river bears a good day almost anywhere else.

[@FlyFishDan]

Well said

[@haskiwilli]

You keep leaving that trailer door open you’re gonna get a mouse….. oh wait! 🐁 🐁

[@FlyFishDan]

Lol! Exactly...whoops!

[@NWoutdoorsadventures]

I've never fly fished for Steelhead, this is embarrassing considering I'm a Washington resident. I need to make a trip out west one of them days, the general area looks beautiful. Enjoyed the video as always Dan.

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you! Just know that I am on 9 full days of trying...and still no steelhead on the fly. Tough fishery for sure!

[@jonroper3712]

Looked like a tough day but it still beats the shit out of going to work. Cool video 👍👍🤜🤛

[@FlyFishDan]

Well said :))

[@timingram8953]

It is Steelhead Season! My first Steely was in Northern California, and it was an awesome experience. They pack a punch once they get a look at you.

[@FlyFishDan]

It's been a while for me...one day again (hopefully soon)...Lol

[@timingram8953]

@@FlyFishDan I would recommend a trip if you don't want to be "skunked" ;0) >

[@XHollisWood]

✌🏻🫶🏻💜 Thxs for sharing your adventures!

[@FlyFishDan]

You bet!

[@howlingdogadventures6633]

The fish of a 1000 casts

[@farmhand24]

That looks like a blast.. would love to take a fishing trip like that someday

[@FlyFishDan]

It was a pretty amazing trip for sure

[@davidbennett1585]

The way you carry tour rods, I’m surprised you haven’t snapped a few. Love your videos

[@FlyFishDan]

Sometimes I have to carry them full length forward when walking through the forest, otherwise they are pointing behind me. Thanks for watching!

[@Dlaw.]

Dan, other Dan here, I had four intended trout fishing trips last fall, 3 of which were complete skunks with perfect conditions and one I caught everything but the intended species lol. Only good thing is when you finally catch what you intended to, it's that much more rewarding

[@FlyFishDan]

One day I'll get one :))

[@evanjohnmo]

Nothing better than the 4Runner. I have the same generation and color.

[@FlyFishDan]

Probably one of the most capable vehicles I have ever owned!

[@williamsydney535]

My first steelhead trip e7er 20 min in I had my first steelhead 🙈

[@casSthEcrowN]

Love your videos brother. I’m from the east coast and fish all of the Lake Erie tributaries throughout this time of year. A lot of that water you fished looked perfect for float fishing- marabou jigs, sacs and beads. I’m surprised you didn’t try hitting it with a float rod!

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks! I was determined to get one on the swing :)) Next time I'll do a balance of both.

[@carrotspies]

I got skunked on the OP this year too! Can't complain about spending a few days tromping around some of the most beautiful forest in the world 😁

[@FlyFishDan]

I agree, it was definitely more about just exploring this amazing place for sure

[@123meaghanb]

Curious what line you were running on the 8 wt?

[@FlyFishDan]

I was using Cortland Compact Sink Type 9 - here is the link: www.cortlandline.com/FLYFISHDAN

[@MackWhite-d6s]

awesome catchs! im 14 and go up there often. im not sure if you know where ellensburg is my dad dad went to cwu there. so we love going fishing and hunting up there. love your four runner to!

[@FlyFishDan]

Awesome, thank you! I appreciate you being a part of my channel - FISH-ON!!

[@MackWhite-d6s]

@@FlyFishDan fish on!

[@jerryhill2916]

Gorgeous! Definitely some fishy waters there! Fish on brother!

[@FlyFishDan]

No doubt! FISH-ON indeed!

[@justal4844]

FFD, glad you had a nice time chasing the chrome. Your video shows why I just stick to trout, with the years-between-trips to the Coast for Coho or whatever. Scenery is great and all, but I live to stick fish in the face with sharp objects 😉. BTW, switched from felt to Korker's aluminum hex discs a couple of years ago and don't fish with anything else now, unless I have to climb in a guide's boat. Not sure if you've had a chance to try them. ☮ from Idaho.

[@FlyFishDan]

I feel like once I finally land a steelhead on the fly...I'll concentrate on what I know best (trout).... but it's becoming something of an obsession for me at this point (to get one of these things on the fly rod).

[@justal4844]

@@FlyFishDan forgot to ask... Noticing your towing with a 4Runner. Did you sack your Jeep? I tow my 18' trailer with my 4Runner; works fine unless there is a strong headwind or a hill, then it's 5,000rpms 🤪

[@FlyFishDan]

I still have the Jeep, but towing was going to destroy it. I use it if I'm bushwhacking for trout and don't want to worry about scratches.

[@SledorFish]

Steelhead can be easy to catch... but hard to find unfortunately.

[@oldsmugglerflyfishing]

Awesome video mate

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks 👍

[@edwin6709]

Do you guide? I’d like to learn more about Washington waters

[@FlyFishDan]

Hello - I don't...today this is just my hobby. I have a full-time job that takes up much of my free time and the rest is with family. Perhaps one day!

[@Sigtryggr154]

Looks like an awesome trip! I'm hoping to get over there in the next couple of weeks myself. What line setup do you have on that 8wt?

[@FlyFishDan]

I was using Cortland Compact Sink Type 9 - here is the link: www.cortlandline.com/FLYFISHDAN

[@Sigtryggr154]

@@FlyFishDan Nice! Thanks for the info. I just put a Cortland finesse 2 line on for the first time on the 5wt a few weeks back. I really like their product! Cast like a dream.

[@kashfiqbal]

I know the spot you took your truck offroading to, me and some friends camped on the gravel bar, we pulled up at like 11 o clock at night, we looked around for a spot and some locals came rushing up to us, one of them was like "this is my uncles property" and then his clearly very drunk friend just quickly interjected going "don't listen to him he's drunk". In the morning my truck ended up getting stuck in the sand

[@FlyFishDan]

Definitely not private property - it's part of one of the local state run campgrounds. Sorry to hear your truck got stuck!

[@ronlasting1203]

What campground are you at?

[@FlyFishDan]

Shoot me an email and I'll give you the scoop

[@dougmasters2240]

Cottonwood?

[@FlyFishDan]

Shoot me an email at [e-mail]

[@magicworldbyjorg]

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks for watching!

[@magicworldbyjorg]

@@FlyFishDan Thank you very mutch... have a nice Start of the week.... see you….

[@matstaley388]

What a great spot! If you ever need an expert backer-upper, hit me up!

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks Mat! Definitely a feeling of accomplishment back up 100 yards!

[@matstaley388]

If you don't do it every day, it's a huge accomplishment. I pull a big dump trailer for work and a 30' camp trailer for fun! I've gotten really good at it.

[@DreadyEDDY710]

You can do better then radiating your food! Bought a ninja foodi air fryer & threw micro away

[@brianpaige9227]

Totally disrespectful to target Steelhead that could weigh up to or over 30#s with a Trout Spey, show some respect to the Washington state fish that is over hyped and pressured by to many guides and KZbinrs that don’t have a clue about the impacts they create.

[@FlyFishDan]

Hello Brian - The Trout Spey I used was a fast action 5 weight, equivalent to a 7/8 weight traditional overhand fly rod, which I also had in my setup, plenty stout enough to handle any fish. It's important to remember that steelhead are essentially trout, just sea-run, hence their larger size. I find your statement to be ignorant, disrespectful, misinformed and also typical for a KZbin troll that positions himself as a 'gate-keeper' of fishing. Unfollow me - thanks!

[@chrisj541]

I love the fact you shared your adventure even though you didn’t get anything this time. Respect 🫡

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you! That is definitely the reality, especially when it comes to steelhead!