01-02-24 REELLIFE digital - Flipbook - Page 11
Of the many rivers in
the beautiful state of
Washington, the Sol Duc
is one that can manage to
keep just about everyone
happy. Whether you fly fish,
spin or bait cast, there is,
or at least was, a fish with
your name on it!
glimpse of an ancient
creature born of the
gravelly riverbeds. Traveling
their way through genetic
imprinting, magnetic fields,
the temperatures, and
conditions of the earth,
making a 70-mile journey
into the unknown.
Fish species on the Sol Duc
include Fall and Summer
Chinook, Winter and
Summer Steelhead, Coho,
Sockeye and both resident
and sea-run cutthroat trout.
The Sol Duc River runs 78
miles from the Olympic
Mountains and cuts
Southwestward through
the most spectacular
scenery in Washington
State. With a variety of
access points, you'll be
greeted by precipitous
gulches and mossy rocks in
vivid green tones set a fire
by the angle of the sun.
What is it that ensures a
fish can find its way back
to the place it was born?
When I can't even find
my way home without an
app. An interesting factoid,
scientists have discovered
fish have ear stones called
otoliths. These “otoliths”
incorporate chemical
elements from the water
as the fish grow and move.
Picture a growth band
of a tree, with each ring
recording a chemical map
of where the fish has been,
how long they stayed there
and how fast they grew.
Scientific advances like this
are pivotal in managing fish
populations.
Picture perfect moments
around every corner. The
river is a pleasure whether
you're catching or not.
Just to be there, to catch a
20 | NWFISHING.net
I have a deep concern and
respect for the natural
world, a curiosity for things
we can and cannot explain.
A desire to be a part of it all,
to get my hands dirty and
my mind clean.
So, while we still can, I will
travel my own way, finding
places that provide an
opportunity to get my line
wet.
My most noteworthy
experience would be a
fantastic stay at the “Cabin
on the Middle Run” in
Forks.
Easily accessible and found
off 101, this well-appointed,
clean and cozy cedar cabin
boasts everything you need
and more. For me it was
the stocked kitchen and
comfortable beds, topped
off with a long hot shower.
Though, I must admit we
spent most of our time in
the backyard. Our hosts
and neighbors were so very
friendly and helpful. Which
isn't always the case when
you're fishing in someone's
backyard. We were rooted
on and engaged in friendly
conversations with guides
floating by and neighbors
on their decks.
When I lost a huge dazzling
Coho the echoes of
disappointment hummed
through the valley.
The comradery of fishing
is something you'll never
understand, until you feel
it. Like a Folie à deux, are
we driven by madness or
passion and is there really a
difference? Whatever it is,
that makes us feel hyped up
by each other's experiences,
it is infectious and
exhilarating. I desperately
hope the rivers will return
to a place where we can
enjoy catching at least one
fish. Not just for the fun, but
also for the food. Nothing
beats a filet from the river. I
have become so spoiled by
the flavor of a fresh catch,
commercially sourced just
doesn’t make the cut.
Make sure you check all
regulations before heading
out these days. Low returns
have caused a system-wide
closure in the Quillayute river
system. This system includes
the Sol Duc, Bogachiel,
Calawah, Dickey, Sitkum
Rivers and Thunder Creek.
As heartbreaking as these
closures are, they are
necessary to ensure that our
rivers can support humans
and the local ecosystem.
I admit, a mix of resentment
but also understanding that
the system works to protect,
preserve, and perpetuate
fish and wildlife.
As a fisherwoman, my
recreational opportunities
are last in line and that is
ok. Will this closure stop me
from enjoying the beautiful
Olympic rainforest and its
awe-inspiring rivers? Never!
I will plant my feet in the
forest, hike to the waterfalls
and sit my soul quietly by
the river.
Waiting my turn.
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