Make Sure You Bring

Fishing in this neck of the woods has its own requirements, and a little preparation can go a long way toward making your visit to Douglaston Salmon Run comfortable, safe, and satisfying.

Clothing

The weather around here can go to extremes-sometimes in the same day! So you want to be prepared for just about anything. Our advice is to dress in layers.

• Moisture-wicking layer
• Insulating layer
• Rain gear and/or wind breaker (in earth tones that don't spook the fish!)
• Insulated hat and gloves
• Full waders; breathable stocking foot with wading boots or neoprene boot/stocking foot
• Fishing vest/back pack
• Polarized sun glasses
• Wading staffs, wader belts, and personal flotation devices

And if there's anything you've forgotten, there's a store nearby that can provide just what you need. Check out our list of local retail operations. In addition, corkers (stream cleats) are always a good idea, but they are absolutely required for any fishing after Nov. 1.

Equipment

From many years of fishing the river we have a pretty good idea of what works best.

For Salmon We Recommend

• Fly rods- 8-10 wt rods recommended in 9'-11' single handed and 11'-15' two-handed switch and spey rods
• Fly reels- 150-yrd backing capacity with strong, smooth drag. Mid to large arbor reels recommended
• Fly line- 8-10 weight forward (WF) floating lines
• Spinning rods- 10'-13' medium to medium heavy action
• Spinning reels- 3000-5000 size reels
• Spinning line- 10-15lb. test monofilament line
• Flies-Sizes 6-14. Egg patterns, nymph patterns, stonefly, hare's egg, spring wiggler, wooly buggers, soft hackle wet flies, traditional steelhead patterns
• Leader/tippet- 10-15lb leader and 8-12lb florocarbon tippet (0x-2x)
• Split shot- assorted sizes
• Barrel swivels- size 7-12

For Steelhead & Trout We Recommend

• Fly rods- 6-8 wt rods recommended in 9'-11' single handed and 11'-15' two-handed switch and spey rods
• Fly reels- 150-yrd backing capacity with strong, smooth drag. Mid to large arbor reels recommended
• Fly line- 6-8 weight forward (WF) floating lines
• Spinning rods/float rods- 10'-13' medium-light to medium action
• Spinning reels- 2500-4000 size reels
• Spinning line- 6-10lb. test monofilament line
• Flies-Sizes 6-14. Egg patterns, nymph patterns, stonefly, hare's egg, spring wiggler, wooly buggers, soft hackle wet flies, traditional steelhead patterns
• Egg sacks, beads (8&10mm), and pink worms
• Leader/tippet- 8-10lb leader with 6-8lb florocarbon tippet (2x-4x)
• Split shot- assorted sizes
• Barrel swivels- size 12-14 or micro-swivels