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-yd 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 fluorocarbon 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-yd 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 fluorocarbon tippet (2x-4x)
- Split shot- assorted sizes
- Barrel swivels- size 12-14 or micro-swivels