What the Elwha River offers now

The Elwha River in Olympic Peninsula Washington is a recovering fishery in the middle of a decades-long transformation. Two large dams that blocked the river for over a century were removed between 2011 and 2014, and the river has been restoring itself since. Today it holds wild coho and chinook salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout, but the fishing picture is still unsettled—some runs are rebuilding, others are closed to protect them, and access points are limited compared to other regional rivers.

The river runs roughly 45 miles from its headwaters in the Olympic Mountains to the Strait of Juan de Fuca near Port Angeles. Most public fishing happens in the lower 15 miles, where the river is accessible by road and where salmon and steelhead spend time before heading upstream. The upper river remains largely roadless and is used mainly by hikers and backpackers.

Key Takeaways

  • Coho salmon are the primary target on the Elwha, with a fall season typically open September through November, though seasons vary by year and section.
  • Steelhead fishing is available in winter and spring, but check current regulations because some runs are still rebuilding and may be closed to protect them.
  • Public access is concentrated at Elwha Campground, Altair Campground, and a few pullouts along Highway 101; there is no continuous riverside trail.
  • Chinook salmon and cutthroat trout are present but often closed to fishing or restricted to catch-and-release to allow populations to recover.
  • Regulations change annually based on run strength, so you must check the current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rules before you fish.

Seasons and what fish are open

Coho salmon are the most reliable target. Fall coho typically run from September through November, with peak fishing in October. The river usually opens to coho fishing in the lower sections, though the exact dates and which sections are open shift year to year depending on how many fish return. Coho average 8 to 12 pounds and will take spinners, spoons, and drift-fished roe.

Steelhead arrive in winter and spring, usually December through March. Winter steelhead are wild fish and often subject to catch-and-release only, meaning you can fish for them but must release what you catch. Spring steelhead (March through May) may have different rules. Both runs are still rebuilding, so regulations are conservative and change frequently.

Chinook salmon do return to the Elwha, but fishing for them is often closed or restricted to catch-and-release. The same applies to cutthroat trout—they are present in the river and its tributaries, but harvest is usually not allowed. Before any trip, check the current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) sport fishing rules pamphlet or call the Port Angeles office at 360-565-7722 to confirm what is open and what the daily limits are.

Where to access the river

Elwha Campground sits on the lower river about 4 miles south of Port Angeles on Highway 101. It has parking, restrooms, and direct river access. This is the most popular public spot and the easiest entry point for anglers without backcountry experience. The campground is open year-round, though services are limited in winter.

Altair Campground is about 8 miles upriver from Elwha Campground, also on Highway 101. It is smaller and quieter, with river access and parking. Both campgrounds charge a day-use fee if you are not camping.

Several unsigned pullouts along Highway 101 between Port Angeles and the campgrounds offer river access, though parking is limited and some spots are seasonal. The upper river above Altair is accessible mainly by hiking trails that lead away from the road; these are used more by backpackers than anglers.

How the dam removal changed the river

The Elwha and Glines Canyon dams blocked the river for 105 years, preventing salmon and steelhead from reaching their spawning grounds in the upper river and tributaries. When the dams came out, the river reconnected to roughly 70 miles of habitat it had lost. Sediment that had been trapped behind the dams was released downstream, and the river channel has been adjusting ever since.

The removal was a success in principle—fish can now reach the upper river—but the recovery is slow. Coho and steelhead populations are rebuilding, but they are still well below historical levels. Chinook are the slowest to recover and remain under strict protection. The river is also still adjusting its channel and sediment load, which affects where fish hold and how accessible they are to anglers.

For the angler, this means the Elwha is not yet a high-volume fishery. You may fish all day and catch nothing, or you may hook into a few coho in a good week. The reward is being part of a river in recovery and fishing water that is becoming more productive each year as the ecosystem stabilizes.

Regulations and permits

You need a valid Washington State fishing license to fish the Elwha. Licenses are sold online through the WDFW website, at sporting goods stores, and at some gas stations in Port Angeles. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you are visiting.

Salmon and steelhead fishing on the Elwha is regulated by specific daily limits, which change by species and season. Some sections of the river may be closed while others are open. The rules are detailed in the annual WDFW sport fishing rules pamphlet, which you can download from the WDFW website or pick up at a license vendor. Call 360-565-7722 before you go to confirm the current status of the run you want to fish.

Gear and methods

For coho, bring a spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound test line and a selection of spinners (size 2 or 3), spoons (half-ounce to one-ounce), and roe bags. Coho will also take small plugs. Fish the deeper pools and the inside bends of the river where current slows. Early morning and late afternoon are usually most productive.

Steelhead fishing on the Elwha is typically done with a drift rod and 6- to 8-pound test, using roe, sand shrimp, or small spinners. The river is not wide—you can cover most of it from the bank—but it is rocky and the current is strong. Wading is possible but requires care; the bottom is slippery and the water is cold.

Fly fishing is less common on the Elwha than on other regional rivers, but it is possible. Small streamers and nymphs work for steelhead and cutthroat in the slower sections. The river is relatively short and brushy in places, so a 7- to 8-foot rod is practical.

When to go and what to expect

Fall (September through November) is the most reliable season. Coho are in the river, the weather is usually decent, and the campgrounds are less crowded than in summer. October is peak coho season. Expect cool mornings, afternoon sun, and occasional rain.

Winter (December through March) brings steelhead, but the river is cold, days are short, and rain is frequent. Wading is harder and the water is higher. Steelhead fishing can be excellent if you are willing to endure the conditions, but many sections may be closed to protect the run.

Spring (April through May) can be good for late steelhead and for exploring the upper river on foot. The water is still cold but dropping, and the days are longer. Summer is not a fishing season on the Elwha; most runs have passed and the river is low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the Elwha year-round?

No. The river has distinct seasons for coho (fall), steelhead (winter and spring), and cutthroat (year-round in some sections, but harvest is usually closed). Check the current WDFW rules to see what is open when you plan to visit.

Is the Elwha good for beginners?

It can be. The lower river near the campgrounds is easy to access and does not require wading skills. Coho fishing is straightforward—spinners and spoons are simple to use. However, the river is rocky, the current is strong, and fish numbers are still low, so patience and realistic expectations help.

Do I need to camp to fish the Elwha?

No. Both Elwha and Altair campgrounds charge a day-use fee, and you can fish from the bank without staying overnight. Port Angeles is about 5 miles away and has hotels and restaurants if you prefer not to camp.

What is the best time to catch coho on the Elwha?

October is usually peak coho season. Fish are most active in the morning and late afternoon. The lower river near Elwha Campground holds coho most reliably, though they move upriver as the season progresses.

Are there cutthroat trout in the Elwha?

Yes, but fishing for them is usually closed to protect the population. Some sections may open for catch-and-release fishing in spring. Check the current regulations before you fish.