This report has a lot of 'extra' information, because when you're going this far, to a place this remote, you need to know before you go.

Took a trip with the GF to Quinault this past weekend as we had a 4 day weekend. Day one was a beast getting there. Construction in Aberdeen has one of the bridges closed and it took over 1.5 hours just to get through that town. We arrived at the Lake Quinault Lodge around 5pm and decided not to try fishing that day. Enjoyed the lodge and a pretty good dinner.

We had intended to stay in the lodge one night, then camp the next, but with all the rain decided to stay at the lodge again. That wasn't an option, as they were full though. This turned out to be a good thing, we went further down the road to the Rainforest Resort and were VERY nicely surprised by MUCH better lodging at a VERY competitive price. Their $75 rooms were better than the the Lodge's $99 rooms (lodge rooms had no TV, no bathroom fan, and were very out-dated). We ended up in a 'suite' which included a separate living room, spa tub, gas fire place, fridge, microwave, TV, etc. for only $130 a night (expensive yes, but a damned good bargain and hey, we needed a nice trip!)

Finally got out on the water and started trolling. I trolled all different depths from surface trolling, 2oz, 3oz, and 4oz banana sinkers. I got hits at all Depths. All told, I got 8-9 hits, and 4 connects in a 3-4 hour period. Unfortunately, I only got two IN the boat. 1 being a small rainbow, and the other being a nice 14.75 inch Cutthroat. The other two hookups came off at the boat, and they were both Dolly Vardens that were easly in excess of 20 inches (and I generally under-estimate). Very pretty fish, not much fight in them until they saw the kayak though. Those two came from deeper down, so if you target them you'll have to target deeper (think my gear was 30+ feet down). Also, it's legal to keep 4 of them out of Quinault if I read things correctly.

It was POORING the entire time out there. HEAVY rain. I was the only person out there, and in the drysuit, I was really comfy and only got chilly around 5pm when the temps were starting to drop. Headed back in, took off the drysuit, and had a GREAT dinner at the resort's restaurant. The Rainforest Resort beat out the Lake Quinault Lodge on dining too - price was a lot cheaper and the food was tastier.

The Quadfather

10/12/2010 10:10:00 PM

Hey Lee, great to read of your trip. I appreciate the info. on the other lodging etc. I too had about the same experience on resort when I was last there 7-8 years ago. But can't let it bring one down when you are in such a beautiful forest and area.
Nice to hear that you at least made eye contact with the dollies. Sometimes getting something like that right next to the boat is about as good as in the boat. It beats a skunk for sure. Thanks for the report. It is def. on my list of must get back to lakes.

G-Man

10/13/2010 12:08:00 PM

Great report and thanks for the bonus info on the lodging. How are the launch facilities? I was also going to ask about the regs on the lake but I found them on line at this url:
http://209.206.175.157/Fishing%20Regs/lake%20quinault%20boat%20and%20sport%20fish.pdf

Interesting that no gang trolls or spinners are allowed, including just being in the boat with you.

bionic_one

10/13/2010 12:18:00 PM

I read it as 'multiple spinners' so an actual spinner, like a vibrax is ok.

I know there are several launches, but I didn't use them or check them out. I just hoofed my kayak down to the water and went for it, it only weighed about 110 pounds on this trip since I left most of my tackle in the truck (due to the strictness of the regulations) and didn't bring my downrigger either. Oh one other thing, it rained SO MUCH, that the lake rose over 4 foot at the rainforest resort. The GF left her chair down there the night before, and it turned into a lake donation.

Thanks again to Bob R and Quadfather for thier help with a successful trip.

knotabassturd

10/13/2010 7:31:00 PM

I can only imagine what the rain was like: October storm tapping the banana belt and in rain forest area LOL. Kinda fun getting your kayak-level viewpoint on things :-) Thanx for the lodging tip on Rain Forest Resort.

fisherman31579

10/16/2010 1:38:00 AM

GREAT INFO! MAN THAT SUCKS ABOUT THE TRAFFIC BUT ATLEAST YOU GOT PLENTY OF TIME DOWN THERE ANYWAY. I WANTED TO HEAD OUT THAT WAY FOR AN O.P. TRIP SO I WILL DEF MAKE SURE TO CHECK TRAFFIC. THANKS FOR THE HEADS UP :)

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