Elwha River Restoration: Fishing Guide for Trout and Salmon

The Elwha River, located near Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula, is internationally famous for the largest dam removal project in history. Following the removal of the Elwha Dam and Glines Canyon Dam, the river has been undergoing a monumental restoration. While major salmon and steelhead runs are expected to recover over the coming decades, current fishing opportunities are focused on its recovering trout and an anticipation of future salmon seasons. Always check the official Washington river flow data before accessing this dynamic river system.

River History and Restoration

For nearly a century, the Elwha River was blocked by two hydroelectric dams, which decimated its legendary wild salmon populations by cutting off access to over 70 miles of pristine spawning habitat within the Olympic National Park. The dam removal project, completed between 2011 and 2014, allowed the river to begin restoring its natural sediment flow and re-establishing migratory pathways.

As part of the recovery effort, the entire river system—from its mouth to its headwaters—was closed to fishing for several years. This closure protected the few remaining wild stocks and allowed the newly accessing fish to colonize the restored habitat without pressure.

Location and Access

The Elwha River is located west of Port Angeles, with much of its watershed contained within the Olympic National Park. Access is primarily available off of Highway 101, but access points become more controlled and limited as you move upstream into the National Park land. Anglers must pay close attention to the specific boundaries where fishing is permitted, as much of the river may still be under special conservation regulations.

Primary Species and Seasonal Runs (Focus on Recovery)

Due to the dam removal project, the focus of the Elwha River remains strictly on conservation and recovery. While fishing seasons are starting to open cautiously on tributaries and lake systems within the watershed, the mainstem Elwha often remains under a complete fishing ban for Salmon and Steelhead.

Fish Run Timing (Recovery Focus):

• Native Trout: Small, wild populations of native Coastal Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout (Steelhead smolts) are present in the river and tributaries. Where permitted, the fishing season for these species typically opens in the summer (June-August).
• Anadromous Species: All native species, including Chinook, Coho, Pink, Chum, and Steelhead, are now returning to the river system. However, for the purposes of historical run timing and fishing opportunity, the river is currently in a restoration phase.
• Future Salmon/Steelhead Runs: If fishing is ever fully reopened, traditional run times are expected to be: Fall Chinook (August-October), Coho (September-November), and Winter Steelhead (January-March).

Regulations and Conservation

The regulations on the Elwha River are among the most restrictive in Washington State. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) manages the fisheries in close cooperation with the National Park Service and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.

Before traveling to the Elwha River, anglers must verify the precise opening status, permitted species, and tackle restrictions. Any emergency rules can supersede annual regulations immediately. For the most current rules, seasons, and any emergency closures, always check the official resources from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

WDFW Fishing Rules: Consult the latest WDFW Fishing Regulations.