Russell Blodgett's Lower Quinault Guiding Services

Your Quinault Fishing Guide

Russell Blodgett's Lower Quinault Guiding Services offers drift boat, and walk-in guided fishing trips for salmon and steelhead on the Quinault Reservation. Experience the incredible fishing this land of magnificent forests and swift-flowing rivers has to offer with one of the area's favorite guides, Gary Blodgett. 

There is nothing like fishing Quinault’s rivers for Salmon and Steelhead. Here, the fish are limited in space. They stack up in holes in low water conditions. You can feel the raw power of these fish and their fresh ocean energy. It's incredible and a different experience from trolling on the Ocean or fishing larger rivers. 

The fall Chinook and Silver fishery is an amazing way of experiencing the Great Northwest on the Quinault Reservation and an excellent way for Anglers to get in some fall action and fill their freezers with dime-bright salmon.

Drift Boat Trip

  • Drift down the Lower Quinault or Queets River waters through untouched nature on this all-day salmon fishing trip.

  • $350/Person up to 3 people.

Walk-in Trip

  • Our walk-in trips allow anglers to experience fishing from the banks of our rivers for Salmon and Steelhead. We have options to suit all levels of activity and ability and offer plunking for those with mobility issues. Please reach out; we will curate the perfect trip for you or your group.

  • $250/Person (for up to 3 people)

Gear Rentals

  • Don't have your own gear? We offer top-of-the-line fishing gear for our guests to rent.

  • $50

Your Guide

Born and raised in the Quinault Reservation's pristine wilderness, Gary Blodgett is an avid fisherman and hunter. Fishing and hunting are a way of life for Gary, so becoming a guide came naturally to him. He's proud to have passed his love of the great outdoors to his children and loves sharing his passion with the clients he guides on the Quinault Reservation.

Gary is a Quinault tribal member and fishing guide. He has spent most of his life on this land and gained expansive knowledge about the Quinault wilderness from working on the rivers and streams for several years while working for the Quinault Department of Natural Resources.

For the past five years, Gary has guided guests to unforgettable fishing experiences on the Lower Quinault and Queets Rivers, catching spectacular Chinook, Silver Salmon, and Steelhead in the fall and winter months. Sharing his love of the sport, his home, and the incredible fishing in Quinault waters keeps his clients returning year after year.

Fishing Quinault

The Quinault Reservation offers multiple fishing opportunities on two main rivers, the Quinault and Queets Rivers. These Rivers are private and are only accessible with a Quinault fishing guide.

Russell Blodgett's Lower Quinault Guiding Services offers two choices for guided fishing experiences, walk-in shore fishing or drift boat. Fishing from the drift boat allows anglers to fish the rivers' lower sections, which offer fresh fish coming in with the passing and going of each tide.

FAQs

  • We offer guided trips from September to March.

    Seasons
    Coho: September - November
    Coho (Hatchery): September - October
    Hatchery Kings & Chinook: September - October
    Steelhead: Mid December - March

  • Yes, all non-enrolled Quinault fishers must be accompanied by an enrolled Quinault tribal member while fishing.

  • We are currently booking for the 2023 Season. Book now, as we fill up fast with many clients booking a year in advance. Contact Gary for more information.

  • Text Gary to book at (360) 581-8300. I’m likely on the river and don’t always have service and will reply as soon as possible.

  • Whether fishing from the ClackaCraft drift boat or hole-hopping on a walk-in trip, when the day is done, you will need something to keep your catch fresh such as a cooler or bag with ice.

    Gear needed includes: waders, raincoat, and remember to pack a lunch and drinks!

  • You are welcome to bring a bait caster, spinning rod, and tackle, or you may rent equipment from us for $50.

  • Fishing gear is limited to hook-and-line gear.

    No more than one pole or line is allowed per person.

    Only boats and accessory equipment owned and operated by Quinault tribal members are allowed in these areas for this fishery.

    Scattering of feed or other materials (chumming), or the use of light, to attract fish is prohibited.

  • We are located in Quinault, Washington on the Olympic Peninsula. We guide our guests to fish the Lower Quinault and Queets rivers. A meeting location will be determined prior to your trip.