Olympic Peninsula Winter Steelhead Photo Journal

Sometimes words can only go so far and the best way to convey a place as special as Washington's Olympic Peninsula is through the visual medium. The magic of these coastal rivers and wild rain forests cannot be overstated. Words such as solitude, intense, quiet, spiritual, and meditative come to mind when I contemplate my time on these waters. Here is a collection of some of my favorite captures from the past several seasons on the Olympic Peninsula. All photos original work of Reid Curry. 

Olympic Peninsula Winter Steelhead Photo Journal. photo Reid Curry.

A rain-drenched winter steelhead scene on Washington's Sol Duc River.

Olympic Peninsula Winter Steelhead Photo Journal. photo Reid Curry.

Endless shades of green surround the angler on the steelhead rivers of Washington's Olympic Peninsula.

Olympic Peninsula Winter Steelhead Photo Journal. photo Reid Curry.

A beautiful hen, only miles from the saltwater. The beauty of these fish is incredible. To hold one of these in your hands for a brief moment is to connect with something truly wild and greater than ourselves. A momentary experience that allows us to slip out of our experience as we know it and tap into something much wilder. 

Olympic Peninsula Winter Steelhead Photo Journal. photo Reid Curry.

Flies rigged and ready at first light on a clear and cold winter steelhead day.

Olympic Peninsula Winter Steelhead Photo Journal. photo Reid Curry.

The anticipation of a winter morning on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. 

Olympic Peninsula Winter Steelhead Photo Journal. photo Reid Curry.

The big and wild back drop of the Olympic Mountains on the Hoh River.

Olympic Peninsula Winter Steelhead Photo Journal. photo Reid Curry.

Letting one fly on the first run of the morning.

Olympic Peninsula Winter Steelhead Photo Journal. photo Reid Curry.

This winter beauty moved in on the afternoon tide. Still covered in sea lice and barely a blush to his cheeks.

Olympic Peninsula Winter Steelhead Photo Journal. photo Reid Curry.

Bring your rain gear. The coastal rainforest is the real deal.

Olympic Peninsula Winter Steelhead Photo Journal. photo Reid Curry.

Sunny rain showers on a warm April day on the Bogachiel River.

Olympic Peninsula Winter Steelhead Photo Journal. photo Reid Curry.

Fog lifting over a favorite run.

Olympic Peninsula Winter Steelhead Photo Journal. photo Reid Curry.

The colors of the Olympic Peninsula during the winter months are vivid.

Olympic Peninsula Winter Steelhead Photo Journal. photo Reid Curry.

Elk's breath moving through the tall timbers along the river. This familiar scene greets anglers most days, bringing with it an overwhelming feeling of quiet solitude.