The Humptulips in December

By Terry Wiest

Originally Published in the December 2008 issue of Northwest Sportman Magazine

Nestled in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula, the Humptulips River is well known for its monster Chinook, huge Coho and trophy Steelhead. But come December it seems many people forget this is a great little river for hatchery Steelhead before the much sought after trophy run in February and March.

Like many of the Peninsula Rivers, the Hump gets its hatchery fish back early. The run generally will begin late November, coming to a peak in December, then tapers off fast in January and leaves a void until the nates arrive.

Drift Boat anglers have a definite advantage on this river. You couldn't have designed it any better than Mother Nature already has. Long gravel and boulder filled runs, undercuts and plenty of structure provide the perfect layout for pulling plugs.

Launch either just below the Highway 101 Bridge, or just below that at the mud hole. If launching at the bridge beware, there is a "chute" just before Steven's Creek that can be NASTY! Make sure to align yourself and take it slow.

Right from the get go you can start. Pulling plugs has been the most productive method for this river, usually Tadpolly's in Dr. Death or Orange Herringbone. You'll find water suitable for pulling plugs all the way down to Reynvaan's Bar at the takeout.

One tip, make sure and keep ALL your plugs at the same distance behind the boat. You want to intimidate these fish if they are not willing biters and almost force them to take your plug.Me, not being a plug guy, I prefer hitting the holes with floats. Jigs of course being my "go to" method, but eggs or shrimp under a bobber are also very productive. The lower and clearer the water, the more effective the jigs will be. Pinks and peaches preferred.

Boondoggin will work, but this is a snaggy river. Bobberdoggin will work better. If bobberdoggin, eggs or shrimp will outproduce a jig because the pulling motion will distract from the jigs natural action.

As this river gets blown out easy, watch the weather. Generally 3000cfm and under is fishable, 1500cfm and under even better.

Bank access is rather limited but there are a couple of hot spots that will consistently produce fish. First of all, Steven's Creek Hatchery, located just below the Highway 101 Bridge is the destination for most of these chrome bright beauties.

Sooooooo… fish the creek! Small jigs under a float will work if there's enough depth, but a yarnie, a few EZ Eggs or a small cluster of cured eggs work well drifted though the tiny slots with minimal weight.

The best time to hit Steven's Creek is just after a major rain when the main river is still dirty but the creek is clear. The fish will rush into the clear water and be very aggressive biters!

Follow the creek downstream to the confluence where it meets the Hump, stand on the point and cast slightly upstream into the "pool". Eggs, shrimp or a jig under a float is the ticket here. Move a few yards downstream and you can either float fish or drift all the way into the snag. Oh, the fish love that snag so beware, they know how to use it to their advantage.

On the South side of the Highway 101 Bridge take Hansen Cutoff Road to the boat launch. Bankies can fish right there or wonder downstream (take the dirt road) and fish the mud hole which is directly across from Steven's Creek. This is float fishing water at its best.

Come December, hit the Hump!