oregon/washington/olympic penn this fall

taking a fall trip this year for a couple weeks, where we are going to drive up along the coast through Norcal, Oregon and to the OP. Probably return a more inland route. We are going the last half of September.

I've been checking the internet, but am looking for first hand knowledge from other fly fisherman. It isn't really a fishing trip, but we do want to do some fishing. I've got a two person raft, and am open to lake and river fishing. Of course what i really like is rivers & steelhead. I would like to hit a few quality spots with or without a guide.

thanks,

The last two weeks of september is the best time to flyfish on the OP (less people.)
There arent many steelhead but they are around. The Sea run cutt fishing is awesome and if it rains enough to bring the rivers up there is really good fishing for Coho.

If you are looking for Steelhead only hit the Columbia river streams east of Bonneville dam. Also the North Umpqua is good that time of year if the spring chinooks are done spawning.

http://www.raincoastguides.com/
Jim fishes the OP and SW washington streams. Good guy and very helpful. OP summer fish are more elusive, but if there are any around, he'll know where. SW WA may be the ticket that time of year, pending streamflows. If you can get there, it'll be prime time on the Deschutes for Steel.
Check on http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/...ery-good-stuff
Good site with some very good anglers who will give you a hand.

The end of Sept on the coast is a hard time due to lack of rain. In Northern Cal the only show is the Klamath. There will be some fish in tide water in some of the rivers but there are alot of factors involved.

The oregon coast has some interesting lakes in the dunes that are worth checking out. Get a copy of Sheehan's Fishing in Oregon.

Shawn gave sound advice on the OP, personaly that is where I would spend my time. I would recommend Jerry French as a guide around the area of the Fork's. http://frenchsflyfishing.com/aboutus.aspx

Jerry French is guiding up in the OP - he has a lodge and great folks for guides - I first fished with Jerry when he joined with Scott O'Donnel's group on the Grand Ronde a couple of years ago. Last year, Bruce Slightom and I went up to the OP in the spring and fished with Jerry and Ed Ward for a couple of days as well as spending a great day with Shawn. Jerry is a premiere tier of intruders!!!! I would not hesitate to give him a call and see what you can set up

http://frenchsflyfishing.com/default.aspx

If you go the inland route, Highway 97 in Central Oregon would be great.

Summer run steelies in the Deschutes. You can fish at Maupin or Warm Springs.

East Lake for 'bows, kokes, and a shot at some nice browns around the springs
Hosmer Lake for Atlantic Salmon. That's great fun and if you get into them you can bring 50+ to hand in a day. I've done that-----never. Seen it though.
Craine Prairie for the hottest trout on the west coast, and some pigs too
The Williamson River for stealth fishing
Klamath Lake, maybe. Might be too late. That may be the most underrated lake on the West Coast. You can fish with Denny Rickards if you want to learn it.

If any of these areas are of particular interest, PM me for details.

I don't know of a better area for fall fishing lakes, streams, and rivers than Central Oregon.

thanks for the great info everyone. I will continue my research and will probably have more questions later.