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Staying close to the action

Staying at Olson's Resort in Seiku while bringing in the fish

Olson’s Marina is packed with boats during fishing season. Photo credit: Jean Carr

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It's not accommodations that include afternoon tea, massage, a swimming pool or minibar - and it's certainly not pretty - but for serious fishermen that want to stay close to the action with all of the supplies and services they may need fingertips away, Olson's Resort on the Olympic Peninsula, overlooking the Straight of Juan De Fuca where the fish congregate before moving into the Sound, is the best place to stay. 

Probably listed as a barely one-star resort, Olson's is old, but recently under new ownership and has future promise. In the meantime, you have to be okay with floors that sag, rust, appliances from the early 40's, and mixed-matched furniture. In fact, go with the attitude that you are there to fish from 4 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by lunch and a nap, and then back on the water from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and who cares about the esthetics?

The kitchens in Olson’s look like they are out of the 1940s. Photo credit: Jean Carr

Now that I've painted a picture to weed out the fussy, here are the reasons serious anglers want to stay in Seiku and at Olson's.

Olson's has a great tackleshop and customer service. They're up and ready when you are with bags of ice, equipment you may have accidentally dumped overboard, snacks, coffee and more. A quick two-minute walk from the motel, cabins, RV sites or tent sites, and you are stocking up and headed to your boat.

Olson's has a large marina for your boat, several fish cleaning stations, reserved spots, and enough ramp space to put in or out three boats at a time.

The salmon fishing off Seiku is amazing. Right now, if you like pink salmon, then these waters are brimming with great catch. The kings are winding down at the same time, and the silvers are ramping up full speed. These waters are well known as the place where the salmon stop to feed as they prepare for their run into the Puget Sound.

There's not much else in the area. Seiku is a long drive into pretty isolated country.  Olson's is a base camp in a relatively low populated area.

To make a reservation, or for directions, etc., visit olsons-resort.com.

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