Dolly Varden
Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) are true chars native to cold-water tributaries of the Pacific Ocean in Washington, belonging to the genus Salvelinus along with Brook, Lake, and Bull Trout.
Scientific Name: Salvelinus malma
- In Washington, they are typically smaller than Bull Trout, with adults averaging 16-22 inches, though some can reach over 36 inches.
- They display olive-green to brown bodies with yellow or cream spots, contrasting with Pacific salmon that have dark spots on lighter bodies.
Fishing in Washington
Yakima River
Cedar River
Puyallup River
Snoqualmie River
East Passage
Cowlitz River
Naches River
Commencement Bay
Cle Elum River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- In Washington, they occur primarily in the Olympic Peninsula and Puget Sound drainages, where they coexist with Bull Trout.
- Many Washington populations are at least partially anadromous, spending time in estuaries and saltwater for feeding before returning to spawn.
Key Locations
- Northern Puget Sound tributaries, coastal Olympic Peninsula rivers, and high-elevation Cascade and Olympic tributaries above barriers to anadromous migration.
- Nooksack River system (where Canyon Creek stock is confirmed Dolly Varden), Skagit River above Rockport, Sauk River, Skykomish River's South Fork near the town of Skykomish, Olympic Peninsula rivers including Sol Duc and Bogachiel systems.
Specific Spots
- Target areas with current breaks, points, coves, kelp beds, and deeper pools with boulder bottoms in 2-4 feet of water.
- Fish near salmon spawning areas but avoid direct spawning locations.
- Look for them in deeper holes, especially during lower water conditions.
- Require complex cover including woody debris, undercut banks, boulders, and pools.
Dolly Varden FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Dolly Varden in Washington?
Bullet spinners, single spoons, crankbaits, and soft baits. They will often hit the same lures used for salmon and steelhead.
What flies work for Dolly Varden in Washington?
Purple Egg Sucking Leeches (sizes 2-8), Purple Peril, pink/white or orange/white bunny leeches, Boss patterns, woolly buggers, and flesh flies. Bead patterns and e.g.g imitations are highly effective. Bright, flashy patterns work well.
When is the best time to fish for Dolly Varden in Washington?
Best during fall and winter months (September through March) when they follow salmon runs upstream to feed on flesh and e.g.gs, with October through January being optimal. They spawn in late summer through fall (August-December) when water temperatures drop to 48-50°F, with peak spawning in September.
How do you catch Dolly Varden in Washington?
Swinging flies with sink tip lines, fishing weighted streamers on floating lines with sinking leaders, and 'wake and e.g.gs' method using small switch rods with skating flies and e.g.g patterns. Night fishing can be productive.
What do Dolly Varden eat?
As juveniles, they feed opportunistically on aquatic invertebrates like mayfly and midge larvae, but as adults become dominantly piscivorous, eating sculpins, smaller trout, mountain whitefish, and other fish. They also consume salmon flesh and e.g.gs during spawning runs.
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