KLAMATH RIVER
SOUTHERN OREGON FLY FISHING
Species: Redband Rainbow Trout
Fishing Season: Year-round
Peak Season: May to October
Rates: $450 per boat/day (2 people per boat)
Method: Dry flies, nymphing under indicator and swinging flies on sink tips
Hatches: Salmon flies, golden stones, caddis, BWO, PMD, PED, yellow sallies, and midges
There’s only one way to really understand "wild and scenic"—go and take it all in for yourself. This stretch of the Klamath River Canyon runs through a federally designated wild and scenic section of river that begins in Oregon and ends in California.
The Bureau of Land Management ranked the Klamath River Canyon its highest scenic classification. Unique combinations of landform, water and vegetation create a continually changing landscape as it changes from desert to mountains. Steep canyons and vertical cliffs, diverse vegetation, and the river combine to create an exceptionally peaceful stretch of river. With unique Redband Rainbow trout, scores of bald eagles, numerous endangered species, spectacular scenery, wild horses, and cultural and historic sites at every turn, the Klamath provides an outstanding river experience. This southern Oregon river and fishery flows through a remote pine and oak forested canyon as it transects the Cascade Range on its way to the Pacific Ocean.
And the fishing is incredible. Top water action is our primary focus for native Redband Rainbows. Fish are not as large as their upstream cousins but still have an 11 to 16 inch average with an occasional 20 incher. Thirty fish days are common and 50 fish days are not unrealistic. In late May and June the golden stones and salmon flies fill the sky. Fish greedily take topwater all day long. Large caddis and hopper patterns are a favorite in July, August and September, and October brings on the October Caddis hatch. Nymphing and swinging streamers can also be effective.
We fish from our rafts with fishing frames on this stretch of river. Water levels can fluctuate with dam releases but your guide will have his finger on the pulse of this dynamic stretch of the Klamath River. Walk and wade is also available on the Wild and Scenic Klamath River if you prefer to fish out of the boat.
