WILLIAMSON RIVER
OREGON FLY FISHING
Species: Redband Rainbows and German Brown Trout
Fishing Season: late May to October
Peak Season: late May to October
Rates: $425 per boat/day (2 people per boat)
Method: Nymphing, dries, swinging flies
Hatches: BWO, tricos, PED, PMD, hexagenia, yellow sallies, caddis, mahogany, midges, tui chubs, and hoppers
The Williamson River is the Klamath Basin fly-fishing river that most often ends up on fly fishermen’s lifetime list. Giant rainbows are what the spring fed Williamson River is known for. Five-pound native Redband Rainbow are common here, and the Williamson can offer opportunities at trout weighing 10 pounds and more. Truly a trophy trout river, the Williamson River is easily the finest river to fish for big native rainbows in the United States and has earned a healthy respect among fisheries around the world. We're so lucky that this incredible Southern Oregon fishery is here near Running Y Ranch.
The Williamson River is a slow moving quiet river and offers a cool respite to fish from shallow Klamath and Agency Lakes. As the lakes warm, the fish move into the Williamson, increasing its already impressive numbers. It is not uncommon to fish over a pod of 50 to 150 fish in one pool.
Fishing is done from fly fishing drift boats and rafts set up to accommodate one guest in front, one in back and your guide in the middle rowing seat. Fishing on the lower river is almost exclusively done from the boat. Wade trips on the upper stretches are also available as either a walk-in trip or a float and wade trip. A variety of techniques are implemented on this diverse river. Stripping streamers through a holding area is a proven way to catch fish in this system. Bring your six-weight and let’s go fish the Williamson River.
