Trout Source

Introduction

The Klamath River is one of California hidden fly fishing treasures, and can be fished year-round for Steelhead.  It is one of the least pressured rivers in California, yet it has been producing some of the best wild steelhead fishing in the state.  Success can be had both nymphing and dry fly fishing.

River Character and Access

Upper & Middle Klamath River 

The Klamath River starts in Oregon up in the Agency and Klamath Lakes Basin. From there it flows down into California into Copco and Iron Gate Reservoirs. The river then becomes a tailwater fishery below Iron Gate Dam where large numbers of resident trout and steelhead live. In spring from late May through June, there is an incredible stone fly hatch in which large numbers of steelhead and trout are caught on the surface.  In midsummer, though, the fishing becomes slow due to heat. The mouth of the Klamath can be fished with good results beginning the second week of August. The middle section of the Klamath River becomes productive in early October by swinging flies nymphing with floating lines and indicators.  Popular sections of the river include Somes Bar, Happy Camp, Orleans, and the Seiad Valley.

Lower Klamath River & Mouth 

On the lower section of the Klamath River, from Happy Camp to the mouth, jet boats are often used because of the distances involved and the size of the river. It is not unusual to see a bear on the shoreline or a cruising bald eagle as jet boats go up the river.  Fly fisherman can fish on productive gravel bars, wading out of jet boats and many times guides have seen stretches of black backs of steelhead holding that are as long as 500 yards!  One guide's best day personally was 18 adults landed up to 16 lbs.

Accessibility

The Klamath is is a 40-minute drive from Mt. Shasta City.  Many fishermen stay in Mount Shasta or Yreka, California.

When and How to Fish

When & How To Fish

The steelhead season usually begins in July or August when the steelhead run up the river from the Pacific Ocean and continues through March.  The upper section fishes best for steelhead from October through February using standard steelhead tactics, and for trout in late spring and early summer when the giant salmonflies and golden stones hatch and bring with them great dry fly fishing.  For Steelhead 6 to 7 weight rods are preferred with sink-tip lines being used in the Lower Klamath from Happy Camp down to the mouth.  Swinging traditional flies and floating lines with indicators from Happy Camp to Iron Gate Dam is most popular and effective in the Upper Klamath when the steelhead act and feed more like trout.  Fishermen also nymph this river but there is productive dry fly fishing for both steelhead and trout.

 

Troutsource highly recommends the services of a local fly fishing guide.  We've listed the best ones below, and you can contact all of them at once using our e-mail form.  A guide can be the difference between getting skunked and catching 20 fish.   Remember, getting the right fly is only half the battle.  You need to know exactly where to put it, and how -- and this is where guides earn their money.   A customary tip is 15%.