Klamath River Fly Fishing

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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%.


Klamath River Fly Shops and Guides Fly Shop Guide Service Lodging

Email Fly Shops and Guides

Get conditions and guide availability from participating shops. Simply fill out this brief form and they will contact you directly!

View the list of fly shops you can contact.

BK Fly Fishing
Santa Rosa, CA | Phone: 707-481-0460
  Yes  

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Get conditions and guide availability from participating shops. Simply fill out this brief form and they will contact you directly!

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Chico Fly Shop
Chico, CA | Phone: 530-345-9983
Yes Yes  

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Get conditions and guide availability from participating shops. Simply fill out this brief form and they will contact you directly!

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Jack Trout Fly Fishing Guide Service
Mt. Shasta, CA | Phone: 530-926-4540
Yes Yes  

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Get conditions and guide availability from participating shops. Simply fill out this brief form and they will contact you directly!

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Kellers Guide Service
| Phone: 707-718-4363
  Yes  

Email Fly Shops and Guides

Get conditions and guide availability from participating shops. Simply fill out this brief form and they will contact you directly!

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Kenny Armstrong
McKinleyville, CA | Phone: 707-498-4087
  Yes  

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Get conditions and guide availability from participating shops. Simply fill out this brief form and they will contact you directly!

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Kutzkey Guide Service
Hornbrook, CA | Phone: 530-475-3138
  Yes  

Email Fly Shops and Guides

Get conditions and guide availability from participating shops. Simply fill out this brief form and they will contact you directly!

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Marble Mountain Guest Ranch
Somes Bar, CA | Phone: 530-469-3322
  Yes Yes

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Off The Hook Fly Fishing
Napa, CA | Phone: 877-228-2477
  Yes  

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Outdoor Adventures
Redding, CA | Phone:
  Yes  

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Riverbend Adventures
Douglas City, CA | Phone: 530-778-3540
  Yes  

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Shasta Outfitters
| Phone: 530-520-7918
  Yes  

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Steve Huber Guide Service
Douglas City, CA | Phone: 530-623-1918
  Yes  

Email Fly Shops and Guides

Get conditions and guide availability from participating shops. Simply fill out this brief form and they will contact you directly!

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Steves Trinity Guide Service
Junction City, CA | Phone: 530-623-2112
  Yes  

Email Fly Shops and Guides

Get conditions and guide availability from participating shops. Simply fill out this brief form and they will contact you directly!

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The Fly Shop
Redding, CA | Phone: 800-669-3474
Yes Yes Yes

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Trinity Fly Shop
Lewiston, CA | Phone: 530-623-6757
Yes Yes  

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Trinity River Adventures
Lewiston, CA | Phone: 530-623-4179
  Yes  

Email Fly Shops and Guides

Get conditions and guide availability from participating shops. Simply fill out this brief form and they will contact you directly!

View the list of fly shops you can contact.

Trinity River Outfitters
Douglas City, CA | Phone: 530-623-6376
  Yes