The Klamath is one of the longest river systems in California. It's headwaters are in Oregon, and its largest tributary is the Trinity River in California. We primarily fish the Klamath below Iron Gate dam near the Oregon border. Every spring the Klamath has an incredible hatch of golden stones and salmonflies. These large bugs hatch in May and June, bringing fish of all sizes to the surface. We spend our days casting big dry flies towards the bank from our drift boats and rafts. On most days we hook quite a few rainbows and steelhead smolts from 9 to 15 inches along with a few larger rainbows and adult steelhead up to three pounds. This is a really fun destination.
Gear Recommendations for the Klamath
Rods, Reels & Lines:
Five and six-weight nine-foot rods are ideal for the Klamath. We primarily use floating lines here.
Leaders, Tippet & Indicators:
We usually use 2X-4X tippet on the Klamath River. Come prepared with 9' 2X tapered leaders.
Waders & Boots:
We use chest-high breathable waders on the Klamath. Spiked wading boots are not necessary. Make sure to bring your own wading belt.
Season:
The prime times on the Klamath are mid-May to mid-June for the stonefly hatch and October-March for steelhead.
Flies:
Nymphs:
• Black Rubberlegs, 6
• Morrish's Dirty Bird, olive, 6-8
• Copper John, all colors, 10
• Superfloss Rubberlegs, all colors, 6
• Morrish's Anato-May, Olive, 8-10
Dries:
• Rogue Foam Golden Stone, 8
• Rogue Foam Salmonfly, 6
• Orange Stimulator, 6
• Brown Stimulator, 8
Meeting Time & Place:
We typically meet our clients on the river at 8am.
Vehicle Considerations:
Be prepared to follow us in your own vehicle. We may use your vehicle to help run our shuttle.
Wading difficulty:
We float the river using drift boats and rafts.
Much of the fishing is done from the boat, but we also get out and wade.
The wading on the Klamath is moderately challenging.
Multiple Fisheries in one Day:
Due to the distance to other fisheries and the logistics of floating the river, we devote all day to fishing the Klamath River.
Length of the Day:
Most full days conclude around 5:30pm. Half days end around 12:30pm. On many full days we take a break around 2pm and reconvene around 7pm to fish the evening hatch.