Klamath River Fishing Report

Report Updated Sept. 1 2010

KING BITE ON THE UPSWING

The fishing at Klamath Glen has picked up over the past few days and boats are finding some pretty good action on adult kings (which have been mostly of a nice 20+ pound grade). Side-drifting and boondoggin’ eggs and red Fish Pills has been the ticket. The moss isn’t too bad, either. Our man guide John Klar is fishing from a power boat in that stretch, while guide Mike Stratman reports some nice steelheading on adult fish to 12 pounds plus plenty of halfpounders while fishing out of the driftboat up towards Coon Creek. He’s been doing the same — drifting eggs and Fish Pills and expects to see some salmon up there soon.

Trusted Guides

JOHN’S GUIDE SERVICE
Extremely dedicated, thoroughly professional and an all-around great guy, John Klar is truly one of California’s premier guides. We’d fish with him any day of the week…and twice on Sunday!

REDWOOD COAST FISHING
“Steelie” Mike Stratman specializes in drift boat trips for salmon and steelhead in off-the-beaten path corners of California’s North Coast. Simply put, he’s a great fisherman…and a really nice guy too boot!

Klamath Fisheries Enhancement

Help Enhance the Klamath’s Fisheries!
American Fishing Foundation Inc.
A fantastic non-profit fisheries enhancement organization dedicated to keeping fish around so our grandkids might be able to catch a couple. AFF needs your support! Become a member now!

Current & Forecasted Flow

Take a closer look…this slick graph shows you current river flow, height and projected flows, which will help you plan upcoming trips. Keep in mind steelhead and salmon fishing is best as a river is on the drop — and typically tough when a stream’s on the rise.

DFG Fishing Regulations

Current Weather

Weather Forecast | Weather Maps | Weather Radar

Lower Klamath River map

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Lower Klamath River

Who needs Alaska when you have the lower Klamath? Known around the globe for booting out some truly Alaskan-like salmon fishing August through October, the lower river is also a dynamite spot to chase steelhead in that same time frame.

Winter steelhead pass through here as well, though they are guaranteed safe passage by high flows in all but most extended periods of dry weather. Salmon anglers return in May and June to target spring Chinook bound for the Trinity system.

Throw in abundant wildlife and some seriously remote and wild country and you’ve got the makings for an epic destination!

A quick glimpse at fishing the Lower Klamath
Klamath Steelhead Video

The Middle Klamath

If you’re into great steelhead and salmon fishing, epic scenery and tons of elbow room, the middle section of the Klamath is a great bet. There’s tons of good water from Weitchpec to Seiad Valley and hardly a soul fishing most of the time. The main reason for the lack of traffic in the area is that there’s no quick way to get here. This is the boonies…You don’t get to places like Happy Camp, Fort Goff or Scott Bar by accident. But once you’re there, you’ve got a world class fishery nearly to yourself!

Plug Color Selection for Salmon
How to fillet a sardine for plug wraps

The Upper River

The stretch of river between Iron Gate Dam and I-5 used to be the best kept secret in Northern California. There’s a year-round resident trout fishery, plus seasonal runs of steelhead. In the fall, the upper river gets stacked with “black beauty” kings that are not exactly the best table fare — but still fun to pull on.

You’ll notice, we said “used to” when describing the top secret nature of the fishery. Let’s just say the cat’s outta the bag now and you can expect plenty of company fishing up here. Of course, drop downstream more towards Seiad Valley, however and you’re gonna find plenty of good water and room to fish.