California
Klamath River
Water 73°F — too warm. Fish dawn only, or give them a rest.
Solunar · next 7 days
About Klamath River
The Klamath's half-pounder run is what makes this river unlike anything else in California. From August through November, thousands of immature steelhead — fish that spent just one or two years in the ocean — return to the river aggressive, acrobatic, and willing to chase a swung fly. They run 1-3 pounds, they fight well above their weight, and on a 5- or 6-weight rod they're as much fun as anything swimming. The half-pounders are concentrated in the upper river from the former Iron Gate Dam site to the Scott River confluence, and when the run is on, you can reasonably expect double-digit days.
The Klamath flows 257 miles from Upper Klamath Lake in southern Oregon through remote canyon country to the Pacific near Requa. The upper reaches feature classic riffle-run-pool structure ideal for wading and swinging flies, while the lower river from Weitchpec down is big, powerful water better suited to jet boats. Adult winter steelhead averaging 4-12 pounds push through from October into March, with the peak in December-February. The upper river also produces good trout fishing from May through July during the salmonfly and Golden Stonefly hatches, with resident rainbows in the 8-14 inch range feeding aggressively in the riffles.
The Klamath has undergone the largest dam removal project in U.S. history, and the ecological effects are still unfolding. Salmon and steelhead habitat that was blocked for over a century is now accessible, and the river's character is actively changing. Regulations may shift as the fishery rebuilds, so check CDFW before every trip. Highway 96 follows the river through the canyon, but services between small towns are limited — plan your fuel and food accordingly. Happy Camp and Orleans are the main staging towns, each about 2-3 hours from Redding.
Species
- Steelhead (half-pounder)
- Steelhead (adult winter)
- Chinook Salmon (fall)
- Rainbow Trout (resident)
- Mountain Whitefish
| Species | Abundance | Best Season | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steelhead (half-pounder) | Abundant | Aug-Nov | 1-3 lbs |
| Steelhead (adult winter) | Common | Oct-Mar | 4-12 lbs |
| Chinook Salmon (fall) | Seasonal | Sep-Nov | 10-30 lbs |
| Rainbow Trout (resident) | Common | May-Jul | 8-14" |
| Mountain Whitefish | Common | Year-round | 10-14" |
Sections
Keno to JC Boyle
Wade & FloatRedband · Rainbow Trout
JC Boyle to Iron Gate
WadeSteelhead · Salmon · Redband · Rainbow Trout
Iron Gate to Seiad Valley
Wade & FloatSteelhead · Salmon · Rainbow Trout
Happy Camp to Orleans
Wade & FloatSteelhead · Half-Pounders
Lower Klamath
FloatSteelhead · Half-Pounders
Orleans to Weitchpec
Wade & FloatSteelhead · Salmon
No recent fishing reports for Klamath River