Klamath River

California·Northern California·41.80° N, 123.00° W

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

Species	Abundance	Best Season	Size	Notes
Steelhead (half-pounder)	Abundant	Aug-Nov	1-3 lbs	Famous half-pounder run; aggressive, acrobatic fish.
Steelhead (adult winter)	Common	Oct-Mar	4-12 lbs	Peak in Dec-Feb; larger fish.
Chinook Salmon (fall)	Seasonal	Sep-Nov	10-30 lbs	Subject to annual regulation; runs rebuilding post-dam removal.
Rainbow Trout (resident)	Common	May-Jul	8-14"	Upper river resident fish; stonefly season.
Mountain Whitefish	Common	Year-round	10-14"	Common throughout; often caught while nymphing.

Ideal wading flow800–3,000 CFS

Blow-out>10,000 CFS

Ideal water temp48–56°F

October-November for peak half-pounder run and early winter steelhead. December-February for adult winter steelhead. May-June for the salmonfly hatch on the upper river.

Sections

6 sections on this river

Keno to JC Boyle

Wade & FloatRedband · Rainbow Trout

Upper Klamath below Keno Dam near Klamath Falls, Oregon. Now free-flowing through the former JC Boyle reservoir area after the 2024 dam removal. Native redband trout water with large fish migrating up from Upper Klamath Lake. Spring creek character in places.

Best for: Native redband trout (10-20"+). Spring streamers and nymphs. Late spring stonefly hatches.

JC Boyle to Iron Gate

WadeSteelhead · Salmon · Redband · Rainbow Trout

The former JC Boyle reach flowing south through the Oregon-California border and the former Copco and Iron Gate reservoir sites. All four dams removed in 2024 — this stretch is actively restoring to free-flowing river. Canyon water with emerging habitat.

Best for: Native redband trout. Emerging steelhead and salmon habitat as restoration progresses. Adventurous fishing on recovering water.

Iron Gate to Seiad Valley

Wade & FloatSteelhead · Salmon · Rainbow Trout

Classic riffle-run-pool freestone from the former Iron Gate Dam site through the upper canyon to Seiad Valley. Stonefly-rich water with Highway 96 paralleling. Limited wade access near the former dam — drift boats are the primary way to cover this water.

Best for: Giant salmonfly and golden stonefly hatches (May-Jun). Winter steelhead nymphing (Dec-Mar). Summer trout.

Happy Camp to Orleans

Wade & FloatSteelhead · Half-Pounders

Deep canyon water from Happy Camp through the heart of the Klamath's steelhead country to Orleans. Increasingly canyon-bound with rapids between long runs and deep pools. Prime half-pounder territory with classic swing water. Highway 96 provides access throughout.

Best for: Fall half-pounders and adult steelhead (Sep-Dec). Swinging flies through deep runs. Jet boat access expands reach.

Lower Klamath

FloatSteelhead · Half-Pounders

Below the Trinity confluence the Klamath becomes a large river flowing north to the ocean near Klamath. Wide gravel bars, deep pools, and long glides. Jet boats are the primary access method for reaching productive runs.

Best for: Summer and fall steelhead (Aug-Nov). Half-pounders. Jet boat fishing.

Orleans to Weitchpec

Wade & FloatSteelhead · Salmon

Lower canyon section from Orleans downstream to Weitchpec where the Trinity River enters. Large water with long runs and gravel bars. The Salmon River enters from the south near Somes Bar, adding significant flow.

Best for: Fall steelhead (Oct-Dec). Fall Chinook salmon runs (check regulations). Big water swinging.

Regulations

Current fishing rules and restrictions

Barbless hooks required for steelhead and salmon. Wild steelhead must be released. Salmon subject to annual emergency regulations.

Barbless hooks required
Daily bag limit: 2 hatchery steelhead (adipose-clipped); wild steelhead must be released
Salmon subject to annual emergency regulations and Salmon Harvest Card required
Steelhead Report/Restoration Card required
Low-flow closures possible during late summer/early fall

Post-dam removal, regulations may evolve significantly. Check CDFW for current salmon season details.

Source: CDFW Klamath Basin Regulations. Regulations change annually — verify before fishing.

Access & Logistics

Getting there, fly shops, and lodging

Getting There

Happy Camp / Orleans, CA

2-3 hrs from Redding, 5 hrs from Sacramento, 2 hrs from Medford OR

Fly Shops

The Fly Shop (Redding)

Lodges

Marble Mountain Ranch (Somes Bar)

Camping & Lodging

Tree of Heaven Campground (USFS). Dillon Creek Campground. Marble Mountain Ranch (full-service fly fishing lodge near Somes Bar). Motels in Happy Camp and Orleans.

Remote canyon country. Highway 96 follows the river. Plan for limited services between small towns.

Fishing data compiled from state wildlife agency regulations, USGS water data, NOAA, and regional fly fishing resources. Regulations change annually — always verify current rules with your state fish & wildlife agency before fishing.