Klamath River – Happy Camp, CA

October 2006

“What Happened to the Half-Pound Run”

The mighty Klamath River historically has an excellent half-pound steelhead run during the middle of October in the Happy Camp area.  Our guided trip was scheduled to coincide with the run.  Victor Bertocchini, “Mr Steelhead”, has over twenty years of experience fishing the Klamath River; he said “this is greased line or swing fishing at its best”.  Swinging traditional steelhead patterns and nymphs in the riffles and tail-outs can produce some exciting action.

Our day started well before day-light with a full breakfast, and then off to launch our boats as the sun began to rise.  The day float covers about 4 to 6 miles of river, with more than enough river to fish.  On occasion, we did see another drift boat but rarely because of the remoteness did we encounter any walk in traffic.  When we returned a hearty dinner, prepared by Master Chef Doug Fritz, was waiting.

The half-pound run did not materialize this year; nobody that I talked to could give us any answers as to why.  We did catch a fair number of half-pounders each day with the bonus of a few adult fish from 4 to 6 lbs.

This was our first year guiding on the Klamath River in the Happy Camp area, it certainly won’t be our last.  I think Joe Heartsner said it best, “the opportunities on this river are endless”.

From Vic, Joe, Doug and myself, many thanks to all of you that joined us, check the schedule, we’ll be back again next year.

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