Klamath River Steelhead

Happy Camp, CA
Mid October 2010
Daily or Multi-Day Float Trips
 

The Klamath River is well known for its exceptional “half-pound” steelhead run. Although they are called “half-pounders”, this is a misnomer, since these young steelhead typically weigh from 1 to 3 pounds. The steelhead start their migration in mid-August and you can fish for them in the middle and upper sections of the river starting in September, October and November. We will be fly fishing what is referred to as the “middle section” of the river around the Happy Camp area during the middle of October, this should be during the peak of the run.

The steelhead will be found in the swift moving water of riffles, tail-outs and runs. The traditional swing or “greased line” method is by far the preferred method of catching these aggressive “half-pounders”. Other choice locations are; current seams and underwater obstructions that break the current, like a large rock, log or tree trunk.

The "greased line" method, involves casting a floating fly line with a wet fly slightly downstream. After a few upstream mends, the line is allowed to swing slowly downstream. This forms a belly in the line, which slowly pulls the fly under the surface. It is presented broadside to an upstream-holding steelhead. The fish will often follow a fly all the way to the end of its drift, and you should stay prepared for a strike until the last possible moment.  The same method would be used with a sink-tip fly line too!

The Klamath River should have a moderate flow of 1,400 cfs to 2,300 cfs, during this time of the year.  Most of the time we will be fishing from a raft or drift boat but we will wade the river to fish some of the riffles each day. 

Since the Klamath is a big river and mending your fly line and the fly is an important part of success, 9’ or even a 10’ fly rod is a must.  Remember it’s all about your presentation. 

The Cost with lodging, meals and guided fishing?

The cost of the trip $975 per person double occupancy which includes three (3) nights lodging at the Klamath River Resort Inn, three (3) days of guided fishing, dinner the first night, all meals the next two day and breakfast and lunch on your final day.  The trip doesn’t include lodging on your final day but if you would like to spend one additional night PLEASE let me know so I can make the arrangements for you.
Daily guide service available at $400 per day.

How do you get there?

The Klamath River Resort Inn is located 2 miles east of Happy Camp and 61 miles west of Yreka.  There a number of ways to get to the resort but the simplest way would be to take Interstate 5 to Highway 96.  The highway meanders along the Klamath River for about 50 miles until you reach the Klamath River Resort Inn.  Estimated driving time from the Central Valley would be 6 hours.

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