Announcement:

Based on requests from the recreation community officials with Klamath River Renewal are re-evaluating the seasonal closure of the Klamath River boat ramp access. For now, the sites will remain open past the Nov 20 closure date previously announced.

Users should be aware the sites are not maintained for winter use. Snow may limit access, and new closures may be announced. Users should check the following sources of info for updates: https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/boater-info/pages/opportunities-and-access.aspx

For reference, see Keno Run and Big Bend Run

Keno Dam Downstream to Highway 66

This is your best bet for trout fishing in February. Flows are ideal. Closed to fishing for salmon. No bait allowed. Only one redband-rainbow between 12-15 inches can be kept per day. Once you retain your limit of Redband-Rainbow you must cease fishing for this species.Water tempertures are very cold.

Fishing has been fair for redband-rainbow trout is this reach. The population is still recovering from three years of unprecendated drought from 2020 thru 2022. In the winter the Redband-rainbow are mostly eating minnows such as fat head minnow, blue chub, tui chub and sculpin. Flies and lures that mimic these food items will work well. Leeches and scuds are also quite abundant. Lures that mimic crayfish can also work well.

Wading the river is treacherous. A wading staff, wading belt and excellent wading shoes with studs is a must when wading down here. Flies that are dead drifted near the bottom work better than swinging flies in most cases.

Hwy 66 Bridge downstream to Moonshine Falls Raft Launch

Closed to salmon fishing. No bait allowed. Open all year. Flows great for fishing. This section of river is open year-round. Fishing not recommended in this section due to difficult access. All gates are open. Other access to the Klamath River will be available from the Topsy Grade Road, traveling through Dorris or the upper access on BLM property above the old access road on the west side. Topsy Grade Road can have large potholes. This section of the river will require a significant hike to the river on the east side.

Regulations changed Jan. 1, 2024 to a bag limit of one redband rainbow trout per day in the 12- to 15-inch size class. This is to protect large redband trout spawners, chinook, coho and steelhead smolts and Chinook salmon, coho salmon and steelhead adults. 

Moonshine Falls Raft Launch to State Line with California

Closed to salmon fishing. No bait fishing. Open all Year for trout fishing.

All gates to access the river are open now. Access to the Klamath River is also available from the Topsy Grade Road or traveling through Dorris as well. Topsy Grade Road can have large potholes. Flows are at a great level for fishing and fishing is improving. This section of river is open year-round.

Patterns and lures that mimic crayfish, golden stonefly nymphs, salmonfly nymphs, small mayflies, caddisflies larva and adults, and leeches should work well. Panther Martin spinners can work well down there. Recent electrofishing upstream showed extreme density of leeches and an excellent population of scuds.

Click here for Klamath River flow and turbidity.

Regulations changed on Jan. 1, 2024 to a bag limit of one redband-rainbow trout per day in the 12- to 15-inch size class. This is to protect large redband trout spawners, chinook, coho and steelhead smolts, and Chinook salmon, coho salmon and steelhead adults.