KLAMATH RIVER: Native redband trout, rainbow trout

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.

Please 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 here.

For reference, see Keno Run and Big Bend Run.

Keno Dam Downstream to Highway 66

Flows have dropped to 756 cfs. Turbidity has declined. Fishing will be fair as many Redband/Rainbow Trout are spawning. 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 temperatures are very warm for this time of year. Fish should be feeding heavily.

Fishing has been slow for redband-rainbow trout is this reach. The population is still recovering from three years of unprecedented drought from 2020 through 2022. In the winter the Redband-rainbows mostly eat 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. Catch rates really start to improve in April with May being the best month.