Local fly fishing guides have been spending several days a week on the upper Klamath River recently and report continued good to great fishing for mostly wild winter run steelhead as well as a few hatchery fish. Guests are enjoying multiple hooks ups and several fish to net each day with most fish averaging two to five pounds along with an occasional larger brute. Anglers new to steelhead fishing are enjoying success as well as our more seasoned guests as conditions are not proving too technical.

Most fly fishers are typically side drifting nymphs and eggs from driftboats targeting fish holding in deep water and often found together in pods. Rubberlegs and egg patterns, along with large and small nymphs including Prince Nymphs, Copper Johns, Birdsnests, Fox Poopahs, Pheasant Tails and Micromays have all produced. Changing flies to find what these moody creatures want to eat each day has been key. With water temps in the lower 40's nymphing has out produced swinging by a noticeable margin. Anglers dedicated to the swing will find improved action as air and water temps warm. Larger, slowly swung flies are managing the most attention with multiple grabs per day and a fish or few to hand the norm.

Flows below Irongate Dam remain steady, low and very fishable at 1300 cfs. The National Weather Service is forecasting a storm this week which may move even more fish upstream and improve the already superb bite. We continue to see fresh bright fish and expect the excellent conditions to continue for a few more weeks before the fish move into the shallows and tributaries to spawn. Boat traffic has been very light and on most days we have had the river to ourselves.

While mornings and evenings have been cool, afternoons have been unseasonably warm and comfortable, requiring a second application of sunscreen. No need to get an early start as the action picks up as the sun hits the water and slows as the sun disappears over the horizon. Not often that we enjoy sunburns with steelhead this time of year, we recommend you get here now.

For a complete report including some pics visit our website. Do drop us a line if you are headed our way, we are always happy to share what we can about current conditions whether you are seeking guide service or not.