Idaho Fish Report

UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER:

No recent reports. There are still hoppers around during the day. Fishing can be quite challenging if nothing is hatching. Best fishing access is at the Old Rocky Ford or the Royce Tract areas. Please respect Klamath Tribal Camps.

Fishing for brook trout is excellent near Deep Creek. Fishing is also excellent on the pay-to-fish Yamsi and Sand Creek Ranches.

LOWER WILLIAMSON RIVER:

ODFW will be closing the boat ramp in Chiloquin, behind the airport and Dollar General Store, August 24 until potentially the end of October for the construction of a new boat ramp and restroom facilities. Walk in access will also be prohibited.

Rafts, pontoon and inflatable kayaks can be launched at Clyde’s Market at Chiloquin Bridge but the water is very shallow water and one rapid needs to be floated. Alternatively, boats can be launched on the Sprague River upstream of Chiloquin High School. Drift boats will need to be walked through the riffle where the Sprague enters the Williamson River.

Fishing is fair for small redband trout 12-20 inches. Big trout are returning to the lake.. Flows are very low and water is very clear. Best fishing is from a boat. This is quite the challenging fishery. Consider hiring a guide the first time fishing this area. Public access areas occur at the Highway 97 crossing. Boats can be launched at Waterwheel campground or Williamson River Sportsman’s Retreat for 10 dollars.

Fishing for brown trout is slow but they are common in the river especially near Spring Creek at Collier State Park. Best fishing for brown trout is very early morning or late evening. There are miles of public property above the confluence of Spring Creek on the west side. Much of this area burned in the recent 242 fire. Fishing at this time not recommended.

The Hex hatch is waning. The best water for the Hex hatch is the slow, weedy backwaters. Best Hex water occurs from Hwy 97 to the mouth. Large hex nymph patterns can work well before the hatch. A few Hex hatch above Spring Creek.

Most anglers use 4 to 6 pound fluorocarbon leaders with clear intermediate fly lines. Typically, the best flies are small bead headed pheasant tails or small caddis pupae patterns. Other bugs of interest are Trico mayflies, which are hatching right now.

The Hex hatch is waning. The best water for the Hex hatch is the slow, weedy backwaters. Best Hex water occurs from Hwy 97 to the mouth. Large hex nymph patterns can work well before the hatch. A few Hex hatch above Spring Creek.

Most anglers use 4 to 6 pound fluorocarbon leaders with clear intermediate fly lines. Typically, the best flies are small bead headed pheasant tails or small caddis pupae patterns. Other bugs of interest include Trico mayflies, which are hatching right now.

ODFW encourages the use of single barbless hooks in this fishery as all redband/rainbow trout must be released. Small redband trout can be injured with large treble hooks and trophy trout also can swallow large spoons. Single barbless hooks makes it much easier to remove hooks or to cut the line and leave the hook. If hooks are in the gill arch we recommend to leave the hook in the trout.