Idaho Fish Report

Upper Williamson River:

Fishing should be very good to excellent during the black drake mayfly spinner fall. Flows are very low and clear for this time of year. The cold front likely knocked back the mayfly hatch but warmer weather will bring them back. Hatches in poor water years are not as productive as good water years. Best bet is to pay to fish on the Yamsi or Sand Creek Ranch.

Only one single point hook will be allowed beginning April 22. This change is due to record low spawning escapement for trophy redband trout throughout the Klamath Basin. ODFW also encourages the use of barbless hooks in this fishery and catch-and-release rubber nets.

Lower Williamson River:

No treble hooks allowed!

Opened to fishing on Saturday, May 22. Flows are very low. Fishing is fair. When fly-fishing use long, light leaders and clear fly lines for best success. Caddis flies, yellow sally stoneflies and many small mayfly species are hatching. Flies mimicking small mayfly nymphs can work well. Some larger fish will be feeding on sucker eggs.

Regulations have changed on the Williamson River. Only one single point hook is allowed. This change is due to record low spawning escapement for trophy redband trout throughout the Klamath Basin. ODFW also encourages the use of single barbless hooks in this fishery, not removing fish from the water and catch-and-release rubber nets.

Also, all radio tagged redband trout must be released unharmed. Redband trout will have what looks to be fishing line coming from the abdomen. These fish will be 6-18 inches long.