Idaho Fish Report

LOWER WILLIAMSON RIVER:

Opened to fishing through Oct. 31. No treble hooks allowed! Very small mayflies are hatching and fish are feeding on them in certain locations. October caddis and other large caddisflies (Neophylax, Hesperophylax) are hatching as well.

Flows are very low. Fishing is good. When fly-fishing use long, light leaders and clear fly lines for best success. Caddis flies and many small mayfly species are hatching. Flies mimicking small mayfly nymphs can work well.

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 in the spawning season of 2019-2020. ODFW also encourages the use of single barbless hooks in this fishery, not removing fish from the water and catch-and-release rubber nets. Many redband trout are starting to migrate to stage for fall spawning. Take extra care when handling these darker fish.

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.