Idaho Fish Report
Improved Fishing at Klamath River
by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
7-3-2024
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Keno Dam downstream to Hwy 66
The river below Keno Dam downstream to highway 66 is closed. The river will open again Oct. 1. Last updated 6/19/24.
Hwy 66 Bridge downstream to Springs
This section of river is open year-round. Access is currently prohibited by KRRC from Hwy 66 to the dam. Removal of JC Boyle Dam has begun. Fishing not recommended in this section due to difficult access. The Powerhouse Road on the west side of the river will be closed all year. Access to the Klamath River will be available from the Topsy Grade Road or traveling through Dorris. The Topsy Grade Road can have large potholes where vehicles can get stuck. This section of the river will require a significant hike to the river on the east side.
Regulations will change Jan. 1, 2024 to a bag limit of one redband rainbow trout per day in the 12- to 15-inch size class. This is to protect large redband trout spawners, chinook, coho and steelhead smolts and Chinook salmon, coho salmon and steelhead adults. Last updated 4/24/24.
Springs to state line with California
The Frain Ranch section is fishable. Fishing has been better than expected. Turbidity is well within fishable levels. Take the road through Dorris to access. This section of river is open year-round. Turbidity can be tracked by visiting the USGS Real Time Klamath River Gage.
Currently, turbidity is low at 8-13 FNU. Fishing only recommended when turbidity (FNU) is less than 40. The Powerhouse Road on the west side of the river will be closed all year. Access to the Klamath River will be available from the Topsy Grade Road or traveling through Dorris. The Topsy Grade Road can have large potholes where vehicles can get stuck.
Fishing is improving with warmer weather and reduced flows. Patterns and lures that mimic crayfish, golden stoneflies, caddisflies and leeches should work well. Panther Martin spinners can work well down there. Dry flies that mimic caddisflies or mayflies hatching can also work well. Large yellow and orange stimulators should produce.
Click here for Klamath River flow and turbidity.
Regulations changed on Jan. 1, 2024 to a bag limit of one redband-rainbow trout per day in the 12- to 15-inch size class. This regulation is to protect large redband trout spawners, Chinook salmon smolts and adults, and steelhead smolts and adults.