Idaho Fish Report

Upper Williamson River 

Upper Williamson River closes to fishing Nov. 1 to protect spawning fish. Fishing should be only fair for redband trout due to past drought and there are few redband trout on public lands. Targeting brook trout near Deep Creek is another option. This area has some of the largest brook trout in the Klamath Basin. Brook Trout are very concentrated on the spawning grounds.

Look for hatches of mahogany dun mayflies. Blue winged olives and October caddis. There are incredible populations of scuds in the Williamson River. Flies that look like scuds can be productive.

Past drought from 2020- 2022 have affected adult redband trout numbers. Flows are good for fishing. Fishing on the private pay-to-fish ranches on the Sand Creek and Yamsi Ranches should be excellent for brook trout with redband trout mixed in. 

Lower Williamson River 

Lower Williamson River closes to fishing Nov. 1 to protect spawning fish Yellow perch fishing is excellent below and above Modoc Point Rd. bridge. Look for deep pools and the aquatic vegetation edges.

Please remember no bait, no treble hooks and catch-and-release for redband trout.

Small pheasant tail, copper johns or prince nymphs fished on clear intermediate fly lines with fluorocarbon leaders can be effective. October caddis and mahogany dun mayflies are hatching. Matching these hatches will improve your catch rates.

Redband trout have moved into the area above Chiloquin. This section has more brown trout as well. Brown trout can be targeted above and below Spring Creek.

Large streamers and leech patterns are more effective lower in the river towards the mouth. Check Williamson River Flows.