Klamath River Report

Klamath River - Upper - OR


by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
2-7-2024
Website

Keno Dam to Hwy 66

Fishing not recommended in the old reservoir bed as getting to the river is nearly impossible in most areas due to very deep sediments.‌

Regulations changed 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 and steelhead smolts and adults. The river will be closed from June 15 to Oct. 1 from Keno Dam to the Highway 66 Bridge downstream.‌

Redband-rainbow trout are primarily feeding on minnow and sculpins this time of year. Mimicking minnows with flies and lures will produce the best results. There is also very abundant crayfish, mayflies, caddisflies and leeches. No bait allowed!‌

Access is very challenging. The road into the dam is very bad. A high clearance vehicle is recommended. There are other points of access that require a long hike to the river.‌

The river is difficult wading. Anglers who wade should have studded wading boots, wading belt, wading staff, polarized glasses and maybe a helmet and shin guards. The bottom is very slick and bedrock ledges can drop off quickly. Visibility is also poor. ‌

Water temperature has stayed around 41 degrees and flows have increased to 487 cfs. Turbidity has remained around 13 FNU.‌

Once you retain your limit of redband trout you must stop fishing for redband trout.

Hwy 66 Bridge to Springs

Removal of JC Boyle Dam has begun. Fishing not recommended in this section due to turbid conditions and deep sediments. 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 and steelhead smolts and adults.

Springs to state line with California

Fishing not recommended in this section due to h turbid conditions. 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. ‌

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.





More Reports

OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Wednesday, February 7th

Fourmile Lake: The Lake is blocked by snow and is currently 27 percent full
Gerber Reservoir: The reservoir is not frozen
Upper Klamath Lake: The lake is ice-free