Williamson River Report

Williamson River


by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
7-29-2021
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UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER:

Fishing has been fair. Grasshoppers are at levels never observed. The Hex hatch has started. Fishing should be fair. The hex hatch starts at dark around 9 p.m. Flows are very low this time of year. 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! Keep your eye out for the giant Hex mayfly hatch that is occurring at dusk this week. The Hex hatch is best below Modoc Point Road but has been very spotty and hard to hit this year.

Opened to fishing on Saturday, May 22. Flows are very low. Fishing is good. 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.

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.