Klamath River Fishing Report

Klamath River - Upper - OR


by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
3-15-2024
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. Access to the old Topsy Reservoir bed is also prohibited by KRRC currently. ‌

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 spawning this time of year. Some hatches of small mayflies are occurring. 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 increased to 41 and flows have decreased to 446 cfs. Turbidity has increased slightly to around 18 to 30 FNU.‌

Check Klamath River Keno Reach flows.‌

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

Hwy 66 Bridge to Springs 

This section of river is open year-round. 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

This section of river is open year-round. Fishing not recommended in this section due to turbid conditions. Turbidity can be tracked by visiting the USGS Real Time Klamath River Gage. Turbidity increases with work at JC Boyle Dam. Work will continue until March 15. After this point the river should be quite fishable unless large amounts of water are released at Link River dam. 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. ‌

On some days there should be good hatches‌

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.