Klamath River Update

The Klamath river has been in the news of late. Dam removal, imperiled fish, drought and the socio-political-environmental convergence here are launching the Klamath into the spotlight as it hasn’t been in 20 years. 

In 2001, the Klamath faced a similar water predicament as it does today. Three competing interests for water, then, as now. They are:

1. Lake elevation for endangered suckers

2. Irrigation water for nearby agriculture

3. Consistent and healthy flows for endangered Salmon below Irongate Dam

Drought years in the Klamath basin typically mean water scarcity and friction between the three interests. 2021 is no different. The scarcity usually translates into only two of the three interests having their way. Winners and losers. It’s decided after much politicing and stakeholder wrangling, federal, state and private.

In 2001, after water allocation was all decided, the irrigation canal spigots were turned off so Upper Klamath Lake could maintain minimum elevation for suckers and to allow sufficient flows for Salmon down stream.

However, this verdict was not to last and then Vice President Dick Cheney visited the Klamath and arranged for the irrigators to receive a water delivery at the expense of tribes and fish. The lower river did not receive adequate flow that season and a horrific salmon fish kill ensued.

There is a major difference now, compared to 2021, even though the water allocation conclusion is the same. It is unlikely Dick Cheney will ride in and turn the Irrigators’ spigots back on for the project, so flows should not decrease through the river below the lake this year.

The Lake has barley enough water to maintain minimum elevation. Its debatable if flushing flows could or could not be delivered without detriment to the suckers. Their recruitment has been very low over the last many years in spite of elevations being maintained…

Disease numbers are very high below Irongate Dam this year, and the point of the flushing flows is to dilute the disease concentration which is at its highest when smolt out migrate. No flushes this year will lead to higher infection rates, and lower returns in a few years. However, even if there was some immediate change and a flush occurred, it was due several weeks ago for maximum efficacy. Much of the damage to smolt below Irongate Dam has already been done. Wild populations are much more resilient to disease at least, and the Klamath fish are as wild as it gets. The hatchery salmon stock is gonna have a rough time. No new news there.

It does appear that in-river flows through the canyons and below Irongate dam will be sufficient through the summer and fall. I see little change from normal for the trout reaches. Flows below Irongate should help ward against a dewatered river like in 2001, which greatly contributed to the fish kill event.

 This year’s drought again increases the urgency of a swift removal of Boyle, but especially the Copcos and Irongate Dam. They are the primary perpetrators creating disease and algae plaguing the waters below Irongate Dam. Removal will allow cool, spring fed waters originating in the upper canyon reaches where we trout fish and greatly improve water quality down stream. With improved water quality in the lower reaches, flushing flows my no longer be as crucial for anadromous fish and lessen the pinch for water. 

I’m still greatly optimistic about the Klamath, it has a very bright future ahead. In spite of the dreadful news for some parts of the river, is still as enchanting as ever in others.

Dry Fly Steelhead Fishing

One of the most exciting times in fly fishing is nearly upon us on the beautiful rivers of Southern Oregon and Northern California. Near the end of May and certainly in the first

few weeks of June huge Salmonfly (Pteronarcys californica) and Golden Stone Fly (Hesperoperla pacifica) will make their way across the river bottoms and up stream-side vegetation to molt, mate, fly and lay their eggs on the water’s surface.

All stages of this hatch are of interest to trout and trout anglers alike, but for die-hard steelheaders there is an additional angling opportunity to practice our spey casts while skating big dries to half pounders and spring steelhead on the Klamath River.

If you have been fortunate enough to observe a salmonfly or golden stone hatch (they both typically happen at the same time) the observant angler notices these bugs have distinct preferences for when they fly or when they stay glued to the bank. Further observations illustrate that while one evening there may be thousands and thousands of the these clumsy fliers in the air, it’s when they fly low, quivering their wings just over the surface and touching their egg laden abdomens to the water that we often have our most memorable fishing sessions.

This action can be imitated in a number of ways with both single and double handed rods and is a combination of trying to mimic these natural movements while at the same time breaking one of our most important dry-fly rules: The drag free drift. For single hand anglers try raising your rod tip high, allowing a little downstream belly to form in your line and quiver your rod tip. For spey anglers, the tantalizing action of a salmonfly dancing across the water surface makes a subtle “v” wake which fortunately, is the same presentation made when skating a dry fly, down and across. I’ll also angle my cast slightly upstream and get a few feet of dead drift before allowing my fly to come under tension and begin it’s skittering swing.

On the few rivers where strong salmonfly hatches and spring steelhead coincide, skittered and skated salmonfly drys can be very effective and fun at bringing fish to the surface. The Klamath River in Northern California is one such venue with the added bonus of eager half-pounders and trout ensuring action throughout the day.

Best fishing is during the last week of May and first few weeks of June before the weather and water get too warm for ethical fishing. In the mean time, fishing is good and the weather is pleasant! Please drop us a line to learn more or book a day of dry fly steelheading.

Great fishing in the State of Jefferson

Rogue River Fly Only Fishing Report!

September is a magical time where there are few bad options or venues, and the hard part is choosing where to fish!

 I am really looking forward to the Orvis Steelhead School at Morrisons Lodge this week as well as some other trips coming up including a hosted trip with Will Johnson at The Ashland Fly Shop and a few days down on the Klamath at The Scott River Lodge with Craig Neilsen of Shasta Trout. This Fall steelheading at its finest!

As I look into the month of October I am completely booked between the Rogue and Klamath Rivers. For those of you who missed your October opportunity, November is peak on one of my rivers and I still have some openings there. A wild and scenic river canyon, beautiful scenery and eager fish! 760-424-9682 or Worthingtonflyfishing@gmail.com