Klamath River - Orleans - California
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Klamath River – Orleans - Water Flow Chart
Klamath River – Orleans - Weather report & radar
Klamath River – Orleans - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Mid Day | 18-24 | Zebra Midge |
| February | Midges, Blue Winged Olives | Mid Day | 18-24 | Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| March | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 14-18 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, BWO dry fly |
| April | Blue Winged Olives, Stoneflies | Afternoon | 6-12 | BWO dry fly, Stonefly Nymph |
| May | Stoneflies, Caddis | Late Afternoon | 6-12 | Stonefly Nymph, Elk Hair Caddis |
| June | Caddis, Pale Morning Duns | Afternoon to Evening | 12-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, PMD dry fly |
| July | Pale Morning Duns, Caddis | All Day | 12-18 | PMD dry fly, Elk Hair Caddis |
| August | Pale Morning Duns, Hoppers | All Day | 6-12 | PMD dry fly, Hopper Pattern |
| September | Hoppers, Blue Winged Olives | All Day | 14-20 | Hopper Pattern, BWO dry fly |
| October | Blue Winged Olives, Midges | Mid Day | 18-24 | BWO dry fly, Zebra Midge |
| November | Midges, Blue Winged Olives | Mid Day | 18-24 | Zebra Midge, BWO dry fly |
| December | Midges | Mid Day | 18-24 | Zebra Midge |
Klamath River – Orleans Access Points
The Klamath River – Orleans offers remarkable opportunities for fly fishing. Here are the best access points:
- Orleans Bridge: Easily accessible, its lower portion is a hot spot for steelhead and half-pounders.
- Bluff Creek: Though requires a slight hike, it’s encompassed by a beautiful forest and is an ideal location to catch large steelhead.
- Somes Bar: At the junction of the Salmon and the Klamath, steelhead flock here during fall.
- Wilson Creek: A favourite spot among local anglers, teems with summer steelhead.
Each point offers something distinct, yet all are extremely productive and renowned among experienced fly fishers.
For best results, examine river conditions, hatch timing and weather before heading out.
Klamath River – Orleans Fishing Spots
The Klamath River – Orleans offers a plethora of excellent spots for fly fishing. Here are some of the best:
- Bluff Creek: This tributary of the Klamath is known for its ample population of wild trout. The fishermen also catch steelhead and salmon in season.
- Ishi Pishi Falls: This area is a favourite among fly fishermen. The river’s bottleneck offers perfect conditions to catch the migrating Salmon and Steelhead.
- Seiad Valley: This stretch of the river is rich in Salmon and Steelhead. It also offers great spots for fly fishing surrounded by beautiful scenery.
- Happy Camp: Located between Seiad Valley and Scott river, this area is known for its easily accessible river banks and abundance of fish.
- Scott river: A tributary of the Klamath River, where fly fishermen can be rewarded with a variety of sought-after fish species including steelhead and trout.
Make sure to follow local regulations and only catch fish in-season to safeguard the river’s ecosystem.
Klamath River – Orleans Local Fish Species
- Steelhead Trout: These fish are popular among anglers for their rigorous fight and impressive sizes on the Klamath River, with the season typically peaking in the fall and winter
- Chinook Salmon: Known for their long, tough fight, these are typically found in the Klamath River during the fall months
- Coho Salmon: Though less common than others, they can still found in the waters, particularly during the fall
- Rainbow Trout: A common year-round resident of the Klamath River, these fish can range anywhere from small sizes to around a pound
- Golden Trout: These brightly colored fish are a rarer catch, as they tend to live in high-altitude, clear-water streams
- Great Basin Redband Trout: Native to the region and found in the Upper Klamath River, these fish are known for their distinctive band of color
- Brown Trout: Though not natives, these fish have been introduced to the area and can now be found in parts of the Klamath River
- California Roach: While not as popular or as large as some other species, these fish can still be found in the Klamath River and offer a unique angling experience
About the Klamath River – Orleans
The Klamath River is a captivating feature stretching through southern Oregon and northern California. Its tale dates back to prehistoric times, shaped by glaciers, volcanoes, and the activities of original settler tribes including Karuk, Yurok, Shasta, and Modoc. Its most enchanting section may just be where it runs through the charming town of Orleans.
Significant points of interest include:
- The Klamath River Overlook, offering a panoramic view of the river’s merger with the Pacific Ocean.
- Ishi Pishi Falls, a striking waterfall witnessing the heart-stirring ‘Salmon Jump’.
- Siskiyou Wilderness, a natural wonder with a variety of recreational activities.
Through millennia, the Klamath River has been a vital waterway for settlers, Gold Rush pioneers, and today, outdoor explorers. Whether chasing whitewater thrills, fishing adventures, or simply tranquil riverside moments, it’s a flow of pure fascination!
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