Where can I fish the Klamath River?

Two of the most popular places to fish the Klamath River in California are the Iron Gate Dam tailwater and from the community of Happy Camp down to the outlet into the Pacific Ocean. While most sections of the River are accessible to wade fishermen, most anglers prefer to use a drift boat.

Are there salmon in the Klamath River?

The Klamath River Basin supports Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead trout populations among other anadromous species. Historically, anadromous fish populations supported important commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries.

Can you fish on the Klamath River?

The Klamath River fishing is one of the best kept secrets, and is one of the most overlooked, salmon fisheries in California. One of the best areas to catch salmon is the stretch of river between Happy Camp and Orleans, CA. With the beautiful scenery and the local wildlife, this is a great place for the whole family.

Why are the salmon in the Klamath River Basin declining?

Four hydroelectric dams artificially divide the Klamath watershed, cutting off anadromous fish from over 400 miles of upper basin habitat and fostering toxic algae blooms in the reservoirs behind them. Historic logging, fire suppression, and agriculture have greatly altered the landscape.

Where is the best salmon fishing in California?

1. San Francisco Coast. California is enjoying one of the best salmon fishing seasons in years, due in part to a banner rain and snow season last winter. Anglers are reeling in king salmon (also known as chinook) in record numbers, with most fish in the 12- to 18-pound range.

Where are the salmon running in California?

Today Chinook Salmon are known to spawn in the mainstem Klamath River, Bogus Creek, Shasta River, Scott River, Indian Creek, Elk Creek, Clear Creek, Salmon River, Bluff Creek, Blue Creek, and the lower reaches of some of the other smaller tributaries to the mainstem river.

Is Klamath River Drying Up?

And no water for hundreds of people who live around the Klamath Project. Their wells have run dry. The extreme effects of climate-related drought have worsened a long-existing conflict between Native Americans and farmers and ranchers, all fighting for the resource essential to their survival.