Matt Dover - Klamath River

Current Klamath River Fly Fishing Report: 12.11.2024

Klamath River Fishing Report – Near Yreka, CA

Update on the current fishing conditions:

Is it happening yet? Yes and no.

The “No” part: Water clarity has been a challenge Since October. There is a lot of loose sediment due to the removal of Iron Gate dam. So, this residual flow of silty water is ongoing and can be expected heading into January as wet weather will raise upper river flows and in doing that dislodge more consolidated earth. Normal. For now, there aren’t any good fishing reports coming out od the Klamath and that is not for the lack of fish.

The “Yes” part: There is unverified talk of King Salmon spawning in the Williamson River over in Oregon. A tributary of the Klamath, Salmon have not been found in this drainage since dams were installed on the Klamath River. Even more amazing is these salmon were reportedly observed above “Upper Klamath Lake” which is almost unbelievable. See: Tracking Salmon Recovery

The Klamath River has recently undergone the largest dam removal project in U.S. history, leading to the elimination of four significant hydroelectric dams:

  • Copco No. 2 Dam: Removed in 2023, this was the first of the four dams to be dismantled. See: Klamath Renewal
  • Copco No. 1 Dam: Deconstruction began in early 2024 and was completed ahead of schedule by October 2, 2024. See: California State Gov
  • J.C. Boyle Dam: Located in Southern Oregon, its removal was finalized alongside the other dams by October 2, 2024. See: J.C. Boyle Dam
  • Iron Gate Dam: The final dam to be removed, with deconstruction completed by October 2, 2024. See: Klamath Dams Fully Removed

This monumental effort has restored approximately 400 miles of vital salmon habitat, marking a significant step toward ecological restoration and benefiting the tribal communities that depend on the river. I am not saying we won’t fish the Klamath this season, but I am eagerly looking forward to the 2025/2026 season spanning October through March and into June!

Historic Klamath River Dam Removals and Their Impact

Favicon AP News :

Tribes celebrate the end of the largest dam removal project in US history

Salmon swim freely in the Klamath River for 1st time in a century after dams removed

FaviconLe Monde:

How California’s salmon people won the restoration of their sacred Klamath River

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