Klamath River Fly Fishing Report - October 4, 2026
KLAMATH RIVER
ReportOCT 4 — 11, 2026
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Flow
2500CFS
KLAMATH R NR KLAMATH CA
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Water Temp
65.7°F
Updated 2026-10-03
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Weather
59–75°F
Partly Cloudy
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Clarity
Clear
Check post-storm
The Klamath is flowing at 2,500 CFS with a gauge height of 7.82 ft and a comfortable water temperature of 65.7°F — ideal conditions for moving fish to hold and bite in the lower and middle canyon. Flows are slightly lower than recent web reports, meaning clearer water and more precise presentations will be rewarded.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Egan's Poacher - Olive #12
#12
Egan's Poacher - Black #12
#12
Slush Egg Apricot - 14 #14
#14
Wiggly Worm (TBH) #8
#8
Tungsten Pat's Rubber Legs - Tan & Brown #6
#6
Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6
#6
Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig - Olive #12
#12
Parachute - Blue Wing Olive #22
#22
Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Tan #20
#20
Juju Baetis Tungsten #22
#22
Black Zebra Midge(TBH) #20
#20
Olsen's Straggle Stone Brown Barbless #12 - 32
#12
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook Salmon (Fall Run) | N/A | Heavy | 7 AM - 11 AM |
| Steelhead (Fall Run) | N/A | Heavy | 6 AM - 10 AM |
| Caddis | 16-18 | Moderate | 4 PM - 7 PM |
| Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) | 18-22 | Moderate | 10 AM - 1 PM |
| Midge | 20-22 | Light | 8 AM - 11 AM |
Best Time Window
- 6 AM - 10 AM: Prime steelhead and salmon window — low light, active fish, swing streamers and dead-drift eggs through the lower canyon pools before boat pressure builds.
- 10 AM - 1 PM: BWO hatch window on the slower flats — switch to small nymphs and dry flies for trout as the overcast sky holds through midday.
- 4 PM - 7 PM: Evening caddis activity picks up along the banks — work CDC caddis and soft hackles through the softer currents as light fades and fish move shallow.
Guide's Tip
From the benchWith flows at 2,500 CFS and water temps at 65.7°F, fish are active but the slightly lower, clearer water means you need to stay low and keep your approach stealthy. Focus your egg and worm patterns in the 3–5 foot depth range through the tailouts and gravel runs below known salmon redds — that's where steelhead and trout stack up to intercept loose eggs. For streamer work, start your swing high in the run and mend aggressively to slow the fly down as it crosses the seam; at 65°F, fish are willing to move for a well-presented fly but won't chase a pattern burning across the current.
Main Species
Steelhead
Chinook Salmon
Rainbow Trout
