The Fish Sniffer

Location:  The upper stretch of the Klamath from below the Iron Gate Fish Hatchery to Highway Five is situated in the high desert country of Siskiyou County in northeastern California. The weather can be very cold in the fall and winter, so dressing in layers is advised.

Seasons: Steelhead and trout fishing is open year round. The possession limit is 1 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead. A steelhead card is required. Only barbless hooks may be used.

Fall run king salmon fishing begins in this stretch in mid-September and continues through mid-November. However, the peak time to fish is October. 

The river salmon regulations are set annually by the California Fish and Game Commission, based on and quotas set by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. Only barbless hooks may be used. A North Coast Salmon Report Card is required. The 2012 regulations are as follows:

The Klamath is open to fall-run Chinook salmon fishing from Aug. 15 through Dec. 31 with a daily bag limit of four Chinook salmon of any size. The possession limit is eight Chinook salmon of any size. The 2012 quota for the Klamath River basin is 67,600 fall-run salmon more than 22 inches long. Once this quota has been met, no Chinook salmon greater than 22 inches long may be retained (anglers may still retain a limit of Chinook salmon under 22 inches). A weekly DFG status report will be available by calling 1-800-564-6479.  

The river is open to spring-run Chinook salmon fishing from Jan. 1 through Aug. 14 with a daily bag and possession limit of two salmon. The take of salmon is prohibited on the Klamath River from Iron Gate Dam downstream to Weitchpec from Jan. 1 through Aug. 14.

Guided fishing trips: Phil Desautels of Smiling Salmon Guide Service, http://www.smilingsalmon.com, (707) 487-0260

Lodging and supplies: Motels, restaurants, gas stations, fishing gear, bait and groceries are available in Yreka. For more information, contact the Yreka Chamber of Commerce, 117 West Miner Street, Yreka, CA 96097, (530) 842-1649, http://www.yrekachamber.com.