With a free flowing length of 175 miles from Iron Gate Dam to the ocean, the Klamath River is one of the truly magnificent rivers on the west coast. Local tributaries empty into the Klamath, increasing the river's flow and level providing pacific salmon and steelhead trout a migration route upstream to their spawning grounds in its tributaries.

Attracting anglers from far and wide, the salmon usually weigh from 10 to 20 pounds, but can weigh much more. Steelhead average three to five pounds, which is a bit smaller than in other areas of the northwest, but they bite more readily than most.

Trout fishing is an often overlooked sport on the Klamath, yet the local rainbow trout are occasionally larger than the steelhead. Local guides can help you find the big ones, regardless of the tackle you prefer. For whitewater rafting information on this and other local waters see the Klamath National Forest River Center.

There are five Forest Service campgrounds along Highway 96 and the Klamath River from Interstate-5 to Somes Bar. The campground map or fishing map may be helpful in locating more information on specific areas.

Fish:

Basic Directions