Oregon’s Klamath Basin

During the depths of Oregon winters, we are thankful for images and memories of summer fishing, hatches and scenery. These images reassure us of the “invincible summer” that Albert Camus wrote about. Summer in Southern Oregon’s Klamath Basin is a special time. The Basin comes to life with migratory birds of all types and the most important migration of all, the Klamath Basin redband rainbow trout. In the winter and spring months our native trout grow large, many are over ten pounds, in Upper Klamath Lake.

However, its average depth is very shallow, so when the warm weather kicks in, the trout begin their move to colder climes. Fortunately, the north end of the Basin is rich with springs and spring fed rivers that provide a perfect summer haven for trout. Prolific hatches throughout the system keep the fly-fishing enthusiast busy matching the bug of the hour. The more notable hatches on the Williamson River include the large Hexagenia Limbata, Tricos and Damsels.

The meandering Wood River starts the season with good mayfly action but quickly changes to hoppers with the warming days. These fish don’t get big on a diet of mayflies, so streamers of all sorts can bring that grab of a lifetime. The Klamath Basin sits at an elevation of 4100 feet above sea level.

Just a few short miles from Crater Lake National Park, the surrounding area has plenty to offer the traveler, birder and fly fisherman. The Basin has a volcanic legacy. This legacy permeates to the waters as well. The volcanic ledges in the rivers provide cover for the fish and challenging wading for the angler.