Upper Klamath River – Keno
For a remote, wild and scenic, Klamath River canyon fishing experience, join us as we seek big healthy native redband rainbows. This stretch of river has some wild action on up to class IV rapids so we fish from our rafts with fishing frames. With this setup you have the comfort and stability of seats and leaning posts from a watercraft that can handle the big fast water and fit through some narrow chutes. And that’s just the water side of the adventure! This river is difficult to fish from land because of the steep canyon terrain and boat pressure is non-existant because most folks aren’t ready to tackle the whitewater (and shouldn’t try!). As a result the fish don’t see much pressure and are healthy fat football size fish. This trip is usually action packed with hook ups on these great fighters. Get ready cause these fish will likely send you into your backing.
6 ½ miles of exhilarating whitewater with fast pockets and smooth pools, holding numerous 17-19 inch rainbows with fish up to 24 inches. The river here cuts through a deep canyon. Except for the occasional sturdy walk-in bank angler, we are the only ones boating and fishing this section.
Open October 1st through June 15th. The Keno stretch is closed in the heat of summer from June 16th to September 30th to protect the fish. Typically you will find us on The Keno from May 1st to June 15th and October and November.
Fishing this stretch requires waders. Not for wading though! We fish almost exclusively from the rafts with fishing frames, but because the rapids splash will find you no matter what waders are a must.
The Klamath River begins in Klamath County Oregon flowing from Lake Ewauna which is connected to Klamath Lake via the Link River. Many have heard of Klamath Lake with its big native redband rainbows and of Klamath River once it has found its way into California as host to steelhead fishing but in between is a river lost in some respects. Lost off of many peoples radar as a place to fish and raft, but here’s the deal; It is not just a place to fish. It is a place to breath again.
Trip Length:
- 1 day
- Usually meet at 6am and return about 3pm
Season:
October 1 – June 15
Peak:
October & November.
May – June 15
Species:
- Native Redband Rainbow Trout
- 17-24 inches
Method:
Nymphing under indicator and swinging flies on sink tips
Most Fishing is done from fishing rafts. There is almost no wading.
Hatches:
BWO, caddis, damsels, PMD, as well as fathead minnows, tui chubs and sculpins
License Required:
Oregon Fishing Licenses are required. Purchase your license with ODFW
Rates:
$595 per boat
(up to two anglers per boat)
Includes: Guide, rods, reels, and terminal tackle can be provided if necessary.
Not Included: License, lunch, waders, and guide gratuity.
(Rates are subject to change.)
Minimum Age:
- 10
Trip Begins/Ends:
- ROE office at 5391 Running Y Road, Klamath Falls OR 97601 or location arranged in advance with your guide.
Nearest Airports:
- Commercial: Medford Oregon, (MFR)
- Private: Klamath Falls Oregon, (LMT)
Ready to Book Your Adventure?
Call: 541.884.3825
Email: info@roeoutfitters.com
RODS:
- 5 or 6 wt for nymphing
- 6 or 7 wt for streamers
LINES:
- WF floating for nymphing and some streamer fishing
- WF 10′ type IV sink tip for streamers
WHAT TO WEAR:
- Layers for Cold Mornings and Warm Days
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Waders are highly recommended for the Klamath River. Anglers don’t typically wade on our float trips but with the class IV whitewater they often get wet.
WHAT TO BRING
- Lunch
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Rain Gear
- Fishing License
- Bug Spray
- Fly Rod
- Small Gear Bag
DO I NEED A FISHING LICENSE?
All fisherman 12 and older must purchase an Oregon fishing license. You may purchase a one day license or an annual license. Purchase your license with ODFW
DO I NEED WADERS?
Yes, we recommend waders on the Klamath River. We do not wade this river on float trips typically but there can be a lot of splash from the white water and anglers often get wet.
INFO COMING SOON!