Summer/Fall Steelhead
Klickitat River, Washington
The Klickitat River in south central Washington is arguably the state's greatest
summer steelhead river. Lucky for us, the "Klick's" mouth is a short ten mile drive
from Larimer Outfitters' home base in Hood River, Oregon. The river originates
from the snow fields and glaciers of nearby Mt. Adams. On it's course south to the
Columbia, the river cuts it's way through a breathtaking gorge. While the river
meets the Columbia only twenty miles west of Oregon's Deschutes river, the
landscape, flora, and fauna are dramatically different. The river rests in the
transition zone between high desert, and high alpine. A myriad of pines and oak
trees line the river creating overhead cover and shade as well as a totally different
atmosphere than the nearby Deschutes.
Atmosphere is not the only difference, the Klick's steelhead on average are
considerably larger than their summer run cousins to the east. Average fish will
weigh 8 to 10 pounds, however the river is home to many larger steelhead.
It's not uncommon to encounter 12 to 15 pound steelhead on the Klickitat. Every
once in a while, you'll hook one of the river's true giants. Twenty pound plus
steelhead are possible! Given the size of the river, it's the equivalent of sumo
wrestling an NFL linebacker in the back seat of your car...
The Klickitat is an intimate river. Smaller than the Deschutes, it's closer to the size
of the Sandy River. Long casts are necessary only in the largest pools with most
pieces of water requiring a 40 to 50 foot cast. Additionally, there are few rivers
with as much fishable water as the Klick. Miles of the most seductive fly water
you've ever laid you're greedy steelhead eyes on!
River Time...
Spey rods can be extremely effective on the Klickitat. While long casts are usually
not necessary,the ability to cast with limited back casting room is a huge
advantage. In addition, spey rods allow the angler to control the speed of the fly.
This is critical on the Klick. Most days, the fish hang tight to the outside of bends in
the deep troughs. The mending control of two-handers allow for the fly to "hang" in
the slot for as long as possible. This gives the fish a chance to commit to the fly
without having to leave the safety of deep water. Furthermore, because the water
has glacial origins, it can run cold and slightly off color. The river actually fishes
better when it has some color to it. While dry flies on wet flies rigged on floating
lines definitely have their place on the Klick, sink-tips and large, weighted flies can
be necessary to find the fish. When fishing sink-tips and big flies, we really like
Skagit heads on 7 and 8 weight, 11'5"-13' spey rods. Floating lines should be at
hand if the conditions allow for there use. If you're not a spey rod junkie, a 7-8
weight, 9'-10' single hander gets the job done. Over lining your single-hander one
to two line sizes helps deploy large, heavy flies.
Klickitat steelhead begin their journey as early as June. Though the big push of
fish begins happening in early September. Prime time on the Klick is typically
September thru the end of November when the river closes.
With it's beautiful setting, endless water, and incredible steelhead, the Klickitat is a
"Must fish" for any steelhead angler.
Details...
Time of Year:
Septmber through November
Price:
Full day float trip (8 Hours) with one or two anglers............$450.00/day
Book Your Trip Today:
You may book on-line or check availability by clicking the BOOK NOW button
above. Or, if you would like to talk to us in person, please give us a call at
541.490.9446. We can set up your trip or answer any questions you may have.
Booking Policy:
A 50% deposit is required to reserve your space. All deposits are due at the time of
your booking. Deposits are non-refundable within 60 days of the start date of the
trip. Trips cancelled due to water conditions will be rescheduled or refunded.
What is included with your guide trip?
All of our guide trips include a big stream side lunch, beverages, boaters
passes,shuttle fees, and transportation from a designated meeting site. We carry a
small fly shop's worth of flies though we recommend bringing a selection as well.
C.F. Burkheimer rods equipped with Ross Reels and Airflo Fly lines will be
available for use. Waders available upon request.
What is NOT included with your guide trip?
Fishing license, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities.
Equipment:
Rods: 12' 1/2 to 14' Two-handed rods in line weights #7,#8,& #9.
Reels: Large Arbor with 150 yards of 30lb. backing.
Fly Lines: Skagit style shooting tapers with 9' to 12' T-14 sink-tips.
Tippet: 10lb. & 12Lb. Maxima Ultra Green
Flies: Large, stinger style Marabous, prawns, Intruders, & leeches in purple, black
& blue, red, & orange.
Dressing for the climate:
The Klickitat valley's weather can vary depending on the time of the season.
September can be T-shirt weather while November can drop below freezing.
Please come prepared! Breathable waders are essential for comfort. Because
we fish out of a raft, we don't recommend cleats for the Klickitat. We do allow them
if you feel more comfortable wading. You'll want to layer with fleece and synthetic
long underwear. Fleece gloves and hat are a must in late fall. A Gore-tex shell will
keep you warm and dry in the worst of weather. A full change of clothing stored in
a dry bag can save the day in the case of an unexpected baptism.
Book your trip today! 541.490.9446
"Larimer Outfitters is
the only fly fishing
outfitter permitted for
the National Scenic
water downstream of
Pitt bridge on the
Klickitat."
