THE FISHING REPORT

I am writing this the week before the long weekend because the
deadlines of the newspaper industry require it to be so. I know
that many of you have already been up to the river this last
weekend and that I will have received many good reports by the time
this article comes to light however in the event you are on the
fence thinking about a trip to the Klamath in the next couple of
weeks I can only hope this helps spur you on.
Fishing on the Klamath River this time of year tends to focus
around the first 30 miles or so of the river up from its confluence
with the Pacific Ocean just south of Crescent City to Johnsons Bar.
Fishing can be done from the bank but it is truly a big river and
access can be tough to find. The most popular place to fish from
the bank below the 101 bridge is at the mouth itself. Here you will
find a large gathering of anglers from all walks of life, lining
the shoreline, elbow to elbow, competing with not only the
commercial tribal fishermen and their nets but also the large sea
lions patrolling the area. This location visually is extremely
dramatic with the large outcropping of rocks on both sides of the
river mouth. When the fish are running, as many as 200 anglers will
line the banks hoping to hook into a big bright king salmon. These
fish are fresh from the sea and are being caught in just 3 feet of
water making landing them a real battle. They can range in size
from 5 to 40 pounds and an unprepared angler can watch helplessly
as a large hooked salmon U-turns back to the sea taking the entire
15 pound test spool of line with it. Fishing the mouth is not for
the faint of heart. It is not only competitive but dangerous and
every year it seems someone falls into the river.
Upriver in what is known as the Glen, bank anglers can find
additional spots like Blake’s and the Orchard that are usually far
less crowded and more spaced out. The fishing is done in a more
traditional method by wading and the casting of spoons, bait or
flies like glow bugs. If you have any questions regarding access to
these areas please contact Tommy at Little Rays Tackle Shop
(482-7725) and he can set you up with all the information and
equipment you will need.
But probably the best way to fish the lower river is by jet
boat. These high speed fishing boats can travel as fast as 60 miles
an hour and traverse riffles in as little as 3 inches of water.
They will take you above all of the traffic of the lower river and
into the depths of the river canyon where the Klamath and all of
its beauty can be experienced. There are many guides that can take
you on these trips. A couple of quality guides to get you started
are…John Klar (498-1707), Steve Huber (530-623-1918) and Mick
Thomas (458-4704). All of these gentlemen are excellent fishermen
as well as people.
Ok so now for a report…fishing for salmon on the Lower Klamath
has been nothing short of excellent the last couple of days. Limits
are common place on the guide boats above the 101 to 20 pounds and
there are good numbers of fish coming to bank-anglers below the
bridge. Huge numbers of Jack salmon are showing which is a great
sign for next year’s returns. Joe Lozinto from Windsor just
returned from the river with a report of great fishing, hooking 32
fish and landing 28 to 15 pounds for two guys in three days of
fishing. The tribal fishing is only occurring on Fridays through
Tuesdays, allowing for good numbers of fish to pass up river for
weekend fishing. They should be done with their fishery by the time
you read this.
If you would like more information or want to provide first
person reports, please contact Hunt Conrad at Prospect Mortgage,
328-1233.