The Klamath River
The Mighty Klamath
The Klamath River (Karuk: Ishkêesh, Klamath: Koke, Yurok: Hehlkeek 'We-Roy) flows 257 miles through Oregon and northern California in the emptying into the Pacific Ocean at Requa. Unlike most rivers, the Klamath begins in the high desert and flows toward the mountains – carving its way through the rugged Cascade Range and Klamath Mountains before reaching the sea. The Klamath is the most important North American river south of the Columbia River for anadromous fish migration. Its salmon, steelhead and rainbow trout have adapted to unusually high water temperatures and acidity levels relative to other rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The numerous fish were a major source of food for Native Americans, who have inhabited the basin for at least 7,000 years. We raft and fish the stretch of the Klamath River river that is home to the Karuk and Yurok people and we acknowledge their stuardship and historic rights to this territory. The Klamath has two major runs of Chinook salmon. The Spring run was historically the larger run of fish, entering the river during spring snowmelt. However, with the construction of the 4 upstream dams, Spring run Chinook lost access to the majority of their spawning habitat. Isolated wild populations still exist in the Salmon river and the Trinity river. Increased summer water temps, drought and habitat loss due to historic mining operations have contributed to the steep decline of Spring run Chinook in the Klamath's tributary streams. The Fall run is currently the dominant run of Chinook salmon. Entering the river in the summer and peaking with the first Fall rains, the Fall run fish makes use of a much wider range. of spawning habitat, form tiny tributary streams to the main-stem of the Klamath. It's not uncommon for us to see spawning chinook during our late fall trips. The Klamath River Has one of the healthiest wild steelhead populations on the west coast, with up to 36 distinct runs of steelhead. The Klamath River has no hatchery reared steelhead, making it unique for a western coastal river. However, we occasionally catch a stray from the Trinity River hatchery. The Whitewater opportunities on the Klamath River are varied and endless. Whether the long calm pools, and bouncy riffles found on the Persido run or the more continuous and challenging whitewater of the Ikes run, the Klamath has something for everyone. Come visit us on the Klamath River!
The salmon river
The Slammin' Salmon
The Salmon river, also known as the "Cal Salmon" Is the second largest tributary to the Klamath river. The Salmon river is fed by the snowpack of the Marble Mountain, Russian, and Trinity Alps wilderness areas and is host to the best winter and spring season whitewater runs in the area. There is also excellent steelhead fishing during the winter season and the fish tend to run larger on average than the fish in the Klamath. Access on the Salmon river is difficult as it tends to be in deep gorges and the most productive stretches are best reached with specialized rafts outfitted for fishing and whitewater. The Salmon river is also home to the largest wild population of endangered spring run Chinook salmon in the entire Klamath basin. "Springers" were once abundant on this snowmelt fed tributary but have declined sharply over the years, the last few years being some of the lowest returns on record. Fishing for Salmon is not allowed here to protect these fragile runs. We run two whitewater stretches on the Salmon river; the tame "Brannons" run, perfect for families and those just dipping their toes into whitewater rafting and for those looking for some real action, the "Butler" run, packed with splashy class III+ rapids. We raft the Salmon river , March to June and is flow dependent. Steelhead fishing trips are available November to February and float trips are also flow dependent. We offer guided walk and wade fishing if boat access is not possible. Come experience this little known gem with us!
The Trinity River
The Emerald of the Klamath Basin
The Trinity river is the largest tributary of the Klamath river. It flows out of the Trinity Alps Wilderness before entering Claire Engle Reservoir. Cold water is released from the bottom of the reservoir into the lower river. This year round cold water release creates excellent water conditions for fin and fun. There are both spring and fall run Chinook. And summer, fall, and winter runs of steelhead. We fish the lower section of river between Salyer and Hoopa. The presence of hatchery steelhead and Chinook salmon in the Trinity provides the opportunity to take a fish or two home for dinner. Book a trip on the Trinity river with us today!
