Klickitat River Steelhead
Klickitat River Fly Fishing Guides
Washington State’s Klickitat River is well known for its hard fighting run of fall steelhead and salmon, and the action can be very good. Klickitat steelhead are considered by some to be the “hardest fighting steelhead” of any Columbia River tributary, and I find that to be true as well. With a possibility of 20 pound fish, fly fishing the Klickitat River is a favorite among die-hard steelhead anglers. I start to fish it consistently in September when the big push of fresh fish meets the optimum water temps for the dry line with Skandi or Skagit style swinging fly techniques. It fishes well late into November until closing Nov. 30.
Cool Water, it’s the life blood of all of our Anadromous fisheries in Washington State and our Klickitat River fly fishing guides are blessed with optimal river temperatures due to the cool headwaters. In recent seasons the Klickitat has been getting steelhead and salmon when other area rivers are not. In recent years Oregon’s Deschutes has been running too warm for steelhead due to some “unfortunate decisions” to put it lightly.
As fishing guides we notice things about the river, and I personally have noticed an increase in our early summer run steelhead on the Klickitat river. This could be from the warming of the famed Deschutes driving fish to seek out cooler water. Of course, it is hard to confirm this, but we are happy that there are steelhead around and looking forward to it in future runs!
Klickitat Steelhead Photos
Klickitat Steelhead Overview
- Season: September - November
- Target Species: Summer Steelhead
- Techniques: Spey Swing, Nymph, Centerpin Float
- Headquarters: Klickitat, WA
The Best Time To Book A Klickitat River Fly Fishing Guide
Typical Klickitat Guide Trip Day & Lower Klickitat Permitted Water
Like most fishing days we start somewhat early. Your guide will pick you up at your cabin or place of lodging. Time depends on conditions but generally around 7 am. We can also meet at the Canyon Market same time.
I commonly float either the lowest section where I have a special permit with only one other fly guide. Or the canyon section above the town of Klickitat. Going up in the canyon will require an earlier 5:30 a.m. meeting time.
The lower section gives me freedom to manage my own section and fish as I want not dictated by other pressures. I prefer to swing flies but catch plenty on other more effective methods. I feel that many of the fish I encounter have never seen a swung fly and react accordingly due to the location.
I like to fish a 7 or 8 plus hour day with a break for lunch.
We are never opposed to customizing our day to accommodate weather or personal preferences. Dry fly swingers are encouraged and a split float to catch both exchanges of light is accommodated.
On average I will have you back at your place of stay around 4 or 5. There is but one steak house in Klickitat and a small restaurant in Lyle. The drive to Goldendale is 40 minutes but fast food and a few better restaurants are there. I suggest to everyone a Huntington’s steak with mushrooms and blue cheese! It’s a biker bar experience like no other and sits at the center of Klickitat.
KLIckitat River Lodging Options
The Lyle Hotel
A true old school gem conveniently located in historic Lyle, Washington
The Klickitat River Inn
A quaint fourplex with a deck on the river fit for a BBQ and libations
VRBO Klickitat
If you prefer to have a cabin or home to yourself
Goldendale Chamber
Other accommodations: RV parks, camping, hotels, rentals
How To Get Here
Klickitat, Washington is located in south central Washington about an hour and a half east of Portland, Oregon. If you are coming from outside the area, it is most convenient to fly into Portland International which is about an hour and a half away by vehicle.
Meeting place: We can pick you up at your lodging location in Klickitat. Otherwise, please contact me and we can arrange whatever works best. The map below gives you an overview of the location of Klickitat, WA. and directions links.
Klickitat River Fly Fishing Guide Rates
KLickitat River Day Fishing Trips
**Day Trips Include: guide, flies, all terminal tackle and necessary fishing gear.**
**Not Included: Washington State sales tax, all necessary Washington State fishing licenses and tags, and travel to and from your guide meeting location.**
**Guide will provide cooler with ice, drinks and snacks. Guest will need to bring their own light lunch.**
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Nondiscrimination policy in accordance with Forest Service requirements can be found here.
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253-307-3210