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
- 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
The answer to this question is what every fly fisher wants to know when booking a guide on the Klickitat! Of course, when the water is in shape is the first answer since the Klickitat glacial source can put the river out when temps are too warm or rainfall is heavy. Both Chinook Salmon and the fall run Steelhead push into the river en mass as water temps drop at the start of September. As a result, September through October is when the fish numbers are highest. The larger trophy Klickitat steelhead tend to run late into November and the late season can be a great time to visit.
If you’re interested in fly fishing the Klickitat river offering some of the best waters for steelhead and salmon, fill in the form on this page, call us at 253-307-3210 or contact us here to book your Washington fly fishing adventure today. We can handle any size group and can customize an adventure based on your skills and goals. Thank you for choosing Brazda’s Fly Fishing and we look forward to providing a great Klickitat River fly fishing experience for you! We also offer great trips to other areas of Washington including: Methow River Steelhead, Olympic Peninsula Steelhead, Yakima River Fly Fishing, and the Naches River Fly Fishing Trout trip. We look forward to hearing from you and fish always!
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 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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