Stoneflies on the Klamath River popped early last week and we expect the dry fly fishing to take off with the warm weather this week which should make the egg laying adults available on the surface. Water clarity has been an issue again this spring with visibility running up to about two and half feet this last week which is poor even for the Klamath. The Klamath is not known for great clarity, though this time of year it typically is at its best at four to five feet. This will not help the dry fly bite as it makes it difficult for fish to look to the surface for your offering .


Flows on the other hand are quite low and very fishable, though those without experience drifting the Klamath can easily find themselves perched on midstream rocks. The Irongate Hatchery, for the third season in a row, did not produce any steelhead smolts. They typically have released about 5,000 fish which in the past has provided not stop action on dry flies during this time of year. Targeting spring run steelhead will be easier and along with juvenile wild fish and the few half pounders that have returned will provide the bulk of the action. Considering these conditions, we don't expect this spring will go down as a banner year.