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"Out of the water
he rose like a rocket.....out and out, and still there was
more to him, no end to him. More bird than fish he
seemed as he hovered above the water, his spots and spangles
patterned like plumage. I half expected to see his sides
unfold and spread in flight, as though , like the insect he
fed upon, he had undergone metamorphosis and hatched.
His gleaming wetness gave an iridescent glaze to him, and as
he rose into the sunshine his multitudinous markings sparkled
as though he were studded with jewels."
William Humphrey |
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The
Klickitat River, located in Southeastern Washington is one of the state’s
longest free flowing rivers, stretching approximately 100 miles from its
glacial source to the mouth of the Columbia River. |
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The Klickitat River originates from
numerous small tributaries that course from the rugged, jagged, snow capped peaks of
Mount Adams,
a 12, 276-ft. active volcano. This renowned Pacific Northwest steelhead
and salmon stream gains momentum quickly, dropping approximately 5000 feet in
total elevation by the time it reaches the confluence of the Columbia River.
The rapid, swift gradient, glacier fed currents of this river over millions of
years has cut its way through
deep basalt canyon walls. Like no other place I have ever seen, age
old rugged oak, fur and alder trees cover hillsides of this steep river
gorge, creating a unique and beautiful environment for a day of fly fishing. |
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On its decent to the
Columbia, the Klickitat tumbles over massive boulders, slices through narrow
substratum chutes, and weaves around log-jams and other natural
river obstacles. A mile upstream from
the small community of Lyle, the Klickitat narrows into a
torrent chute where salmon and steelhead strain against the strong
currents of the river, dodging boulders and other obstruction to
journey upriver. |
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Even today Native
Americans dip net for salmon and steelhead from rickety
leaning scaffolds assembled along the cliff face walls perched
high above the rapids as these resilient fish make their arduous
trek up
river to their spawning grounds. |
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This beautiful Southeastern Washington River supports
healthy runs of Chinook Salmon
(King), Silver Salmon (Coho) and
the Pacific Northwest Steelhead. Strains of both hatchery and
wild steelhead return to the "Klick" each year and proliferate
throughout the system during the fishing season. |
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Washington States-Klickitat River |
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The Klickitat River is
also known for its spectacular, vivid scenery and
abundant wildlife that roam the hillsides and banks of the river.
Its not uncommon during your day of fishing to observe a diverse
variety of game species. Throughout most areas of the river, Mule deer and wild
turkeys wander the hillsides of the Klickitat Canyon. Other sections provide
ideal habitat for visiting elk herds and
curious black bears. Elusive cougars wander the rocky ridges along the canyon walls. Timber
Rattlers are prevalent to the Klickitat River Basin and one should
always be aware when walking and fishing the banks of the river. |
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The upper reaches of the
Klickitat River serve as nesting sites for several birds of prey which
include; Red Tail Hawks, Ospreys and Bald Eagles. These strong, symbols of our great
country, once
on the edge of extinction have adapted well to the area.
During the course of the year these large birds of prey thrive on the nutritional
contents of decomposing salmon carcasses. |
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Perhaps, the
most remote and picturesque sections of river wilderness lie in
the upper reaches of the Klickitat Basin. From the small mountain
tributary of Summit Creek down river approximately 20 river
miles to the boat launch at "Slide-out". These upper reaches of
the Klickitat River are unburdened from human civilization. The
peaceful surroundings here is nature at its best---one hears nothing but the
forceful descent of water plunging over rocks and the pleasant sounds of
wild life. |
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The summer run steelhead season begins
each year on
the first day of June. Steve Worley and members of his elite team of
guiding professionals at Worley Bugger
Fly Co. will be conducting fly fishing trips on the Klickitat River
during the premier months. Each year, populations of both wild
and hatchery run anadromous fish return to the Klickitat system. |
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The Klickitat River provides passage for a variety of native anadromous
fish, predominantly spring and fall runs of Chinook Salmon, as well as
a
small number of Coho Salmon (also known as "Silvers"). The
river also experiences a strong run of
both wild and hatchery Steelhead. Over the years, the river has become renowned for the vast numbers
of returning fish and the amazing size of these salmon and steelhead. It
is not uncommon for one to catch a King salmon over 30 pounds. In fact,
many anglers claim they have caught some of these "kings of the river"
up to 60 pounds. Catching wild steelhead in the
Fall over 12 pounds is not uncommon, while early hatchery summer run
Steelhead exceeding 20 lbs are caught each and every year. |
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Guided Tour Details |
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A maximum of two per boat. |
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Flies Provided
For Each Guest |
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Barbeque Lunch
For Each Guest |
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Like we had previously mentioned, the Klickitat's main
source of water is supplied by the melting glacier of Mount Adam's
as well as small
flowing tributaries that fuel the streams rapid gradient flows as it makes
it way to the Columbia River. During periods of warm weather,
melting snow and ice from the glacier will increase. The water clarity will quickly turn and
produce an opaque white color. |
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When this occurs steelhead use these river conditions to their
advantage. They move from the deeper, darker runs of the
Klickitat and begin holding in shallower waters. It is during
these periods that steelhead feel safe and secure and can easily be
targeted with flies. While others have left the river for the
summer opting for clearer water conditions to return, we fish with
tremendous successes. |
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valley experiences a sudden rain shower and this precipitation touches
on a portion of the Klickitat feed glacier most often the water will
become chocked with sand and silt. The result generally isn't
good. The river will rise quickly in height and flow and water
clarity will be compromised as mud flows become prevalent.
During these periods we have no confidence in the fish or the fishing
and we will wait until conditions improve. |
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A variety of fly fishing tactics are
effective for "hooking up" with a Klickitat River Steelhead
throughout the year. Swinging flies is by far the preferred
method of catching these rainbows of the river, however it is not
always the most productive. The Klickitat offers everyone a
diverse challenge with unique and exciting runs. Some are good
for swinging, while others are better suited for dead drifting
steelhead nymphs. We have several distinct strategies that
produce results time and time again. These are strong,
aggressive fish so so we encourage our guest to keep an open mind and
be prepared to fish for Klickitat Steelhead in a variety of fun and
exciting challenges. |
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Spey fishing with two handed
fly rods up to 16' is becoming increasable popular each and every
year. Spey rods can be used on the river, however they are not
necessary and in some cases over kill. A nine to nine and 1/2-
seven or eight weight fly rod with floating line is generally adequate
gear for fishing the "Klick". It is usually good to have several
varieties and densities of sinking tips in appropriate lengths as
well. If you do prefer a two hander, a shorter length usually in
the 12 foot range is sufficient for the Klickitat. |
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If you would like to experience this incredible river
for yourself or have any questions about our guided fly
fishing please feel free to contact us. Our professional guiding
services are very popular and highly respected and dates for the
Klickitat River Steelhead season begin filling quickly each year. |
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This site is
constructed and maintained by Worley-Bugger for fly fishers by fly
fishers! © |
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