The Wood River is a short river in the southern region of the U.S. state of Oregon, and part of the Klamath Basin drainage. It flows 18 miles (29 km) through the Fremont-Winema National Forests, Bureau of Land Management land, and private property in southern Oregon. Its watershed consists of 220 square miles of conifer forest, rural pasture land, and marsh. The river provides habitat for many species of wildlife including an adfluvial (migratory) and resident populations of native Great Basin redband trout.
This nationally recognized treasure is home to the Great Basin redband trout which move to the river from Upper Klamath Lake to spawn as temperatures rise each summer. The Wood River runs through open marsh and farm land. With all wild rainbows often weighing in over ten pounds and the Klamath Redband Rainbows average over 20 inches. Much of the shoreline is private or marsh making wading difficult, so fishing is done exclusively from drift boats.
Summer - Fall offers the best opportunities. The fish are primarily migratory, as the water temperatures in Upper Klamath Lake rises, the rainbows seek out the cool water sources. The Wood River is primarily spring fed, and runs crystal clear and cold year round.
Tackle
Rods:
5 - 7 wt rods Rods under 5wt will not be allowed, fish are too large.
Lines:
Leader/Tippet
Flies
Leeches/Streamers |
Nymphs |
Dries |
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BH Mini Leech Damsel Leech ZT Callibaetis Nymph Damsel Nymph - Size 10 Pine Squirrel Leech - Size 12 Scott's Damsel Bugger - Size 12 Zack Attack Damsel - Size 14 BH Hale Bopp Leech |
Frostbite Chironomid BH Flashback Pheasant Tail Copper John Holo Prince Lightning Bug Stubby Stone Tungsten Anato-May
|
Blue Wing Olive Mayfly Cripple Adams Bear's Hi-Viz Brown Drake Cahill Dave's Hopper Henry's Fork Hopper Panty Dropper Hopper |
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Rates includes all terminal tackle (flies, leaders, etc.), beverages, fly rods/reels at no charge upon request.
CATCH & RELEASE
All trout are released unharmed regardless of regulations.
Sample Itinerary
Meeting Time & Place: We typically meet at Crater Lake Travel Center
Length of the Day: Most full days conclude around 5:00pm. Half days end around 1:00pm
Lodging
- Shilo Inn - Klamath Falls
- Sleep Inn & Suites
- Running Y Resort
- Lonesome Duck Ranch
Licencing
- Licenses can be purchased online from MyODFW, You must posses a valid fishing license.
