Where to Fish - Klickitat River

Part of our series on fishing locally in the Hood River/Columbia Gorge area.  Species:  Summer steelhead, spring and fall chinook salmon, co...

Part of our series on fishing locally in the Hood River/Columbia Gorge area. 

Species:  Summer steelhead, spring and fall chinook salmon, coho salmon
Seasons:  Summer steelhead:  late May-November 30.  Salmon:  check regulations. 

Location:  11 miles east of Hood River, in Lyle, Washington.

November can be the best month

The Klickitat is lovingly referred to as the "Klick" by locals.  This wonderful stream meets the Columbia River about 10 miles upstream of Hood River on the Washington side, near the town of Lyle.

This river is bigger than the Hood and the White Salmon, but much smaller than the Deschutes.  It is known for it's run of summer steelhead, and is arguably one of the top summer steelhead rivers in the US.    

Much like the Hood, the Klick is glacially fed and can be nearly impossible to fish during the hottest parts of the year.  There is a bit more water in the Klick than the Hood, so it does stay in shape a little better, but it does fish best when we have freezing temps above 8000 feet.  

There are some fish around in June, but most of the action happens in the fall.  September through November is when you want to be there. A healthy fall chinook run draws anglers in September and October.  The lower 15 miles of river can get very busy if there are salmon around.  Few salmon anglers venture upstream very far.

From the confluence of the Columbia near the town of Lyle, WA, highway 142 follows the river for 18 miles upstream, through the town of Klickitat before parting ways with the river and winding up to the top of the canyon.  Those lower 18 miles host a dozen or so fishy runs, many pullouts as well as several boat ramps that make floats as easy, short or long as you would want. Easy car access keeps almost all road-bound anglers on that lowest 18 miles of river.  

Big steelhead run in the Klickitat

Venturing upstream, there are two sections that are nearly inaccessible without a boat.  From the fishing boundary at the border of the Yakama Reservation to Leidl Campground is the upper river.  Tough floats, very little "fishy" water and tough access make the upper more of a rafting adventure and less of a place to really expect some great results with a fly rod.

From Leidl down to the confluence of the Little Klickitat River (mile 18) is the middle section, also called the canyon.  Road access is also very limited in this section.  There is a ramp at Leidl and then another one a few miles downstream at Stinson Flats which is where most boaters launch.  Other than that, all access in the canyon is by boat. Great float, loads of good water.  Nothing super difficult for the rower.  It is 100% a wonderful way to experience the Klickitat.

Fall chinook ate a swung fly

If steelheading is not your game, there are some rainbow trout in the Klickitat, especially in the canyon section.  Compared to the Blue Ribbon quality Yakima River about an hour and a half to the north, the size and quantity of trout do not compare. There are ok numbers of trout and an occasionally decent-sized fish, but it's not a destination trout fishery.  If you are looking for trout, it is just over an hour from Goldendale to the Yakima river canyon.  I would say it is worth the drive if you are near the Klickitat and decide that trout fishing would be better.

The Klickitat has its moments of glory.  Quiet November mornings, swinging big flies in quiet solitude.  The river is empty by Halloween, the last signs of summer gone except for maybe a tug from a big summer steelhead.