SOMES BAR – While the fall Chinook salmon returns to the Klamath River and tributaries are much better than last year, steelhead fishing continues to be very tough on the middle Klamath River, despite great water conditions, according to Doug Cole Marble Mountain Ranch fishing lodge and guide service.

“We had 9 guide days over with the San Jose Fly Caster's Club. and....OUCH! We totaled 4 adult steelhead over the three days, and a few juvenile fish...sigh…and not a single half pounder,” said Cole.

Fishing conditions were ideal. “It rained the morning of Nov 13, but cleared up mid-morning and remained beautiful and comfortable for fishing conditions through the next two days,” Cole stated.

“The river flow was 3300 - 2800 cfs during the outing, clarity was around 20,” and temps in the high 40s/low 50s. Everything was beautiful. And the two best adult steelhead were those store bought steelies that we teriyaki smoked for dinner last night,” he quipped.

“This has NOT been a good year as far as quantities of fish in the mid Klamath to support sport fishing. However, the river conditions have been appropriate and enjoyable. So, let’s hope for a stronger steelhead population for this sport fishing passion next year,” Cole remarked.

“We are not encouraging additional bookings this year due to the low fish counts, but if you want to just experience the canyon float and try for the few adult steelhead in the region. - then come on down,” he concluded