Klamath River - Keno Stretch

I was very lucky last week to be able to flyfish with clients in Southern Oregon.  Not from a kayak, but from a raft.  My companions for the trip are flyfishing purists so I had to try and recall my fly casting skills from my years living in Colorado long ago.

Fishing and scenery were fantastic as we fished the Williamson River one day, and the Klamath River the next.  My biggest was a 23 inch redband and another angler had a 26 incher. 

But the real story here is the Keno stretch of the Klamath river, and the guide’s exclusive access to it.  The stretch is designated wild and scenic and is between the Keno dam and the John C. Boyle reservoir.  The public access is limited and difficult.  Guide books describe the stretch as “un-boatable” with only difficult walk in access on private Jeld-Wen land. 

Luckily,  Darren Roe of Roe Outfitters doesn’t read the guide books.  He’s developed a unique way to fish the stretch in modified (thinner) rafts with seats and lean rails like a drift boat.  It’s half whitewater rafting and half flyfishing, and it’s a blast.  Sometimes I’d hook up in a swift section and just hope the fish rode it out with me as we tumbled down the canyon.  Sometimes we’d anchor in a slow moving section and just nail fish after fish.

Because of the lack of pressure, the fishing is often “epic” with 20, 30 or even 50 fish days.  Our day was “slower” with only 15 fish per person, which in my book, is outstanding.   But really, the quantity didn’t matter, because half the time I was just in awe at the natural beauty of the canyon, the wildlife (including huge flocks of white pelicans) and the rapids.  A bonus for me was the instruction.  Darren had me casting in my best form ever after just an hour or so of feedback. 

If anyone is ever looking for a unique flyfishing trip, consider the Keno stretch of the Klamath River.  I have no reason to plug Darren Roe other than the fact that this was a great trip.   Well worth it and highly recommended.  Find out more from www.roeoutfitters.com

I didn’t have my yak with me, but Darren told me I could catch all the Kokanee I could want from it in the local lakes.  Maybe next time.

Now back to the yak and some needed AOTY points.

Dang! Always wondered about that stretch ...