Fly Fishing the Klickitat River

Discover fly fishing on Washington’s Klickitat River. Learn about steelhead and salmon seasons, river access, boat launches, guides, and the best places to stay and eat near the Columbia River Gorge.

The Klickitat River, known locally as “the Klick”, is a 95-mile, glacier-fed river that offers anglers incredible opportunities for Summer Steelhead, Chinook Salmon, and Rainbow Trout. Even Mountain Whitefish have their place here, though they’re less pursued.

With plenty of bank access, multiple boat launches, and campsites scattered along its course, the Klick is one of the Columbia River Gorge’s most versatile fisheries. Whether you’re hiking in, floating by drift boat, or camping riverside, this river delivers. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife—turkey, deer, otters, and even elk in the upper stretches.

Fishing Seasons:

• Steelhead: Typically June through November (check yearly regulations).

• Salmon: Year-round below Lyle Falls; above the falls reopens Aug. 1, 2025.

• Whitefish: Open all year, with winter being the prime season.

Access:

• Road: Hwy 142 parallels 18 miles of the lower Klick, offering excellent bank fishing.

• Boat: Popular floats include Slide to Ice House and Ice House to Town. Longer floats like Stinson to Ice House are also a favorite.

Where to Stay & Eat:

• Stay: Klickitat River Inn, Hood River hotels, or luxe glamping at Under Canvas.

• Eat: Hood River has endless options—favorites include Solstice Wood Fire Pizza, Double Mountain Brewery, and Stoked Coffee Roasters. In Klickitat, don’t miss Huntington’s Bar & Grill, famous for its steaks.

Guides:

• Travis Wallace: (509) 850-5125

• Sam Sickles: (541) 400-0855

For fishing licenses, visit Bridge Mart (Bingen), Lyle Merc, or Canyon Market (Klickitat).

Whether you’re after steelhead, chasing salmon, or just soaking up the Gorge scenery, the Klickitat offers one of the Northwest’s most rewarding river experiences.

Thanks for reading, get out there, be safe on the water and have fun!

GFS Team

John

Want to dive deeper into fishing the Klickitat? Visit SteelheadBum for more.

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Travis Wallace | Western Waters Guide Service

Travis Wallace - Klickitat Guide

Western Waters Guide Service

Western Waters specialize in chasing steelhead with the fly on the wild and scenic Klickitat River. With a strong run of two salt steelhead averaging in the eight to ten pound range these steelhead are known for fighting hard and their willingness to chase down the fly. Entering the river from June to November allowing anglers a very long window to chase these great fish. 

Wet wading to wool hats, you can find chrome bright fish.

Travis Wallace: Swinging the Klickitat River (Timelapse)

Travis Wallace

Travis Wallace started guiding in 2002 in central Washington. He relocated to Montana to guide on the Bitterroot, Black Foot and Clark Fork for several years before returning to Washington to guide on the Klickitat River. He can be found all summer long chasing some of the hottest summer steelhead in the lower forty-eight. He believes there is no greater angling thrill than watching a steelhead crush the dry fly. Being an avid spey caster and picking it up before Skagit and Scandi lines were the rage, he feels that learning on the longer lines of yesterday helped him be a better caster today. In addition to getting people into fish, he loves to help people with their two handed rod techniques.

Travis is the owner of Western Waters Guide Service and offers a little something different for his guests. Lodging available in a deluxe 2 bedroom thirty-foot Yurt. 

Full kitchen and  all the comforts found in most homes

You can find more information at:  

www.westernwatersguides.com

509-850-5125