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 Kickstand Coffee. 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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Fly Fish The Henry's Fork

Join Judith O’Keefe on The Henry’s Fork July 21-25, for three unforgettable days of fly fishing, while spending 4 nights at Henry’s Fork Lodge. The lodge was designed by award-winning architect Joseph Esherick. Mountain buildings were one of his specialties, and because he was also an avid fly fisherman, he built in all the special features that anglers appreciate. Hospitality is number one.

This 50 mile section of the Henry’s Fork ranges from being very productive for inexperienced anglers to the ultimate challenge for sophisticated anglers. It can be fished both by wading and floating in a drift boat. The Henry’s Fork is spring fed and runs clear throughout the season. In addition you may fish the upper Madison, the South Fork of the Snake, and the waters of Yellowstone such as the Firehole, Gallatin, Yellowstone, Slough Creek, Gibbon and the Fall Rivers.

You’ll find meals at the lodge, prepared by Chef Paden Skaggs, will surpass your highest expectations. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a picnic lunch, or an elegant dinner, their restaurant has gained a reputation for having the finest cuisine in the Yellowstone area. It’s important to note that meal times are adjusted to “match the hatch,” so you never have to choose between dinner and the evening rise.

Your trip host, Judith O’Keefe is a noted fly fishing professional. Her goal is to ensure that your trip is not just enjoyable, but outstanding. When you’re off the water, Judith is available for one on one casting instructions and also suggestions to improve your angling technique. As a published outdoor and fly fishing photographer, Judith is happy to share her tips and techniques to help improve your fishing photography and make your trip that much more memorable.

The rate is $2875 per angler based on sharing a room and guide. The price includes 4 nights lodging, 3 days guided fishing with Henry’s Fork Anglers, all meals, Idaho tax and airport transfers from either Idaho Falls or West Yellowstone. Additional days and nights may be added depending on availability.

World class trout fishing, some of the finest accommodations in the west, and unforgettable meals, and a gracious host combine to make this a trip of a life time.

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