Trip brief · Klickitat River
How to go fish the Klickitat River
The months we list for the Klickitat River are April, May, September, October, November. August is outside that window, so this brief is written for September, the next month we list.
September
No USGS gauge is mapped to this river.
Flies to tie — September
Intruder / Leech#2-6
Purple Peril
Dry Line Skater#6-10
Bombers
Access
Lyle Columbia Confluence
45.700, -121.280parking
Highway 142 Corridor — Klickitat Town
45.830, -121.150parking
Wahkiacus Area
45.930, -121.100parking
Klickitat Wildlife Area — Upper River
46.050, -121.050parking
Regs — check current rules before you go
Klickitat River steelhead and salmon fishing is subject to annual WDFW season determinations based on run strength. Wild steelhead must be released; hatchery steelhead (clipped adipose) may be retained per current rules. Spring Chinook seasons are set annually — verify before fishing. The Wild and Scenic River corridor (lower 10.8 miles) requires trail access and all Washington State fishing regulations apply. A valid fishing license plus salmon/steelhead punchcard required. ESA-listed spring Chinook, wild steelhead, and Bull Trout must be released without removal from water. Consult current WDFW regulations pamphlet for up-to-date rules.
Pack list
- A current state fishing licence
- Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
- Net, nippers, forceps
- Floatant and desiccant
- Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
- Water, sun cover, polarised glasses
Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.
Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Klickitat River page →