Finishing 2020 the Klamath Steely Smile way

Photo Credit: Scott Caldwell

by Scott Caldwell
12-21-2020
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The past week on the Klamath has been great. Catching fish and enjoying the scenic piece an quiet, is the way the to finish out the year.

My clients this past week had some first time experiences. First Steelhead, first time on the Klamath,  first time holding a fish, all good fun stuff. The weather has been holding steady with temperatures ranging from a low of 20 to high of 50. Mother nature also gave our area a much needed shot of rain an snow. 

The winter steely trout bite has remained steady, and will continue this same pattern for the next few months. We are catching and releasing fish in the 12 to 25 inch class every trip. The biggest fish of this fall/winter was a 26 incher and near 8 pounds. That 30 inch 10 plus pound piggy is in there and I am always looking to break my Dads record fish.

Back in January of 2012 my Dad caught an the best Steelhead ever in my boat. A 32 inch girthy beast. This is also the biggest Steelhead I have seen in my 27 years of fishing the Klamath. It was caught while back trolling a small crawdad plug. Check out the picture below. 

Back trolling plugs an bait and casting plugs have been the more successful methods. Not to say you can't catch fish on the fly but clients often choose how they want to fish and lately their choice has been conventional methods. These fish are blast on light to medium tackle, which I always provide.

Anyone who has previously fished with me knows I enjoy mixing it up. There is still time to use that 2020 fishing license and steelhead report card. Give me a call 530 905 0758 or book online at Caldwellfishing.com I have few open days left this year.