Steelhead Action Klamath | Blue Creek Side Drifting

Steelhead Fishing on the Klamath River. We took a break from the Klamath River estuary to scout upriver for early-run steelhead. We packed up our side-drifting gear and headed upstream in search of cooler water and active fish. Contact Guide Kenny Priest of Fishing the North Coast to book a trip on the Klamath River or Estuary at (707) 496-2948 or visit his website for weekly fishing reports at https://fishingthenorthcoast.com/

GEAR WE USED: Kenny guides with the Lamiglas 9' Infinity Spinning Rods and various soft beads.

FISHING SPOT (Blue Creek): Upriver on the Klamath, Blue Creek pumps cold, oxygen-rich water into the main river. This temperature drop makes it a magnet for steelhead. While the Glen Riffle (bank fishermen), Blake Riffle (accessible by 4x4) and Starwein Riffle (where the fly fishermen hang out) are also classic spots, Blue Creek is a phenomenal place to teach clients the art of the side-drift hook set. You can find a map of all the riffels on FishingTheNorthCoast's website under the River Fishing Seasons tab.
Past Video: https://youtu.be/Xsld_kLmBNA?si=MKt2cRylX4bMsJJR

THE ACTION: We were the first boat on the water and had the run entirely to ourselves for the first hour which was unusual. The drift was absolutely loaded with aggressive half-pounders jumping along the banks. We were hooking into fish on nearly every cast. Eventually, we dropped to the bottom of the drift and found exactly what we were looking for—landing, netting, and safely releasing two beautiful adult steelhead on the GoPro.

CULTURE & WILDLIFE: Blue Creek is a sacred spiritual place and Yurok Tribe burial ground. Anglers are strictly required to maintain a 500-foot buffer zone from the creek mouth. It is a stunning, wild place to stop for lunch where you can spot bald eagles, osprey, and the occasional black bear.

THE BLUE CREEK SALMON SANCTUARY: In a historic "land back" agreement, the Yurok Tribe officially reclaimed ownership of the 47,000-acre Blue Creek watershed, protecting this vital habitat permanently as a salmon sanctuary. Locals often refer to this breathtaking creek as the "Stairway to Heaven."

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