Williamson River

The key to the Williamson River’s giant trout lies in the hyper-trophic shallows of Klamath Lake where wild rainbows can grow to 20 inches in three years. As the lake warms, these rainbow trout migrate into the cold flowing tributaries, the most notable of which is the Williamson. A river of many moods, the Williamson requires the visiting angler to utilize every trick in the book and the rewards are worth it. Some days the catch exceeds 20 inches and fish upwards of 12 pounds are possible. Lonesome Duck offers three attractive log homes with full kitchens, complimentary boats, 2.5 miles of private bank access and a pool of the river’s finest guides at their fingertips. For groups that like their own space and preparing their own meals, this is the ideal hub.

Location:
The Williamson River flows into the north end of Klamath Lake near Chiloquin, Oregon.

Fishing Program:
The Williamson River has the distinction of being one of the West's most prolific trophy rainbow trout fisheries. The majority of the rainbow trout in the system are migratory and move up into the river to stage as Klamath Lake warms. The lake itself only averages eight feet deep and is outrageously rich in food leading to some of the fastest growth rates for trout in the nation. Remarkably, it is not uncommon for a two year old fish from Klamath Lake to exceed 20 inches. The majority of the trout in the river are rainbows but there are two distinct strains. The first is a native "redband" which has evolved to withstand warm water temperatures, and the other is a landlocked Klamath River steelhead. Brown trout are also present in small numbers but can reach incredible sizes. Typically, the trout on the Williamson River run large with three to six pound rainbow trout being caught most days as well as some fish upwards of twelve pounds being landed each season.

On the lower section of the river, most of the fly fishing is done from boats, while on the upper reach of the river, no fishing from the boat is allowed. Techniques vary from spring creek style dry fly fishing and nymphing, to swinging small streamers and nymphs on slow sinking and intermediate lines.

Guides for Roe Outfitters tend to start early in the morning. Please bring your own breakfast snacks. The Running Y has coffee makers in the rooms and made coffee at the front desk. Anglers will be asked to help in running the shuttle, so please be sure to have gas in the tank.

Fisheries:
Klamath Lake has 90,000 surface acres, an average depth of 8 feet, an endless supply of aquatic food, thousands upon thousands of native trout (big 5 lb+, bigger 10 lbs, monster 15 lb+) and only two inlet rivers; the Wood and the Williamson. Lonesome Duck fronts over 2.5 miles of prime Williamson River fly fishing water.

Fishing is fantastic in the Klamath Basin. A few minutes from Lonesome Duck are the Wood River, Klamath Lake, Agency Lake and the Sprague River. All of these locations offer unique fly fishing opportunities. Lonesome Duck provides some of the best opportunities on the river to fly fish the hexagenia hatch which typically happens in late June and into July. The large mayflies emerge from the silt bottom at sunset each evening and provide an irresistible meal for the big wild trout. At Lonesome Duck you are able to walk out your door and into the excitement of the hex hatch.

Non-Angling Activities:
Birdwatching, corporate retreats, family reunions, and nature photography, hike, bike, canoe, kayak, visit nearby Crater Lake National Park or any of the seven wildlife refuges in the Klamath Basin area.

Accommodations and Meals:
Roe Cabin: Roe Cabin is located in Rocky Point Oregon in a secluded spot at the base of the Cascade Mountains and a few minutes’ walk from Klamath Lake. You'll enjoy the unique open structure of Roe Cabin with its enormous picture windows and vaulted ceilings. You can see the outdoors from nearly anywhere in the cabin. Roe Cabin will sleep up to six people with one queen size bed, a set of bunk beds, and a full size futon bed. The set-up is great for families or groups of adventurers. Keep in mind that Roe Cabin does not have separate bedrooms. Sleeping and living areas are all common areas.

Another fantastic feature of Roe Cabin is its kitchen. The kitchen is fully equipped, just bring what you want to cook. Some spices and basic supplies are available. Coffee maker and microwave are available as are pots, pans, plates, full size refrigerator and range. Linens are provided. There is no need to bring along your sleeping bag.

The Running Y: The Running Y Ranch is a full service resort located in the high mountain desert just outside of Klamath Falls, Oregon. It features an 82 room main lodge with warm, inviting guest rooms and spacious suites overlooking the golf course. Suites include kitchenettes, flat-screen plasma televisions and romantic fireplaces. The ranch also has a sports and fitness center (including a pool), spa, bar and restaurant, shopping center, eight miles of paved walking and biking trails, and award winning golf course. For the equestrian the ranch also has corrals, where private or group horseback rides can be arranged.

There are several places to eat at the Running Y Resort (meals are not included in the package price):

Please note: Your meeting time is usually before breakfast is available. Please be sure to bring along some snacks to eat for the early mornings. Lunches will be provided by the guides.

Gallagher's Café and Sports Bar is located in the town center, The Village at the Ranch. Enjoy the great breakfasts and lunches served from 6:00AM – 4:00PM in the family friendly Café.

The Ranch House Restaurant, adjacent to the Golf Shop, provides a casually elegant dining experience with spectacular views. The restaurant is open seven days a week, serving lunch, a late afternoon light menu and dinner. Dinner reservations are recommended. Call 541.850.5777

The Wetlands Lounge, located inside the grand Lodge, is open Sunday through Thursday 3:00PM - 11:00PM and Friday and Saturday from 3:00pm to midnight. The Wetlands offers a light menu, Northwest microbrews and your favorite beverages that you can enjoy inside the lounge, in the Great Room of the Lodge, or while taking in the spectacular views outside on the deck.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Roe Cabin
Days 2-4: Full days of guided fishing
Day 5: Depart Cabin.

Complete Trip Details