Lonesome Duck 

Pacific Northwest

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.

Lonesome Duck Lodge Location:
Lonesome Duck Lodge is located on the banks of the Williamson River near Chiloquin, Oregon.

Lonesome Duck Lodge 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 seven 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. The river typically runs cold and neoprene waders are recommended for anglers fly fishing the upper section. Techniques vary from spring creek style dry fly fishing and nymphing, to swinging small streamers and nymphs on slow sinking and intermediate lines.

Lonesome Duck Lodge 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.

Lonesome Duck Lodge 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.

Lonesome Duck Lodge Accommodations and Meals:
The Arrowhead Cottage is an original ranch house that has been totally renovated. It has a massive stone fireplace featuring the ranch brand and other artifacts. This cottage has two bedrooms, one bath, a dining room, living room, screened porch, and fully equipped kitchen. The large covered porch is the ideal place to relax, enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sunset melt into the river.

All bed and bath linens are provided, however, you may want to bring beach type towels to take outside. The kitchens have all the basic utensils, including dishes, silverware, pot & pans, etc., as well as salt, pepper, sugar, coffee maker and a gas BBQ grill. A radio/CD/tape player is also provided.

Please be prepared to bring your own groceries during your stay. There are two small grocery stores located in Chiloquin, which is about four miles away. If you are coming from the south you will want to stop in Klamath Falls for groceries. Fred Meyer, Albertsons and Safeway all have extensive grocery departments.

Rivers Edge: Watch the Williamson roll by from every room in this spacious 1500 sq. ft. log home. This comfortable home has two bedrooms and a loft, two full bathrooms, living room with a wood stove, dining room, kitchen and a large covered porch overlooking the lawn. It also has an irresistible hammock, and the river.

Eagles Nest: This log home has the same floor plan as the Rivers Edge cabin. The large front porch overlooks a pond and meadow with majestic views of the mountains. The perfect spot for bird watching. Experience the rustic beauty of our hand-hewn log homes. A short walk from Eagles Nest takes you to an old wagon crossing on the Williamson – one of the best wading opportunities on the river!

Restaurants:
Melitas Restaurant: Located a few miles North on Hwy 97 (B, L, D)
Vallarta Grill: Serves Mexican food - just a mile South on Hwy 97 (L, D)
Kla-Mo-Ya Casino: Offers buffet meals – just North on Hwy 97 (B, L, D)

Lonesome Duck Lodge Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Lonesome Duck Lodge
Days 2-5: Full days of guided fishing
Day 6: Depart lodge.

Complete Trip Details