The Williamson river
Equipment
Fly rods from 81/2 to 91/2 feet that cast 5- to 7-weight lines are good choices for the Williamson. Floating and clear intermediate sinking lines work best. Floating lines should be weight-forward, and intermediate can be weight-forward or a 30-foot shooting head attached to 30-pound shooting line. Leaders usually start at 12 to 14 feet or longer, with from 4X to 7X tippets, depending on conditions and the size of your fly. Long, light tippets that are limp and supple allow the fly to drift naturally in the current. Reels should hold 100 yards of backing.
Breathable waders with some type of insulation are a must. Even with the warm summer weather, the water is too cold for wet wading. The climate can change rapidly, so wear layered clothes and bring a waterproof jacket.
Travel, Lodges, and Guides
Horizon-Alaska Airlines flies from Portland to Kingsely Field in Klamath Falls, where car rentals are available. It is about a 30-minute drive to the Williamson River. A small airstrip for private planes is located between Highway 97 and the Chiloquin Sprague River Road. There are no rental cars and pickup must be arranged. It is close to the public access, and across the highway from Maletas, a restaurant and motel.
Many anglers fly to Medford International, about 80 miles from the river, and rent a car. It’s a scenic mountain drive. There is also a scenic route through Crater Lake National Park. Highway 62 out of Medford takes you through the park and returns you to Highway 97 through Fort Klamath. This route adds more than an hour to the drive and several hours if you plan to view Crater Lake.
Rogue Valley, Medford, Jacksonville, and Ashland are vacation destinations with numerous historical locations, winery tours, and Shakespearean plays. If you are in the area and want to take a day trip to the Williamson River, contact Trophy Waters Fly Shop in Medford (www.trophywaters.net) or Rogue Angler (www.rogueangler.com) in Ashland.
For detailed information on licenses, seasons, and regulations, visit www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/ or call ODFW at (503) 947-6100. Licenses can also be purchased at the Chiloquin Hardware store, which also carries a few flies and a small selection of tackle. There are no fly shops in the surrounding area of the Williamson River.
Bob Quigley is a fly designer and author. His latest fly-tying DVD is Tying Bob Quigley’s Signature Flies (Pegasus Productions, 2004, www.pegasusvideo.net). He lives in Ashland, Oregon.
Lodges
• Aspen Ridge Ranch
• Crystal Wood Lodge
• Horseshoe Ranch
• Lonesome Duck
• Rocky Point Resort
• Running Y Ranch
• Yamsi Ranch
GUIDES
• Bob Staysa
www.dreamcatcherguideservice.com
• Marlon Rampy
• Ed Miranda
www.klamathbasinoutfitters.com
• Randy Rigdon
• Darren Roe
Copyright © 2012 Intermedia Outdoors
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