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You are here: Home / Columbia Basin Steelhead Rivers / Kalama River, WA

Kalama River, WA

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Kalama River Fly Fishing

Pricing:  Full Day $550 – $100 Additional 3rd Angler – All equipment included – Fishing License, WA Sales Tax and Gratuity not included
Season:  All year, has both winter and summer run steelhead
Species:  Steelhead
EWA Cancellation Policy

The Kalama is one of the many yet less talked about steelhead rivers in the state of Washington. Very few streams or rivers in this state have designated “Fly Only” water for steelhead and this is one of them. This stretch of water is from Kalama Falls down stream to Summers Creek.

The Kalama begins on the shoulders of Mount St. Helens and flows and drops quickly at first and then levels as it reaches the lowlands nearing the Columbia, its final destination. Being located so far south of Seattle, not many anglers from the area head this far to fish. For those that do, steelhead of 12-18 pounds are often the reward.

The season for summer steelhead begins sometime in early May usually and then picks up steam in June and fishes fairly consistently until October.

There are several drift options available on the river and for anglers wishing to see some more remote and less fished water, there is plenty of hike in and walk and wade water as well. For some of the more remote walk and wade water, anglers should be in good shape as the canyon steepens and hiking becomes more strenuous. While walk and wading this river is necessary on the upper stretches, those with less than sure footing need to be extra careful.

Additional Information:

Flies:  Intruders, General Practitioner, Metal Detector, Mega Moal, Skagit Minnows, Morrish’s Trailer Trash, River Rats, Fergus Rock Star, Skunks, Purple Perils, Skykomish Sunrises
Ideal Flows:  See different recommended river flows here
Clothing/Equipment Lists:  Summer season, Winter season
Rods and Lines:  11 1/2 – 13 1/3 foot, 5-8wt spey rods, Rage, Skagit, Scandi, Scout and OPST heads with various tips from floating T-10, T-14 and T-18
Species: Steelhead
Duration:  Full day trip 8-9 hours fishing time
Distance from Seattle:  2 1/2 hours

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