Kettle River Fishing Report

Information
From its source at the outlet of Holmes Lake in the Monashee Mountains of British Columbia, the Kettle River flows south to Midway, British Columbia. Along the way it is joined by many tributaries, most notably the West Kettle River. Below Midway, the river loops south into the United States, through Ferry County, Washington, before flowing north back into Canada, passing by Grand Forks, British Columbia where the Granby River joins. After flowing east for about 10 miles (16 km), the river turns south again, just south of Christina Lake,[6] entering the United States again.

THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF WASHINGTON does not receive much attention. One of the rivers in this part of the state is the Kettle. The overall, fish counts are not high on this incredibly clear freestone river, yet someday's you might think the dry fly fishing could not get any better! The genetics of the redbands are very clean. These rainbows are some of the hardest fighting and beautiful fish you have ever experienced.

 
Featured Fishing Trips
Guided Fishing Trips
$
475
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
1 day
Fishing Waters:
Destination:
Located in the notheast corner of Washington, the Kettle river is one we have been fishing since 1994; we just haven't been guiding it until the last 10 years. During spring thaw (typically ... moreMay/June) the river may peak at 9000 cfs. However, by August the flows may be as low as 300 cfs. Access is difficult for launching a boat save for a few locations and when the water gets real low ie: August, it makes for some rather long distances between actual put-ins and take outs. We are fortunate to have some private access. We fish this river generally in June, July, Sept and October in conjunction with our seasons on the Upper Columbia.

The fishing can be stellar with the dry fly. The fish are incredibly beautiful wild redbands and pound for pound incredibly strong.
$
2,000
-
$
2,050
/ Angler
Capacity:
1 angler
Days:
On Thu, Sep 8 2016 - Sat, Aug 25 2018
Duration:
4 days
Trip Details Floating and fishing the "Wild and Scenic" Rogue River Canyon is considered one of the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular river experiences. Enjoy this stunning canyon ... morefrom the classy comfortable ride of a beautiful wooden drift boat and spend your evenings in unique riverside lodges. Spend four days floating the 43 miles of protected waters while fly fishing for half-pounder and adult steelhead fresh out of the ocean. Legendary for its combination of dramatic rapids and tranquil pools, fishing on the Rogue River has been popular with guests of the Helfrich family since 1931 when Prince Helfrich first explored the canyon.

His legacy continues as newcomers enjoy the same majestic old-growth forests of Douglas fir and twisted Madrone along the riverbanks. Picturesque grassy pastures, wildflowers and wildlife are all part of this unspoiled wilderness. Deer, otter, black bear, blue herons, osprey and bald eagles call this paradise home.

And then, there are the fish! With two fishermen and one guide in each drift boat, you’ll have a unique opportunity to catch fall run Steelhead and Salmon on lures and flies. Even the most experienced fishermen will be challenged by the great sport of landing these fighters on light tackle. This is a world-class fishing river and our guides serve as skilled fishing instructors and experienced boatmen. Their knowledge of the river and the maneuverability of the drift boats allow them to easily access the placid pools and rich holes where the fishing is best.

Our trips begin at Argo Riffle and for four days and 43 miles we will travel west in McKenzie River drift boats through the Coastal Range to Hog Eddie at Agness. You’ll get a firsthand look at Rainie Falls, Zane Grey’s cabin, Mule Creek Canyon and Blossom Bar rapid.

Each night you will enjoy the comfort of three different rustic wilderness lodges. Shore lunch stops along the river allow time to relax and explore the area. We often barbecue or pan-fry any freshly caught steelhead or salmon. Delicious! No one goes away hungry.

The combination of unforgettable fishing experiences and drift boating through exciting whitewater make this outing on the Rogue River's "Wild and Scenic" section Helfrich River Outfitter's most sought after and desired fishing adventures.

River Accommodations

Nights are spent in comfortable wilderness lodges with private sleeping accommodations for couples or singles. All of the breakfasts and dinners are served family-style by the guides and lodge staff. Each remote lodge offers its own distinct character, which adds a memorable element to the trip that few ever experience, as they are only accessible by river or hiking trail and are run on generator power.
Additional Information
Tributaries:
The Kettle River is a tributary of the Columbia River
Source:
Holmes Lake
Mouth:
Columbia River
Length:
175 miles
Basin:
4,200 sq miles
Game Fish Opportunities
Fishing Trips
  • Expert Guide
  • Riverside lunch and beverages
  • Flies, tippet, and tackle
Located in the notheast corner of Washington, the Kettle river is one we have been fishing since 1994; we just haven't been guiding it until the last 10 years. During spring thaw (typically ... moreMay/June) the river may peak at 9000 cfs. However, by August the flows may be as low as 300 cfs. Access is difficult for launching a boat save for a few locations and when the water gets real low ie: August, it makes for some rather long distances between actual put-ins and take outs. We are fortunate to have some private access. We fish this river generally in June, July, Sept and October in conjunction with our seasons on the Upper Columbia.

The fishing can be stellar with the dry fly. The fish are incredibly beautiful wild redbands and pound for pound incredibly strong.
Fishing Waters:
Destination:
Current Forecast
Water Flow
River Water Temperature
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Fishing Quality
Scenery
Access
Water quality

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