Klamath Reborn

Mikey Wier

Fly Fisher/Fly Tier/Film Producer

The Klamath River was once a legendary steelhead and salmon fishery, and now, after the removal of four dams, has been reborn. Mikey Wier works for California Trout, which works to improve the habitats of several fish species throughout California. He was also a professional guide and fished the Klamath River before and after the removal of dams. Join us to learn how the river is doing and the best places and ways to fish it.

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• What was fishing like before the dam removals?
• What roles did the dams play in what fish were available to target?
• Were there other similar dam removal projects that served to inform how this project should proceed?
• Can you describe the most significant changes to the Klamath River's ecosystem since the removal of the dams?
• What role have local tribes played in the restoration and management of the Klamath River fishery?
• How has the removal of the dams affected water quality and temperature in the river?
• Have there been any notable changes in fish populations or species diversity in the Klamath River post-dam removal?
• How have sediment releases during the dam removal process impacted the river's habitat and fishery?
• Now that steelhead migration up the Klamath is possible, how many years are we looking at to see the Klamath to become once again a legendary fishery with world class steelhead?
• What are the optimal water conditions anglers should look for when planning a trip to the Klamath River now?
• How have hatches and insect populations changed in response to the river's restored flow?
• What are the expectations for the Klamath River fishery in the coming years as the ecosystem continues to recover?
• What advice would you give to anglers who are planning their first trip to the Klamath River since the dams were removed?