Join Us for the Weekend

Camping: October 2 - 4, 2026 |Stinson Flats Campground

Join Fishmasters Don & Carol Kohler for a fly-fishing outing on the beautiful Klickitat River. 

How to Join the Outing

Let your Fishmasters know you're coming by registering for the outing

Stinson Flats Campground is a primitive, free riverside site along the Klickitat River in Klickitat County, Washington, managed as a water-access and recreation area by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. It features a gravel boat ramp for river floats, flat ground suited for tents, and basic primitive features.

• Cost: Free (dispersed style)

• Water: None available (bring your own)

• Toilets: Vault or pit toilet on-site

• Hookups: None (no RV hookups or showers)

• Access: Located near mile 13.8 on the Glenwood Highway; features an unimproved gravel/dirt access road and boat launch that can be challenging for large trailers.

A Washington Discover Pass is typically required for vehicle parking at state wildlife and water-access areas.

Don & Carol Kohler will be stepping in to run this outing for Don & Sherri Starkin. (Thank you Don & Carol)

Main gathering location: Don & Carol's Campsite. TBD

Google Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DW7dHsLbocwxqdEd9

Meeting locations and times are subject to change. Please RSVP so Don or Carol can contact you if plans are updated.

Fishing Plan

This is an old outing with plenty of experienced members attending. This is a perfect outing to get with an experienced member to show you the ropes.

Washington State’s Klickitat River is well known for its hard fighting run of fall steelhead and salmon, and the action can be very good. Klickitat steelhead are considered by some to be the “hardest fighting steelhead” of any Columbia River tributary. With a possibility of 20 pound fish, fly fishing the Klickitat River is a favorite among die-hard steelhead anglers.

Recommended setup:

Spey / Two-Handed Setup (Best for Swinging)

Rod: 7-weight or 8-weight Spey rod, 13 to 13.5 feet long

Reel: Large-arbor reel with a smooth, powerful disc drag.

Line: Skagit head (450 to 550 grains depending on your rod).

Tips: 10 to 12 feet of T-11 or T-14 sinking tips to cut through heavy flows.

Leader: Short, heavy leader (3 to 4 feet of 12lb to 15lb Maxima Ultragreen).

Single-Handed Setup (Best for Nymphing & Indicating)

Rod: 9-foot to 10-foot, 7-weight or 8-weight fast-action rod.

Line: Weight-forward floating line with a aggressive front taper to throw indicators.

Leader: 9-foot tapered leader down to 12lb or 15lb fluorocarbon.

Rig: Heavy-duty indicator, split shot, and a two-fly rig (e.g., egg pattern to a stonefly).

Essential October Flies

• Swinging: Purple Perils, Green Butt Skunks, Hoh Bo Speys, and Intruders (black, blue, or purple).
• Nymphing: 8mm to 10mm soft beads (orange or peach) and size 4–6 Pat's Rubber Legs.

RSVP Required

If you plan to attend, please fill out registration button above (top of this page), or email moabman07@gmail.com with the following information:

1. Your name

2. Names of anyone coming with you

3. Your cell phone number

4. Emergency contact name

5. Emergency contact phone number

6. Are you joining the Saturday day trip or camping for the weekend?

7. If camping, what campsite did you reserve?

RSVPs help us plan, communicate any changes, and keep everyone accounted for during the outing.

Safety

For emergencies, aside from calling 911 when in cell coverage, please take note of the following information:

Nearest Regional Hospitals:

• Klickitat Valley Health. 310 S Roosevelt Ave. Goldendale, WA 98620. Phone: 509-773-4022
• Skyline Health & Skyline Heath Medical Clinic 211 NE Skyline Dr. White Salmon, WA 98672. Phone: 509-493-1101
• Adventist Health Columbia Gorge 1700 E 19th St. The Dalles, OR 97058. Phone: 541-296-1111

Email moabman07@gmail.com if you have any questions.

See you on the water!

Cheers,
Don & Carol Kohler
Fishmasters, Klickitat River Outing