Freestone · Mixed · Northern California

Scott River

A Klamath tributary out in the Scott Valley near Fort Jones, and a river that's been pulled thin by irrigation demand — late-summer and autumn flows here are a genuine conservation worry, not just a fishing one.

Species

A proper day on the water

River high but settled. Match the colour and fish the seams.

75% confidence in this read
Water temperature for steelhead
Warm — slow
15°C est.ideal 4–13°C
0°14°28°
Why this score · for steelhead
  • Temperature5728% weight
  • Flow8022% weight
  • Clarity9518% weight
  • Feeding Time5013% weight
  • Pressure757% weight
  • Insect activity6612% weight
Conditions
Level
1.45 m
Water temp
15.2°C
Estimated
Clarity
Clear
Air temp
25°C
Wind
NW 16 km/h
Gentle breeze
Pressure
1016 hPa
Rain · 24h
0.0 mm
No rain
Rain · ahead
0.0 mm
No meaningful rain · next 48h

Live readings — water temperature is an estimate where the gauge does not record it.

How to fish it · for steelhead
When
Winter, when rains restore flow and shape
Where
A Klamath tributary out in the Scott Valley near Fort Jones, and a river that's been pulled thin by irrigation demand — late-summer and autumn flows here are…
Why this works
Good — water clarity is right today, though time of day could be better.
Through the year
0–3 scale · June highlighted
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Trout seasonSeason
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
GrannomHatch
2
2
Evening SedgeHatch
2
3
3
3
2
Western Green DrakeHatch
2
2
Flav (Small Western Green Drake)Hatch
2
3
2

Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.

Permits & access
Permit required — see local rules.
  • CDFW and tribal regulations — barbless, wild-fish release; reach/seasonal and low-flow closures apply
  • ESA-listed coho present and flow-stressed: do not target listed fish; release unharmed; respect closures.
Directions
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About this water

A Klamath tributary out in the Scott Valley near Fort Jones, and a river that's been pulled thin by irrigation demand — late-summer and autumn flows here are a genuine conservation worry, not just a fishing one. It's a critical stream for ESA-listed coho, which makes it a place to walk softly and watch more than fish. The steelhead interest comes with the winter rains, when there's flow and the river finds shape, but the honest read on the Scott is about the recovering runs and the water they need. Presence and timing, and a light hand.

  • Mixed
Seasons & zones
  • Trout1 January → 31 December
Other water nearby · 3