Klamath Lake

[RobMcClain]

I've never heard anyone talk about boating on Klamath Lake in southern Oregon. I note that despite its large size it has only a couple of marinas and launch ramps. We plan to spend a few weeks in July cruising around SF Bay and the Delta, and then who knows. We probably can't get up to Puget Sound so are looking for another destination or two north or east. On the list for consideration are Shasta Lake if we go north, and Flaming Gorge if we head east. If we decide to head north and do Shasta it's an easy hop up to Klamath Lake, if worthwhile. Shasta has lots of cruising potential, but it appears Klamath is mostly an open body of water (perhaps with some alge issues in areas). Anyone have knowledge and/or experience with Klamath Lake?

Rob

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Rob, I used to sail KL with my old Lightning and a Balboa 20. It’s a big lake, when you add in Agency Lake. Fairly shallow and choppy. We also extensively paddled Crystal Creek with our canoes.

Because the lakes are lowered for agriculture and instream water for the river, it can get quite low. Yes, there can be a lot of algae. Depending on time of year, you can run into lots of mosquitos. There is also a tremendous midge hatch in early summer, black windshield kind of tremendous. The Williamson and Wood Rivers feed the lakes, with the Klamath as the outflow. Huge trout in the rivers.