I will be attending a youth Baseball tournament the end of June in Kelso & we are staying at Camp Kalama. I know nothing about the type of river (falls, drifts, boulders, etc) except for what's on the internet & looking through some of my old Hunting & Fishing news & STS mags. I would appreciate any info you may have, specifically for Steelhead;
1. Fly (any favorites) or jig/bait fish?
2. Bank, Super Puma raft or pontoon boat?
3. Best 4 hr drift? What about just two hrs? (I don't know how much, if any, time I'll get away from the ball field)
4. Good place to get a map that has the named holes/places (red barn, beginners, canyon, etc).

Thank you,
Del

On the Kalama river You just got to look for parking, the Kalama River Road follows the river all the way to the fly waters(about 3/4of the road does) some of the shorter drifts are Slabe hole to just below beginers or to Modrow bridge

if you want to catch fish in the kalama fish the incoming tide just above camp kalama on the opposite side of the river. the holes are called the meat hole and the barn hole. stick with long leaders and tiny egg clusters. you can park at the first turnoff on the way up kalama river road or you can use a boat to cross from camp kalama

Del W - Make your first stop at the Kalama River Bait/Tackle or Pritchard's. Both are on the Kalama River Road. Both can provide all the information you need. Better yet, give them a call before you go.

In late June, you should target summer steelhead. You can go either bank it, drift boat, or pontoon. I've always banked it with my chest-highs. I could tell you where I've caught them in the past but the bait shops can tell you where they're getting them when you arrive. They can also tell you what they're hitting on.

If you have a drift boat, a good drift for you would be from Pritchard's down to Camp Kalama (four hours). You hit some of the good holes including Beginners, Hatchery Creek, Green Barn, and of course, the RV Park hole right at Camp Kalama. A good two hour drift would be from Pritchard's to Modrow Bridge. None of these are secret spots so don't expect to be alone. Just try not to run over us bank maggots while you're out there......

I want to thank everyone for their response. I'll be getting on the phone tonight & probably just before heading down there. I know how important local stream knowledge is to be successful & I am greatful for the info you shared with me; maybe others who veiwed the post as well. Thanks again, Del

Del, The Kalama is a great river and it is having a pretty good summer run already. You should be able to find some fish, Like was mentioned above call Pritchards or Kalama bait and tackle and they will give you the updated reports. Good luck

Del I am sure you will like the Kalama alot it is a great river. Just a little input from me. Not to step on any toes but the drift times quoted by cohoangler are a bit short. I drift the river alot and the prichards to camp Kalama drift could take abit longer that 4 hrs. I spend about 6 hrs drifting from Prichards to Modrow take out ( I do fish it hard). If you do not pull plugs and push through you will miss some good chances. If you are looking for a 2 hr drift try the Slab Hole launch to Modrow bridge. Lots of nice water. 3 hrs Prichards to the Slab Hole. One more thing the water is getting low so call ahead to get a report. The # at Prichards is 360-673-4690. Good Luck

Del - Trust Kalamabama's float times more so than my estimates. He's had more experience than I. Good luck.