It's been a little while since our last report and we wanted to reach out to let you know how the Governor's executive order regarding Covid-19 impacts our business. Charlie guided his last winter steelhead trip (for now, not forever!) on March 14th. With much consideration, Charlie and I felt for the safety of our guests, community and family, it would be best to stop running guided trips for now and many of our guests felt the same. Thank you everyone for your understanding and patience through this process. On March 23rd when Governor Brown issued her executive order and, shortly thereafter, guidelines were issued by the Oregon State Marine Board, it was clear we made the right decision. As you know, drift boat trips are cozy and personal experiences and social distancing is just not possible. Currently, out of state fishing licenses aren't being issued to discourage travel to our rural communities. Oregon residents can still fish where allowed.
This was an abrupt end to what was shaping up to be a fun winter steelhead season. The Rogue River, Applegate and Umpqua were all fishing well with some nice winter steelhead caught (as seen above).
In the meantime, since we know this is temporary, we are looking forward to salmon season
(we imagine you might be too!)which runs all summer long and into the fall here on the Upper Rogue.
As of April 8th, one spring king salmon was counted at Cole M. Rivers hatchery at the top of the Rogue. This is really early for a Chinook in the hatchery. May is usually when salmon arrive up here, but with current river and weather conditions, salmon have been moving quickly from the mouth of the river at Gold Beach to the upper river where the river temperature is ideal.
Until we can fish together again, we thought we could help you get your fishing fix with some videos "flashes from the past" for sure!
We hope you are all well...we are doing fine here. Hang in there! Soon we will all be back on the river.
For more, check out our videos page.