fishingtherogue.jpg)
fishingtherogue.jpg)
fishingtherogue.jpg)
fishingtherogue.jpg)
Spring is fast approaching, we hope, although it was hard to tell this past week in the Rogue River Valley, but today with the sun shining it causes us to think about spring and summer fishing trips to come.
If you're looking to fish for winter steelhead there is still ample time. Our guests are landing some beautiful large chrome fish on the South Umpqua and the season on the Upper Rogue has begun. Rogue River winter steelhead fishing will pick up over the next few weeks with March and April being prime time. ODFW reported this last week that winter steelhead fishing on the Lower Rogue is in full swing, so it is only a matter of time before more winter steelhead arrive at the top of the river.
Although January and February have been rather wet (really a good thing for the rivers) it has caused some challenges to scheduling trips. March and April offer, thankfully, more predictable weather and river conditions. March and April also offer more places to fish for steelhead with the South Umpqua, Upper Rogue and Applegate Rivers all being in peak season.
The recent rain and snow is much welcome, making it easier for fish to migrate upstream, especially on the whitewater rapid laden Rogue River. This weather will help the Rogue to be in prime shape in May when the much anticipated and highly prized spring salmon arrive.
If you are looking to plan a spring or summer fishing trip here's a preview of what's to come:
March, our guides will be offering trips for winter steelhead on the South Umpqua (near Canyonville), Applegate River (near Grants Pass) and the Upper Rogue River (near Medford, Shady Cove).
April, the Upper Rogue will be the spot for guided winter steelhead trips.
May, "Springers", spring king Chinook salmon will begin to show in the Upper Rogue River with the peak of the season for Rogue River salmon fishing being mid May through June.
Rogue River Spring salmon, as often is said and is their claim to fame, are the hardest fishing and best eating salmon caught on the Rogue (and anywhere really). They have a high fat content and our favorite of all salmon to eat. Spring salmon tend to be shaped like footballs, often not as big as the 2nd run of kings we get mid summer but fat and strong, challenging to hook, fight, and land.
If you like a challenge, its one of the best here on the Rogue and the reason seasoned anglers come from far and wide.
With that said, don't think that spring salmon fishing is only for the experienced angler. Our fishing guides are patient and skilled teachers and have helped guests of all ages and skill levels land their bucket list fish.
June, July, August, September, Summer is the easiest time to plan a guided trip on the Rogue with predictable sunny dry weather and consistent river flows. There are fish to be caught all summer long and into fall. On the heels of the spring salmon run come summer steelhead and our 2nd run of king salmon with late July through mid September some of the most predictable times to land a king.
When summer steelhead arrive in July, it also marks the beginning of some of the best fly fishing on the Upper Rogue. Late summer and into fall is "fly season" and the uppermost section of the river is designated as fly fishing only. If fly fishing is your thing, the Upper Rogue is the place to be being both scenic and conducive to fishing from the boat and wading. We have 2 guides who specialize in fly fishing floats. Also keep in mind that hatchery rainbow trout season is open January 1 - March 31st and May 22nd to December 31st.
For more information about Southern Oregon fishing give us a call. We are happy to answer any questions.
