Spring salmon season is in full swing on the Rogue and today rainbow trout season begins on the upper river.  

This spring we have plenty of water in the Rogue and, unlike in low water years, it took a little longer for salmon to reach the top.  The last few weeks spring salmon fishing has been consistent with an uptick in bites and catch rates over the past week. The majority of fish caught so far have been wild/native salmon, generally big and putting up great fights, and I would guess, based on years experience, that there are plenty of hatchery fish to follow.  This season it seems like the fish are spread out between holes as opposed to years past when larger pods seemed to keg up in key spots.  This has helped keep boats spread throughout the river system looking for fish.  It's been helpful to have our guides on the water daily to know where fish have been holding.  It's also notable to mention that over the past few weeks with fluctuations in the river level, due to changing weather conditions and water releases from the dam, when the water has been on the rise we have found more success back trolling plugs and when the water has been on the drop we have found bait more effective.  Early morning starts have also really paid off. 

Throughout the summer season regulations change regularly to protect spawning fish.  Below is a list of key dates to remember.

Catch and release all year. Fly-fishing only, barbless hooks required.

Open for hatchery Chinook king salmon through July 31st

Closed for Chinook salmon on August 1st

September 1 - October 31st closed to bait and open to artificial flies only

Open for hatchery Chinook salmon through June 30th

Open for Chinook salmon July 1st through August 31st

Closed for Chinook salmon September 1st

September 1 - October 31st closed to bait and open to artificial flies only

Open for hatchery Chinook salmon through May 31st

Open for Chinook salmon June 1st through September 30th

Closed for Chinook October 1st

You may keep 5 hatchery rainbow trout per day. Hatchery fish have had their adipose fin removed.  Wild/native rainbow trout and cutthroat trout must be released.

You may keep 2 adult salmon or steelhead in aggregate per day. Hatchery salmon are easily identified by the missing adipose fin.  Wild/native salmon may be kept according to the regulations noted above.

Check out Seasons or Rogue River fishing for more information or to speak to a Rogue River fishing guide call anytime.