Summer steelhead season is here. 

With spring salmon season winding down on the Upper Rogue, we have turned our focus to steelhead.  As of July 22nd, there were 408 summer steelhead counted in the hatchery. 

Even though we are nearing the end of the spring Chinook run, we still like to start off the day fishing for kings and as the day heats we switch to searching for steelhead.  The salmon bite traditionally is an early one and the steelhead bite tends to be best in the heat of the day.  In the next few weeks summer/fall salmon will begin to arrive which makes this time of year great for combination trips.

This time of year, I like to use small Kwikfish trolling lures and Hot Shot style plugs for these early summer steelhead and, often, also hook into salmon on the same gear.  Because of this I make sure to adjust my leader line to at least 12 lbs.  I also side drift and bobber dog with bait, roe and/or beads for both species.  Fly fishing techniques have also been productive for steelhead at the top of the Rogue.  Now that salmon flies are gone, you are best off nymphing stonefly patterns and copper johns near the bottom of the river.  I have found that moss has been a real problem below the Touvelle Boat Ramp.  

As of August 1st, the top of the river from the Hatchery to Dodge Bridge Boat Ramp closes to salmon fishing, but remains open to steelhead.  With less traffic on the river,  this makes for an ideal time to fish especially if you enjoy fly fishing. 

This summer we have had the good fortune to have my mom staying with us and as usual catching some real beauties. Check her out.

If you’re planning on floating the river and you are in need of having your car shuttled between boat ramps, we highly recommend Rapid Shuttle.  Give them a call for the most reliable and trustworthy Rogue River Shuttle Service on the Rogue.