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The best of the winter steelhead rivers are now coming into shape here in Southern Oregon.
Umpqua River Steelhead Fishing
-While this year has been tough all around there were a few exceptions including this 23.8 lb beast of a winter steelhead (pictured above) caught on the South Umpqua River in March. We're looking forward to 2021 and maybe one upping this steelhead. The best of the winter steelhead rivers are now coming into shape here in Southern Oregon. We'll kick off this winter season on the South Umpqua, near Canyonville just north of Grants Pass, which has already started to produce a few hatchery steelhead. This next series of storms will bring the river levels up, as well as, more fish, producing ideal conditions in January for winter fishing. It's no secret why we love to fish the South Umpqua, catching big early run hatchery steelhead.
While the Applegate River is less than a quarter of the size of the Rogue, the same number of hatchery steelhead are planted each year.
Applegate River Fishing Report
-Next up, the Applegate River, a tributary of the Rogue. The Applegate is a true "anglers" dream. The nature of this river requires many fishing techniques and angler skills, a pair of waders and a willingness to try new things. The extra effort this river requires is more than made up for with the chance to hook into many hatchery steelhead and large wild fish. While the Applegate River is less than a quarter of the size of the Rogue, the same number of hatchery steelhead are planted each year. This river is much less crowded than most Oregon Rivers and the fishing continues to get better as spring approaches, from February, usually peaking in late March.
We fish for winter steelhead right up until spring Chinook arrive mid May.
