From the headwaters near Crater Lake National Park, the Rogue flows 215 miles to the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach, Oregon.  The eighty-four (84) miles of the lower Rogue, beginning 7 miles west of Grants Pass and ending 11 miles east of Gold Beach was one of the original eight rivers included in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. 

The Rogue River boasts some of the strongest runs of Salmon and Steelhead on the west coast. Like the Klamath River in Northern California it gets a massive run of "Half-Pounders" in the late summer-fall. Calling them 'Half-Pounders" does not adequately describe them though, typically running 16-18" with the fight of a fish twice their size. Returns of adult Summer Steelhead on the Rogue have been exceptional in recent years, the Rogue River offers anglers an exceptional opportunity to catch Steelhead nearly year round on the fly. 

Summer Steelhead begin returning as early as June, with enough fish to target by early July on a typical year. The Rogue offers opportunities to target these fish in a variety of different ways, from swinging smaller traditional Steelhead patterns to nymphing large stoneflies, small nymphs and egg patterns.  Fishing for the summer Steelhead peaks in September and October, which coincides with the spawning of Spring and Fall Chinook Salmon. Summer Steelhead can be caught as late as February dependent on water flows. Summer run Steelhead in the Rogue River, typically run 20" - 30" (4-6lbs).

Winter Steelhead start entering the river in December, and finally make their way to the middle Rogue river around early February. The bulk of the run arrives March - early May. Winter Steelhead tend to be larger with most fish running in the 8-10lb range. 

Gear Recommendations for the Rogue River

Rods, Reels & Lines: 5-7wt switch or spey rods with a floating line 

Leaders, Tippet & Indicators: 0x-3x tapered leaders

Waders & Boots: chest-high breathable waders, Spiked wading boots are strongly recommended

Flies:

Rates  includes all terminal tackle (flies, leaders, etc.), beverages, fly rods/reels at no charge upon request.

CATCH & RELEASE

All wild steelhead are released unharmed regardless of regulations. hatchery steelhead may be kept in accordance with regulations.

Sample Itinerary

Meeting Time & Place: We typically meet at the fly shop half hour before sunrise.

Wading difficulty: All trips involve wading, though not deep, or overly challenging.

Length of the Day: Most full days conclude around 5:00pm. Half days end around 1:00pm

Lodging 

•  Riverside Inn (right across the street from the store)
• Redwood Hyperion Suites

Licencing

• Licenses can be purchased online from MyODFW. A valid fishing license, and a Salmon Steelhead tag are required