Plan Your Trip
The Rogue River offers exciting fishing opportunities all year round,
with each season bringing its own unique catches and challenges.
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE!
Spring Chinook
May – June
The Upper Rogue River’s spring Chinook are renowned for their size, power, and quality as table fish (harvest limited to hatchery fish). To target these impressive fish, we use plugs, roe, and sand shrimp. Early morning start times at 5 AM capture the adventurous spirit, offering beautiful morning light and wildlife sightings. Rogue springers are some of the most exciting and rewarding fish to catch in the Pacific Northwest. We typically wrap up between 10 and 11 AM.
Salmonfly Hatch for Trout
May – June
If casting dry flies for trout excites you, this trip can be about as good as it gets. Rainbows, cutthroat, and the occasional early summer steelhead readily come to the surface, snatching these enormous bugs. Fish typically range in size from 10 to 20 inches.
We will fish from a drift boat, so waders and boots are not needed. This trip is suitable for all skill levels and is designed as an afternoon outing, as it takes some sun on the water to get the fish active.
Chinook Salmon
Sept – Oct
Chinook salmon arrive in the Grants Pass area in early fall, and they are often large, hard-fighting bruisers that provide an unforgettable angling experience. This can be a mix of bright Chinook and darker fish, so table fare is not guaranteed on all catches. However, even when releasing these hogs, the experience will leave a lasting impression.
We primarily use plugs and salmon roe to target these impressive fish. Early morning is the best time for success on this trip.
Spey Fishing for Steelhead
Sept – Nov
This trip is perfect for those who appreciate the thrill of steelhead on tight lines while swinging flies—one of my favorite and most rewarding ways to fish. We’ll cover extensive sections of the river to find prime water, and I’ll offer casting tips along the way. Beginners are welcome, as I’ll help you develop your casting skills for the best chance of success.
Spey fishing on the Rogue can be challenging due to cold water and tough wading, so reasonable wading ability is necessary (waders and felt-soled boots not provided). I’ll provide spey rod setups suited to the conditions and guide you through some of the best runs. We can also use indicator fishing between runs to increase your chances.
Fly Fishing for Steelhead
Sept – Nov
Join us for our most popular trip: fly fishing for summer steelhead in the renowned fly-only section of the Rogue River. This trip books quickly, so reserve your spot early!
We’ll spend much of the day fly casting from the boat with strike indicators and hand-tied flies, along with using the “Rogue Twitch” technique. This relaxed, highly effective method is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a break from intense casting. I’ll position the boat in prime runs while you let the fly out and hold on for thrilling takes!
Gear Fishing for Steelhead
Sept – Dec
Experience the excitement of gear fishing for summer steelhead in November, December, and even September (in the lower river, outside the fly-only section). I grew up running plugs and fishing for steelhead across Oregon, and it’s simply fun.
This trip is perfect for great conversation while waiting for thrilling plug strikes—relaxing and easygoing. We’ll spend half the day plugging and the other half side drifting with egg patterns and flies.
Ideal for all skill levels, this trip offers a laid-back day on the water with your guide handling the details so you can enjoy the scenery and the rush of plug hits. This is the trip for you!
Bubbles, Flies & Twitch for Steelhead
Sept – Dec
If fly casting isn’t for you but you want to experience the Upper Rogue during the flies-only season, we can use spinning rods and floats with my hand-tied flies—an ideal and highly effective method for beginners or anyone seeking a relaxed day without mastering the fly rod.
You’ll still experience the thrill of fighting these incredible fish, whether using a fly rod or spinning rod. We can also add the Rogue Twitch, an effective technique that lets you hook steelhead on a fly rod. I call this a ‘Go-Get-‘Em Day’—simple, fun, and highly effective for everyone!