Finley Lodge on the Rogue River

10/26/2026

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10/26/2026

Because we are in late October, the critical structural closure boundary is actively in effect. The Middle Rogue River from the Hog Creek Boat Ramp upstream to Cole Rivers Dam is officially CLOSED to all Chinook salmon fishing.
Because Finley Bend sits upstream of the Hog Creek boundary, you cannot target or retain Chinook salmon at this spot right now. However, fishing remains open for hatchery Coho salmon, hatchery steelhead, and trout under the standard ODFW Southwest Zone Regulations. Make sure any wild salmon or wild steelhead caught are released immediately and handled with care in the shallow water.

10/07/2026

Grants Pass (Middle Rogue): Flows are at a fishable 1,080 CFS with a water temperature around 58.6°F. Conditions are clear, requiring stealthy approaches, fine tippet, and small nymphs or blue-wing olives.

Wild Coho Reminder: Retention of wild Coho is strictly prohibited.

Bag Limits & Regulations

• Daily Limit: Aggregate of 2 adult salmon or steelhead per day.
• Adult Definition: Salmon 23 inches or larger

09/17/2026

Good numbers of chinook are still being picked up in the bay and fishing will stay good through early October. Salmon are also starting to move up the river is pretty good numbers. Fishing in the river will still be a little tough until water temperatures drop a bit more. Anglers fishing early in the morning will find the best water temperatures and less boat traffic.

Half pounder steelhead are spread throughout the lower river. There are a few adult summer steelhead around, but the return is down this year.

07/25/2026

Anglers can choose from a variety of techniques when fishing for steelhead, but regardless of the type of gear used, there are three keys to catching a steelhead:

Spend time on the water. Get to know a river and hone your technique, and you will land more fish than if you chase after every “hot lead.”
Cover water efficiently. Keep your lure or bait near the bottom and methodically fish every part of a run or pool
Maintain a positive attitude. Have confidence in the water you’re fishing and the lure/bait you’re using.
Bobber and jig/bait - This is a good technique for both bank and beginning steelhead anglers. A weighted jig or bait is tied below a floating bobber and drifted in the current. When the bobber dives, stops or wobbles, set the hook!

Drift fishing – The bait or lure is bounced along the bottom with the help of a significant weight. The key is to keep the bait near the bottom of the water and drifting along at the same speed as the current. Getting a natural presentation and detecting the subtle takes of steelhead make this a difficult technique to master. But its effectiveness makes it one of the most widely-used steelhead fishing techniques.

Plunking – A heavy weight holds bait or a spinner-type bobber stationary in the current near the bottom of a river. This is a great technique when water levels are very high and steelhead are holding or traveling in soft waters near the bank. Good for beginners or anglers with limited mobility.

Spinners – Many anglers are familiar with the cast and retrieve method, but those that master the cast and swing presentation often have better luck with steelhead. This involves casting the spinner slightly upstream and letting if drift naturally in the current and then “swing” toward the bank.

Pulling plugs (aka hot-shotting, backtrolling) – A plug is a plastic lure designed to dive and wiggle in the current. While they are often pulled behind a boat where they can move and wiggle in the water as the boat drifts downstream, plugs also can be cast from the bank and slowly swung in the current.

Fly-fishing – A challenging but rewarding technique for targeting steelhead. Anglers use single or double-handed rods to swing flies through the current, or a nymph/indicator rig to drift a nymph near the bottom.

07/11/2026

Spring Chinook are moving through the Middle Rogue, and a few anglers are reporting success. Try plugs or plunking along current seams on the inside bends of the river to intercept them. Early morning or evening when sunlight is not directly on the water will be the best time to intercept migrating springers.

06/17/2026

The middle Rogue is relatively low and clear for this time of year. A few winter steelhead might still be caught, but that fishery is pretty much over. Spring Chinook are moving through the Middle Rogue, and a few anglers are reporting success. Try using plugs or plunking along current seams on the inside bends of the river to intercept them. The best time to intercept migrating springers will be early morning or evening when sunlight is not directly on the water. Please use proper catch-and-release techniques on fish that will not be harvested, such as keeping fish in water as much as possible and releasing them quickly. Current flow, temperature, and turbidity conditions for the Rogue can be found at the USGS stream gauges or by checking the City of Grants Pass water page.

05/26/2026

Catch-and-release: Tips to reduce fish mortality
HOW TO FISH
In some Oregon state waters catch-and-release fishing is required in order to protect valuable fish resources. One way anglers can help maintain and restore native fish populations is to learn how to catch and release wild fish properly.
close up photo of a rainbow trout ready to be released
Whether it's a personal choice or a regulatory requirement, catch-and-release of wild fish is one way Oregon anglers can help maintain and restore native fish populations, particularly where their populations are threatened, and to learn how to do it properly.

Check the regulations before you fish. Consult the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for any harvest restrictions.

Land the fish quickly. A fish on the end of the line is under stress, so don't play the fish to utter exhaustion. Severe exhaustion reduces the fish’s odds of surviving.

Support the fish when bringing it in. Support the fish underwater in a natural position, handling it as little as possible. Give it time to recover and keep it in the water, it needs all the oxygen it can get from the water passing over its gills.

image of an angler holding a winter steelhead in the water
Use barbless hooks. Bring the fish quickly within reach. Leave the fish in the water and, without squeezing it, remove the hook carefully with long-nosed pliers or thumb and forefinger. If necessary, cut the leader near the hook, which will dissolve over time.

Revive the fish before releasing. Point the fish into the current or in standing water, gently move the fish forward until its gills are moving and it maintains its balance on its own. Let the fish swim freely from your hands.

Use appropriate gear. Use tackle, including line and rod, that are strong enough to bring your fish in quickly and gently.

Getting a photograph
Taking a photograph with your fish can be a lovely way to capture the moment. But try to minimize handling and keep the fish in the water as much as possible with these tips:

Have help. If someone is helping you with the photo, make sure they’ve composed the shot and adjusted the camera settings before you remove the fish from the water.
Get your hands wet before handling the fish. This will help protect the delicate membrane on fish’s skin.
Support the fish properly. Put one hand under the forward part of its body and the other at the base of its tail. Keep the fish in the water.
When you’re ready, cradle the fish at or just above water level and snap a quick picture.
Return the fish to the water quickly. Then revive it gently before letting it swim away.

In some Oregon state waters catch-and-release fishing is required in order to protect valuable fish resources. One way anglers can help maintain and restore native fish populations is to learn how to catch and release wild fish properly.

03/29/2026

The middle Rogue is in good shape, and several reports of good winter steelhead catch rates have come in recently. Try fishing plugs or lures near the heads and tails of pools in travel lanes. Bobber and jig fishing with darker colors can be extremely productive in these water conditions. Anglers, please use proper catch-and-release techniques, such as keeping fish in the water as much as possible and releasing them quickly.