Finley Lodge on the Rogue River

04/04/2026

Rogue River, middle: Steelhead, trout

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.

Current flow, temp and turbidity conditions for the Rogue can be found at the USGS stream gauges here, or checking the City of Grants Pass water page's river data here. Last updated 4/1/26.

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.

02/22/2026

Rogue River (Oregon) Fishing Report – February 21, 2026
(Primarily winter steelhead season; conditions based on ODFW weekly rec report Feb 19, detailed Southwest Zone updates to ~Feb 10, guide reports from Feb 12–15, real-time gauges, and recent angler activity.)
Overall Outlook
Winter steelhead fishing is fair to good and improving in the lower and middle river. Recent rains have helped push fresh fish in from the ocean, with more expected as storms continue. The river is in decent shape for late February — not peak season yet (that’s March–mid April), but solid action is reported, especially with moderate flows. Lower river drift fishing remains a highlight; middle river (Grants Pass area) is picking up as more winter-run fish arrive (still a mix with summer holdovers). Upper river is just starting to see fish movement. No major blowouts or extreme mud reported on Feb 21.
Water Conditions (as of Feb 21)
• Middle Rogue at Grants Pass: ~1,970–2,080 CFS (steady/moderate, very fishable), gage height ~1.9 ft, water temp ~44–46°F (cold), turbidity ~4 NTU (relatively clear).
• Lower and upper sections similar trends: off-color to clearing after earlier rains, but dropping and workable.
• Weather: Mild (highs ~51°F, lows ~41°F) with chance of showers; wet/muddy banks possible.
M

Middle Rouge (Grants Pass / Holy Water area): Fishing fairly well. More winter steelhead showing daily. Target heads/tails of pools and travel lanes with plugs, larger lures, or spoons. Fly anglers: deep nymph rigs or slow streamers. Grants Pass area typically improves mid-February onward.

• Upper Rogue (above Lost Creek Reservoir / TouVelle area): Early stages but picking up. Reports of nice fish (e.g., a fat 31” steelhead caught mid-February on upper river). Larger lures/plugs in travel lanes; some trout action too. Snow may limit access higher up.
Techniques & Tips
• Conventional: Drift fishing (lower), plunking, plugs, spoons, or larger lures near structure.
• Fly: Fish deep and slow (cold water slows metabolism). Long-leader nymphing (midges, small baetis, tungsten beads), Euro nymphing, or slow-strip streamers (dark/sculpin patterns). Barbless hooks recommended.
• Best times: Early morning/late afternoon; around water changes from storms.
• Practice catch-and-release: Keep fish in water, quick release, especially wild fish.
Regulations (Important!)
• Rogue-South Coast Winter Steelhead Validation required Dec 1–Apr 30 to target steelhead in the Rogue Basin/South Coast.
• Wild steelhead harvest tag needed if keeping non-clipped (wild) fish where allowed.
• Check ODFW regs for bag limits, closed areas, etc. Full details: myodfw.com.
Sources & Notes
Latest detailed reports come from ODFW (Feb 19 weekly + Southwest Zone), Fly Fish Food (Feb 15 update), Rogue Valley Anglers (Feb 12), and gauge data. Recent angler posts confirm steelhead catches into mid/late February; guided trips active with openings noted for late Feb dates. No ultra-specific public catch tallies exactly for Feb 21 (typical for a weekend), but conditions point to productive fishing if you hit the right water.
For real-time updates, check:
• ODFW Recreation Report: myodfw.com/recreation-report
• USGS gauges or Grants Pass water data
• Local guides/outfitters for day-of reports
Tight lines! If you’re heading out, watch flows closely and have fun. Conditions can change fast with rain.

February 19, 2026

02/10/2026

LEARN TO FISH
Free Fishing Days & Events
Date
Various
Time
Times vary - morning to afternoon.
Location
These events are throughout the state.
Fee
Free: loaner gear, tackle and bait provided.
Organizer
See list of events for details and contact information.
Free Fish Feb 26
Take advantage of this year's free fishing days:

February 14 - 15 (Saturday & Sunday), President's Day Weekend
June 6 - 7 (Saturday & Sunday)
November 27-28 (Friday & Saturday), Thanksgiving Weekend
On Free Fishing Days only, you do not need:

License to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon.
Combined angling tag
Columbia Basin endorsement
Ocean endorsement
Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation
Two-Rod Validation
*Requirements: Area closures, bag limits and all other regulations still apply. Be sure to check both the permanent sportfishing regulations and for any in-season regulation updates, especially if you are fishing for salmon or steelhead as many regulations are set in-season.

ODFW hosts and supports fishing events on free fishing days:
Each year ODFW and its partners sponsor several free fishing events throughout the state. To find an event near you, and to check out other family fishing events throughout the spring and fall, visit our Take the family fishing page. This page also features everything you need to know to plan your own Free Fishing day adventures.
At each event ODFW staff and volunteers will provide equipment, and teach new anglers how to rig their line, cast a rod, land a fish and identify their catch. This is a great opportunity for families to learn how to fish together and spend time in the outdoors!

LOOK FOR AN UPCOMING EVENT NEAR

01/25/2026

For winter steelhead on the Middle Rogue, effective flies include Egg Sucking Leeches (black or purple), intruders, and Hoh Bo Speys, typically in sizes 2.5 to 3 inches to ensure visibility in varied water conditions. Brighter colors like pink and orange work well in off-color water, while darker tones excel in clear, low water.
Top Recommended Winter Flies
Egg Sucking Leech (Black/Purple): A staple winter pattern for the Rogue, often with a hot-orange or pink bead.
Intruders (Ostrich/General): Large, flashy patterns (e.g., in purple, black, or blue) designed for visibility in cold, murky water.
Hoh Bo Spey: A versatile, durable, and fast-sinking pattern.
MOAL Leech: A large-profile, squid-like fly.
Pink Rubber Worms: Exceptionally effective for drifting.
Key Considerations
Water Conditions: Use larger, brighter flies in high/muddy water, and switch to smaller, more muted patterns (olive, black) as the water clears.
Weight: Utilize weighted flies (e.g., coneheads) to get down to the fish in fast, cold water.
Technique: Focus on swinging flies across the current, letting them hang at the end of the drift.

01/20/2026

Salmon
Both spring and fall Chinook fishing can be excellent in this zone. Look for good spring Chinook runs on the Umpqua and Rogue rivers from April through July. Fall Chinook and hatchery coho will return to these and other rivers beginning in August through October or November.

A unique salmon fishery in this zone is the wild coho fishery in Tenmile Lakes, which allows limited harvest of wild coho each fall.

Steelhead
The winter steelhead season kicks off in December on the Coos, Coquille, Tenmile, Umpqua, Rogue and several smaller rivers. The season typically lasts through April or May.

The Rogue River and the North Fork of the Umpqua Rivers host renowned summer steelhead runs beginning in July on the Rogue and May on the Umpqua. The outdoor writer Zane Grey popularized summer steelhead fishing on the Rogue in the late 1920s and early 30s.

01/17/2026

fishing report around January 15, 2026, expect winter steelhead to be the primary target, with some late salmon lingering; conditions likely vary, but rivers were clearing after recent rain, offering good drift boat and plunking opportunities, though rain forecasts suggested potential blowouts, so checking current water levels is crucial, with guides reporting mixed catches of steelhead and half-pounders, and the river known for year-round action with specific regulations for hatchery trout.
Key Factors for Mid-January:
Target Species: Primarily Winter Steelhead, with potential for late salmon.
River Conditions: After rain, rivers typically drop into shape, becoming emerald green and fishable, but new rain can quickly blow them out.
Fishing Methods: Drift boats and plunking are effective, especially as rivers clear.
Action: Expect a mix of half-pounders and larger adult steelhead, with overall action varying.
What to Do Now (for the period around Jan 15, 2026):
Check Current Water Levels: Look for real-time gauge readings (like USGS) to see if the river is in shape or blown out.
Check Local Guides/Reports: Search for recent reports from guides like Wild Rivers Fishing or Kenny Priest for the most up-to-date info, as conditions change rapidly with weather.
Understand Regulations: Be aware of specific regulations, especially for hatchery steelhead and trout, as sections have different rules.
In Summary: Mid-January on the Rogue is prime steelhead time. The best fishing comes after fresh rain has cleared the system, but before the next rain hits. Focus on drift fishing or plunking for steelhead as they move upstream.

01/12/2026

01/08/2026

Rogue River, middle: Steelhead, Coho, trout

Summer steelhead and coho are throughout the Middle Rogue. Rain in the forecast later this week will likely redistribute fish as they move into tributaries to spawn. It may be enough to color up the water significantly. . As always, anglers are encouraged to harvest any introduced pikeminnow caught in the middle Rogue, while we encourage the release of native suckers.

Anglers, please use proper catch-and-release techniques, such as keeping fish in the water as much as possible and releasing them quickly. If fish are getting injured with the technique you are using, please change techniques. Remember that smaller rainbow are usually the steelhead that will return in future years.

Current flow, temp and turbidity conditions for the Rogue can be found at the USGS stream gauges here, or checking the City of Grants Pass water page's river data here. Last updated 12/15/25.

12/26/2025

Late December on the Rogue River means Winter Steelhead action, with fish moving into the system, especially in the lower canyon/Agness area, focusing on pocket water with egg patterns, small nymphs, and stoneflies (Tunghead, CJ patterns) for indicator/drift fishing, while also watching for mid-day sun for swing fishing; conditions vary with rain, so be ready for diverse weather and water levels.
Key Species & Locations
Winter Steelhead: The main target, with fish entering the river system.
Lower Rogue/Agness: Often a productive area for late-season salmon and incoming steelhead, notes this Rogue River fishing guide.
Techniques & Flies
Indicator Fishing: Focus on pocket water using egg patterns (pink, orange), small nymphs, and wet flies.
Swinging Flies: Try small, sparsely tied flies (Rusty Rat, Improved Governor) in deeper pools, slowing the swing down, especially midday.
Top Flies: Tunghead Stoneflies (Orange, Black, Brown #4-6), Bead Head Rubber-Legged CJ's ( #8-12), Egg Patterns (Pink, Orange #10-4), Articulated Leeches (Black, Purple #4-6).
Conditions to Expect
Variable Weather: Prepare for rain, sun, and cold mornings; layer clothing.
Water Levels: Be aware of flow changes; high water can push fish around, but also make fishing tough in upper sections.
Actionable Tips
Check Local Reports: For real-time updates on flow and fish activity, consult guides or fishing report sites like Orvis or Facebook groups.
Patience is Key: Steelhead fishing requires covering water and patience, especially in winter

08/01/2025

For the weekend of August 2, 2025, the fishing report for the Rogue River in Oregon, based on available information, suggests favorable conditions for several species, particularly in the upper and middle sections of the river. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Upper Rogue River (Above Lost Creek Reservoir)
• Target Species: Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, summer steelhead, and spring Chinook.
• Conditions: The Upper Rogue is the premier summer trout fishery in the Rogue watershed. Rainbow trout are stocked weekly at campgrounds and public access sites along Highway 62 and Highway 230 through Labor Day, making it an excellent spot for trout fishing. Water temperatures are cooler here, averaging around 53°F at the release from Lost Creek Reservoir, with flows at approximately 1,855 cfs (cubic feet per second).
• Fishing Outlook: Fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout is reported to be good, but only adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout over 8 inches may be harvested; others must be released unharmed. Summer steelhead are migrating into the upper Rogue, and hatchery spring Chinook are still available above Dodge Bridge. Anglers should use proper catch-and-release techniques to minimize harm to fish.
• Techniques: For trout, try dry fly fishing with caddis or stonefly patterns, or nymphing with Copper Johns or stonefly nymphs. For steelhead, indicator nymphing or swinging flies like black-and-blue Intruders are effective.
• Tips: This section offers scenic beauty and a chance to escape the heat of the Rogue Valley. Early morning fishing is recommended to avoid warmer afternoon temperatures.
Middle Rogue River (Grants Pass Area)
• Target Species: Summer steelhead, spring Chinook, and resident rainbow trout.
• Conditions: Flows in Grants Pass are around 1,870 cfs, with water temperatures averaging 66°F but reaching up to 68°F in the afternoons. Summer steelhead and spring Chinook are actively migrating through this section.
• Fishing Outlook: Fishing is productive for summer steelhead and spring Chinook. As of July 1, anglers downstream of Dodge Bridge may harvest up to two spring Chinook per day (hatchery or wild). Smallmouth bass are also present in slower, warmer sections. Anglers are encouraged to harvest invasive pikeminnow but release native suckers using proper catch-and-release techniques.
• Techniques: Drift boat fishing with back-bouncing roe or running MagLip plugs is effective for salmon and steelhead. Bank anglers can use spinners or bait where permitted. Fly fishing with nymphs or streamers is also productive.
• Access: Numerous public parks and boat ramps in the Grants Pass area provide easy access. Commercial guide services are widely available for those seeking guided trips.
Lower Rogue River (Gold Beach and Rogue Bay)
• Target Species: Fall Chinook, summer steelhead, and coho salmon.
• Conditions: Fall Chinook action has picked up in Rogue Bay, with a mix of adult and jack Chinook being caught daily. Boater traffic is heavy, with over 100 boats reported daily, so expect crowded conditions. Water temperatures in the bay are warmer, causing some salmon to hold up rather than move upstream.
• Fishing Outlook: The Fall Chinook season officially starts August 1, and while it’s early, a few fish are being caught. Wild Chinook retention is allowed in the bay, with a daily limit of one adult wild Chinook and no more than ten for the period from August 1 to December 31. Coho retention is also permitted from August 1–31 (two salmon/steelhead daily, but only one may be a Chinook). Summer steelhead fishing remains strong, and coho are starting to appear.
• Techniques: In the bay, trolling with spinners or plugs is common. In the river, side-drifting, casting spinners, back-bouncing eggs, or pulling plugs are effective for Chinook and coho. Fly fishing for steelhead with swung flies is popular in the Wild and Scenic section.
• Tips: Be prepared for crowded conditions in the bay. Early mornings are best for fishing and avoiding peak boater traffic. Check regulations for specific bag limits and open days (e.g., Chinook angling on the Sixes River is limited to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays).
General Notes
• Weather: Expect hot weather in the Rogue Valley, with temperatures potentially reaching 100–105°F. Coastal areas near Gold Beach will be cooler, around 60°F, but bring sunscreen and dress for wind, as boats offer little shade.
• Regulations: Always check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website for the latest regulations, as bag limits and open seasons are strictly enforced. For example, coho retention rules change after August 31, and some areas have bait restrictions.
• Access and Amenities: The ODFW fishing and trout stocking maps provide detailed locations, driving directions, and amenities. Public access points like Gold Nugget Wayside, Valley of the Rogue State Park, and TouVelle State Park offer convenient fishing spots.
• Guides: Guided trips are recommended for newcomers.
Recommendations
• Best Bet: The Upper Rogue above Lost Creek Reservoir is ideal for trout fishing with stocked rainbows and cooler water temperatures. For salmon and steelhead, the Middle Rogue near Grants Pass offers stable flows and good access, while the Lower Rogue and Rogue Bay are heating up for Fall Chinook and coho.
• Safety and Conservation: Use proper catch-and-release techniques for non-harvestable fish, keep fish in the water as much as possible, and adhere to ODFW regulations to protect fish populations. Be mindful of high water temperatures in the afternoon, which can stress fish.
• Preparation: Bring a positive attitude, as fishing success can vary daily. Consider booking a guided trip for the best experience, especially in the crowded Rogue Bay.
For real-time updates, check the ODFW website (myodfw.com) or contact local offices: Central Point (541-826-8774) for the Rogue Watershed or Gold Beach for daily catch updates. Current flow and temperature data are available at USGS stream gauges or the City of Grants Pass water page.
Enjoy your fishing trip on the Rogue River, and tight lines!

Clatsop Beaches are closed to razor clamming July 15-Sept. 30, an annual closure to let young clams settle on the beaches to provide future harvest opportunities.

07/26/2025

Here’s the weekend river report for the Rogue River in Oregon, focusing on salmon and steelhead runs, based on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and other sources, last updated July 22, 2025:
Rogue River Conditions
• Flow and Temperature: As of July 22, 2025, the flow in Grants Pass is approximately 1,870 cubic feet per second (cfs), with water temperatures averaging 66°F, rising to 68°F in the afternoons. In the upper Rogue, the release from Lost Creek Reservoir is 1,855 cfs, with a river temperature of 53°F at the reservoir and flow at Gold Ray around 1,860 cfs.
• Access and Fishing Spots: The Rogue River offers over 215 miles of fishable water, from Lost Creek Reservoir to Gold Beach. Key access points include Matson Park directly across from Finley Lodge and Chinook Park in Grants Pass for bank fishing and kayak launches, and Huntley Bar and Lobster Creek Boat Ramp for steelhead fishing. The upper Rogue above Lost Creek is stocked weekly with rainbow trout, making it a prime summer fishery.
Salmon Runs
• Spring Chinook: Fishing for spring Chinook remains active, particularly in the upper Rogue above Dodge Bridge, where hatchery fish are still available. As of June 26, 2024, 7,213 spring Chinook were counted at Cole Rivers Hatchery, with 2,750 recycled downstream for additional angler opportunities. Since then, fishing has continued to be productive, though numbers may have tapered slightly as the season progresses. Anglers downstream of Dodge Bridge can harvest up to two spring Chinook per day (hatchery or wild). In the Rogue Bay, fishing has been slow but is expected to improve by mid-August.
• Fall Chinook: The fall Chinook season is starting, with fish beginning to show up in the lower Rogue and bay. The Huntley Park