Oregon Steelhead Fishing

Rogue River Summer Steelhead is an anomaly among steelhead runs. Rogue River Summer Steelhead return from sea at 2 distinct level or age groups the first referred to as the Half Pounder is very numerous over 300,000 return per year, driven by the need to feed. Making these fish very aggressive to a fly. These Steelhead have been to sea and returned to the river with as little as 6 months at sea. Sizes run from 13 inches to 20 inches or 1 to 3 pounds. It is not uncommon for fly fishermen to hook 50 fish a day with a high percentage of these lost, as they are extremely acrobatic when hooked. 4 to 6 wt. Rods in 8.5 to 9ft in length are used. These fish are accessed in the Siskiyou National Forest area of the Lower Rogue and your guide must be a permit holder to access this area, which we are. We use our 22ft. Jetcraft powerboat to access this area, we can set fishermen out to wade and cast beautiful holding areas or fish from the boat if uncomfortable wading.
Best time late Sept. to first 10 days of November.

Adult Summer Steelhead are found in the Upper Rogue in best numbers. These fish run 4 to 10 pounds and require a bit more skill than the Half Pounders. In 2001 35,000 Summer Steelhead adults were estimated. Over 12,000 arrived above Gold Rey Dam near Medford our fishing area for these fish. These trips must be booked in advance and timed with our other bookings, success is great and time frame limited. We provide rods, lines and flies or you may bring your own. No Cleats or spikes please as it damages the boat.     

Rogue River ~ Chetco ~ Elk ~ Sixes & Illinois Rivers

Fishing any of these famous Steelhead Rivers is what steelheading is suppose to be. Steelhead fresh from the Pacific Ocean, explode from deep emerald green pools when hooked to tear line from your reel in blistering runs which take your breath. Unsure if the fish can be held before the end of the spool shows. (To be continued when you get here.)
10 to 15 pound average fish with fish to 20 pounds. We have landed some true trophies over 25 pounds. Our experience with Winter Steelhead can give you a trip to remember. We strive to fish remote areas; we have the necessary USFS permits to access the Siskiyou National Forest waters of the Rogue and Illinois Rivers. We will drift roe and pull plugs. The season for Winter Steelhead runs December to March depending on river.