Guided Trips
nature's call is open to interpretation
Rogue valley Steelhead Swing trips
Having the Upper Rogue in my back yard is something I don't take for granted. Every year more anglers discover it as a premiere swing fishery, and that's no mistake. Within just a few miles of Medford, the Rogue offers classic riffle-run swing water, volcanic ledge-rock structure, and everything in between. The Upper Rogue is an adult Steelhead destination, as no true "Half Pounders" are present. Rogue Summer Steelhead start showing up in July and continue to migrate upriver through December. The early fish are aggressive and eager to move to a traditional fly. As the river flows and temps drop in the fall, sink-tip tactics are most effective. I frequently get asked "what's the best time?". The answer is simple: any time from July to December. July and August are hot summer days. Water temps are pushing 60 degrees. We are wet wading by 11 am. Scandi lines and traditional flies are on the menu. As the summer months fade into the fall, a mix of Scandi and Skagit line tactics are used based on water type and time of day. By October 1, water temps have dropped into the 40's and sink-tip season has officially started. Weather and water condtions dictate how late in the season we fish, but a typical year gives us quality fishing into December.
Winter Steelhead start showing up in March on the Upper Rogue. Most years give us opportunities through the middle of April. Upper Rogue Winter Steelhead are challenging to catch and are bigger than our Summer Steelhead. Like any Winter Steelhead fishing, water conditions play into our success. As a tailwater fishery, the Upper Rogue rarely blows out enough to cancel many trips.
The Applegate River, a Rogue tributary, is an intimate Winter Steelhead fishery less than an hour from Medford. It tends to fish best from mid-February to March 31, when it closes. I use private put-ins and take-outs to float Applegate. Due to it's lack of access and being illegal to fish from a boat, pressure is fairly light and it has a private water feel. If the Applegate is blown out or isn't fishing well, the near vicinity of the Upper Rogue is an excellent back-up plan, and certainly no consolation. Most of my clients book several days and we spend at least one of those on the Rogue.
beyond the Rogue Valley
During the meat of the winter months, I will be guiding the Southern Oregon Coast for winter steelhead. The S. Oregon coast offers a variety of river with various personalities. Contact me for me information. Also within striking distance is the South Umpqua. It’s a river I have gotten to know over the past few years and like the Rogue, it is open in April, giving us another option when fishing for late winter steelhead.
UPper Rogue Salmonfly
The Upper Rogue has a great Salmonfly hatch in late May and June. Once the Upper Rogue opens for trout fishing, typically the last weekend of May, it's time to put a boat in and prospect for trout rising to the world's largest Stonefly. Upper Rogue trout are mostly out-migrating steelhead smolt, ranging from 6-10 inches. Mixed into the days catch are some larger resident trout, including the native Coastal Cutthroat. Anglers can expect dozens of grabs throughout the day, and at it's peak it might eclipse a hundred. Every year several early Summer Steelhead are hooked on dries during the Salmonfly hatch. This is a great trip for beginners or anyone wanting to spend the day casting dry flies to rising fish.
SEASON OVERVIEW
Late May-Late June: Upper Rogue Salmonfly
July-December: Upper Rogue Summer Steelhead
January-March: Oregon Coast Winter Steelhead
February-March: Applegate Winter Steelhead
March-April: Upper Rogue Winter Steelhead, S. Umpqua
full day Trip Details
A typical day on the river runs 8-10 hours. We'll launch a boat, fish 8-10 spots, and put you on the best water possible. Guided Spey trips can be as "instructional" as you wish. My goal is to set you up for success in every regard. In my boat will be the newest Sage Spey Rods, Sage Reels, and RIO Spey lines. If you don't have it, I've got you covered. Specific equipment requirements will be discussed prior to the trip, if necessary. Lunch is not provided, so be prepared with a soft cooler for your lunch and drinks. Trip cost is based on 1 or 2 anglers.
Half day trip details
Half day trips are limited to Upper Rogue Salmonfly outings or special circumstances, at my discretion. Trips will run 4-5 hours. Rods, flies and terminal tackle provided as needed. Lunch is not provided, so be prepared with a soft cooler for you lunch and drinks. Trip cost based on 1 or 2 anglers.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
All trips are to be paid in advance through the Online Purchases page, unless otherwise discussed. There are no refunds for cancelled trips. Trips can be re-scheduled if cancelled no less than a week of the trip date, subject to the descretion of the guide.
Any trips booked and purchased during the winter steelhead season, from January 1 to April 30 are non-refundable and are not eligible for rescheduling, due to the high-risk nature of winter steelhead fishing, and the in-ability to predict water conditions or health related emergencies. Basically, if you assume the risk of booking a winter steelhead trip, the liability is yours. But, the good news is, trip insurance purchased through Global Rescue offers you the peace of mind for little cost. Contact Daniel Chomko at Global Rescue (617-830-2802) for more information.