The problem with finding a great fishing spot is that once it’s discovered the word quickly gets out and your little secret turns into a tourist trap. Many avid anglers have a tough time deciding where to spend their weekends or fishing vacations so they can still find abundant fish and not feel like they are crossing paths with everyone else. Fortunately for fishermen there are several North American hot spots for both salmon and steelhead fishing in the Pacific Northwest, primarily in the state of Oregon.

The Rogue River in Oregon’s southwest region flows nearly 215 miles from the Cascade Range to the Pacific Ocean. Rogue is one of the original eight rivers to be protected under the landmark Wild & Scenic Rivers Act of 1968.

Nearly all of the Rogue River salmon fishing is for wild salmon stocks, very few hatchery Fall King Salmon are found in the Rogue River. Salmon fishing is good here until mid to late October. The Lower Rogue River near Gold Beach is the best bet for salmon fishing until water temperatures start to cool in September. Cooler weather in September brings water temperatures down encouraging stacked up King Salmon to begin to move up-river toward their spawning grounds up to 150 miles away.

Thousands of early Fall Chinook Salmon will enter the 3 mile long Rogue River estuary starting in early July and peaking in mid September. Rogue River Fall Chinook run large and very fresh from the sea. 23# to 30# Fall Chinook are most common here on the Lower Rogue River, although in recent years there have been Rogue River Fall Chinook of 66# and one that broke the World Record for Fly Fishing at 71.5# in 2002!

Summer Run Steelhead Salmon on the Rogue River

The summer-run steelhead begin to arrive in July on the Rogue and fishing remains productive through the fall. These beautiful, hard fighting fish are taken on flies and lures. In late August, the famous Rogue “half-pounders” begin their returns from the ocean. These 14 to 20-inch fish are great fun on light fly rods and spinning equipment.

Today the Rogue River is a thriving tourist attraction for fishing, whitewater rafting and camping. In addition to amazing amounts of salmon the Rogue River also features rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout and brown trout. Between Lost Creek Lake and Grants Pass are major fisheries for spring and fall Chinook salmon, Coho salmon from hatcheries, summer and winter steelhead and large rainbow trout. The inland stretches of the river have abundant salmon and trout species but along the lower portion of the river are opportunities to reel in perch, lingcod and crab.

With the breathtaking scenery, pristine camp grounds and abundant fishing the Rogue River is the perfect location for a day, weekend or week-long vacation. Many places along the river rent out boats for fishing excursions though some areas of the river are closed to jet boats and motor boats. These sections, mostly along the lower 15 miles, are great for the seasoned angler who likes privacy and quiet when spending the day casting for world class salmon.

For great deals on rafting, fishing and camping vacations in Oregon contact Rogue Klamath and see nature the way it was intended.