The Upper Rogue River in Oregon offers a wide variety of steelhead, and rainbow trout fly fishing options. Our guide will help you Enjoy the Water.
Why Fly Fish the Upper Rogue River?
When fly fishing Oregon's upper Rogue River you have a choice. Steelhead is the main focus with good runs of both summer and winter steelhead but you can also target resident rainbow trout.
You also have a choice of water structure. There is something for everyone, from large rocky runs and ripples to deep pockets.
The Rogue River upstream of Gold Hill has good access and footing for anglers who prefer to wade and good access for drift boats. Access is a draw for fly anglers to this section.
Best Time for Fly Fishing Oregon's Rogue River
The Rogue River has low and stable flows from late August to the middle of November.
Add to this the mild weather this time of the year and you have a much loved summer steelhead season for fly fishers.
The middle of February to the end of April is your best time to target winter steelhead on the upper Rogue. You will also have less fishing pressure in April. When fly fishing for winter steelhead the upper section of the Rogue River will often be the only section that will be clear.
Check the Rogue River Streamflow before going.
Where to Fly Fish on the Upper Rogue
Public use of the river banks between Grave Creek and Lost Creek Dam is in ongoing litigation. At this time I would stay in public use areas or get permission from land owners.
Upstream of Fishers Ferry is restricted to artificial flies from Sept. 1st to Dec 31st. Always check Oregon Fish and Game Regulations for the latest information.
Lost Creek Reservoir downstream to below Shady Cove
The river here runs through a narrow valley and flows at a pretty good pace here.
The 3/4-mile "Holy Water" section between the dam and the Cole River Hatchery is fly fishing only with barbless hooks and is catch and release. This area is fishable year round and there are some very nice size (16-20") trout here. Expect a crowd.
Bank access is available from the dam down to Casey State Recreation Site as well as at Rogue Elk Park
You will be able to access the river at the junction of Hwy 227 and 62. Hwy 62 parallels the river most of the way upstream of Shady Cove.
Shady Cove downstream to TouVelle State Recreation Site
The river widens through this section. It flows over gravel bars, and side channels are common. Be aware that below Dodge Bridge Park there are some class II+ rapids.
Bank access is available at Takelma Park, and Dodge Bridge Park, which also offers wheelchair access.
TouVelle State Recreation Site downstream to Gold Hill
Here, the river enters a narrow valley and has some of its largest rapids outside the Wild and Scenic section here.
Bank access is available at TouVelle State Recreation Site. Below Fishers Ferry there is about 1-1/2 miles of bank access.
You can also access the parks at Doughton Falls/Lyman Rapids (though both have Class IV rapids)
Check out the Check out the Rogue River National Recreation Trail Map to find bank and boating access to the upper Rogue.
Patterns for Fly Fishing Oregon's Upper Rogue River
Streamers and Swinging Flies
- Streetwalkers
- Rabbit-strip leech patters (black/purple, pink)
- Dirk Wiggler (black, olive, pink)
- Tiger Paw
- Golden Demon
- Muddler Minnow
Nymphs
- Red Ant
- Morrish’s October Caddis Nymph
- Stonefly nymphs
- Copper Johns (red, chartreuse)
- Rubber-leg Hare’s Ear Nymph
- Glo-Bugs
Best Methods for Fly Fishing the Upper Rogue
The best part of fly fishing Oregon's upper Rogue River is that you can use just about any method you like. Whether it is dead-drift techniques or a swung fly, the upper Rogue has water for you.
If you are going to swing flies you will need to bring some sink tips, especially when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers starts to drop the flow out of the Lost Creek Dam toward the end of September. As the water temperature drops the steelhead are less inclined to move very far for a fly.
For summer steelhead
• Dry fly swung
• Wet fly swung near surface
• Wet fly swung deep
• Nymphs lightly weighted
• Nymphs with indicator
• Deep-drifted fly (with or without an indicator)
For winter steelhead
• Wet fly swung deep
• Nymphs lightly weighted
• Nymphs with indicator
• Deep-drifted fly (with or without an indicator)
See Oregon Department of Fish and Game's fishing report on the Rogue River.
It is updated a couple times each month.
Campgrounds and Lodging
Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area
Valley of the Rogue State Park (Camping by the freeway)
The community of Shady Cove will put you in the heart of the upper Rogue. Lodging can also be found in Medford.
Fly Shops in the Area
The Ashland Fly Shop (541)-488-6454
The Rogue Fly Shop (541)-476-0552
Guide services can be found here.
Summary
The Rogue River is known for its summer and winter steelhead runs and the upper section is one of the easiest fly fishing rivers in Oregon to access so expect a crowd.
Like most rivers a remote spot can be found if you are willing to take a hike.
If you are planning on fly fishing Oregon, you need to include the upper Rogue River. The upper Rogue has something for everyone. If you prefer indicator drift fishing from a drift boat this is the place. But if you prefer to wade and swing flies for steelhead the Rogue is also a good choice.
Please be aware of spawning fish in the upper Rogue in the winter. Steelhead will be spawning in the mainstream, and disturbing their redds may destroy thousands of eggs.