Oregon's Rogue River Fishing Trips

Orvis Endorsed Rogue River Fishing Trips

We are doing a lot more fishing at Morrison's these days. We have seen improvements in all the fish runs in the Rogue in the past few years and have expanded our fishing program to include much more than we ever have. We start out with Spring Chinook fishing in May, and then Fall Chinook in September. The main attraction is, of course, Steelhead, from mid September until we close in November. And we even see a few Coho Salmon, also known as Silvers at the tail end of our season starting in late October. Whatever technique you prefer to fish, we have a guide that will match your skill and fishing preferences.

Fall Fishing – Still the Main Event

Fall is still the best time for fishing on the Rogue with runs of Chinook, Steelhead and Coho. Here is a little bit on each type of fishing.

Steelhead

In case you aren't familiar with these fish, Steelhead are an ocean going rainbow trout and truly are a fabulous sport fish. They fight hard and can readily be caught on flies. They are still the most popular fish that we fish for at Morrison’s. There are various ways to fish for Steelhead. We can accommodate fly-fishing as well as conventional techniques at Morrison's.

When is the Best Time for Steelhead?

Steelhead will start appearing in our area of the Rogue in early to mid September. Generally we advise mid September or later to be on the safe side. Steelhead will fish well through the entire fall season until we close in November.

Fall Chinook

Also known as Kings, fall Chinook start showing up in front of the lodge about the last week in August and continue through the month of September. The technique for Chinook is bait & lure. Guides like to get on the river early, first morning light. Average Chinook are in the 35 – 45 pound range but a 50 - 60 pounder is not uncommon

Coho Salmon

Coho runs have been rather late arriving to our area of the Rogue for the last 2 seasons, showing up in late October and early November. Coho are very difficult to target and are generally caught incidentally while fishing for Steelhead. They are usually bright and truly a beautiful fish.

Spring Chinook or “Springers”

Spring Chinook "Springers" come in May. Springers are a bit more difficult to catch than the fall Chinook, but the quality of the fish is often superb. Guides will usually fish for Springers upriver from Morrison’s near Grants Pass.

Trout

Our area of the Rogue does not have a resident trout population, so we count on the migration runs for fishing. We will see some sea run Cutthroat Trout during the fall among the Steelhead. Another option is Trout on the upper Rogue, just below Lost Creek Dam. This is a stocked trout area known as “The Holy Water” offering a great Salmon Fly hatch in June. It’s about a 1 ½ - 2 hour drive from Morrison's, with great fly-fishing opportunities. The upper river in the Shady Cove area (1 ½ hour drive) also offers trout in the spring and fall

Guided Fishing

Our guides are some of the finest you will find on the Rogue River with a vast experience in all types of fishing. Fly fishing for Steelhead is our specialty, and we can accommodate all levels of fishing experience and styles.

Steelhead: Guides provide equipment and welcome you to bring your own fly rod if you wish. A guided day of fishing runs approximately 8 to 12 miles of water, getting on the water about 8 AM and getting back to the lodge between 5-6 PM.

Chinook: Chinook fishing is a bit different than Steelhead. Guides like to be on the river at first morning light and will tend to work a short section of river, or one hole, for a longer period of time. Salmon fishing is all done with bait and lure. Usually guests will be getting back to the lodge by early afternoon.

What if You Don't Want a Fly Fishing Guide

If you choose to fish on your own there are some good choices for you close to the lodge. During the fall Morrison's keeps a jet sled at the beach to take fly fishers to some good wading water close to the lodge. We will drop you for a couple hours of fishing and pick you up at a later time. This option is only available when river conditions are appropriate. There are also great wading spots within 10 - 20 minutes driving distance of the lodge. If you haven't fished the Rogue we do suggest a guide for at least the first day of fishing, as those steelhead can be wily.

Fishing Equipment

For all guided fishing; equipment is provided. For those that choose to bring their own fly-fishing equipment we suggest the following for Steelhead:

• 6 or 7 weight fly rod, however you can go as light as a 5 weight in the early part of the season or as heavy as an 8 weight in the later part of the season
• Floating line for nymphing
• Floating/Sink-Tip line with a medium sinking tip for casting from the boat
• Waders are optional

We have a fully stocked Orvis fly shop specializing in the type of gear needed for the Rogue River. We have a selection of Orvis Demo equipment available for use. We offer a wide selection of local fly patterns. Oregon has no sales tax.

Oregon Fishing Licenses are available at the lodge

You can purchase your Oregon Fishing License at our lodge.

More on Rogue River Fly Fishing

Guided Fishing Trips Rates

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