Rogue River Fly Fishing Report

Jim Andras Reports on 4.21.2016

With the winter steelhead season wrapped up and trout season closed on the river until May 28^th, I decided to pay a visit to a local reservoir and fish bass. Mother Nature treated us to a big winter that filled southern Oregon’s lakes to capacity. At this level, water once again flooded timber and created endless targets to cast a fly. By day’s end I landed largemouth, smallmouth, black crappie and bluegill all on a white clouser fished on a floating line. At times, it felt as if a sink tip may have produced more grabs but fishing the floating line in the right water was just too much fun.

As for the Rogue, once trout season opens in May we will anxiously await the salmonfly hatch. I love this time of year on the river. Casting dry flies tight to structure provides the challenge and resident rainbows and coastal cutthroat rising through the clear currents completes the picture. In general, we’re not talking about hooking lots of big trout as most of the fish brought to hand fall between 10 – 14 inches. The appeal lies in the beautiful float, the bugs, light rods and the consistent rise. The hatch only sticks around for 3 to 4 weeks so if your plans include traveling to the Ashland area in the coming weeks make a point to set aside some time for a float. Trust me, it’s fun.