Riley Rennick of Wildwaters Flyfishing reports on Nov 12th, 2024

Klamath 

The Klamath continues to move sediment that was trapped behind Iron Gate dam. Turbidity is improving and beginning to approach what I would consider fishable. The banks and boat launches have significant amounts of mud, which will limit access. It’s hard to say when exactly the Klamath will be fishable again, but I am still hopefully that I will catch a 2024 Klamath steelhead. Though water clarity has limited our ability to fish this river, the fish are moving through with no problem. Salmon numbers in Klamath tribs are decent this year, and fish have already made it past the former dam site.

McCloud

It’s no secret that the McCloud is having a strong year. There have been plenty of October Caddis around, and the tail end of October and into November is when the fish really key into them. The river has been fairly crowded, but as per usual if you are willing to hike you can find some solitude. The usual Mccloud setups are still producing: dry dropper and indicator rigs with chubbys, rubber legs, and size 14 or 16 mayfly and caddis nymphs. The Nature conservancy shuts down on November 15^th, though the rest of the river is now open to fishing year-round. During the winter, the road is not plowed past the reservoir boat launch. A storm is predicted to drop 3-7 inches of snow at 4,000 feet on 11/13; with more precip in the 10-day forecast. 

Rogue

With the Klamath out thus far this season, we have been venturing north more often than usual. The Rogue is having a fairly thin year, but both indicator fishing and swinging has produced some quality fish. For the indicator – just your typical fall time setup: stonefly and a 8mm or 10mm bead. For swinging, light sink tips with classic flys or small intruder style flys. The coming storm could stir things up and get fish going again.

The Coast

Rumor has it the salmon guys have been getting into them out on the coast. With last years nonstop rain and high water, we are even more excited than usual to get out and start chasing winter steelhead. We will start poking around in about a month – and be full steam ahead by the new year, check back for more.

 

Rick Cox reports on 9.28.18

The Klamath and Rogue River 

We experienced some double-digit days with a mix of half-pounders and adults. I don’t want to get too cocky but hang on to your...

Jim Andras reports on 5.17.18

As the Rogue’s trout season opens next Tuesday, I took a scenic float to check out what’s happening on the upper river.  Water levels and clarity are really good and sunshine brought out the bugs. 

Caddis, mayflies, and stones all got active and salmon flies started flying mid-morning. Observed several fish take the big bugs aggressively and that speaks well to a great...

John Rickard reports on 5.10.18

Rogue River

Like the Klamath, the Rogue is all about the big bug. Far more popular of a Salmonfly hatch is the “Holy Water” on the Rogue. Ample walk n’ wade spots are available, but many anglers take a seasonal pilgrimage to these waters and it is likely you’ll see fellow fisherman in your favorite spots. 

The drift boat can offer a great way to float the upper...

Brandon Worthington reports on 5.3.18

Rogue River

The Rogue River features a phenomenal Golden Stone and Salmonfly hatch which sees little attention but only because it’s simply overshadowed by the arrival of Spring Chinook. We relish this inattention because it affords fly fishermen in the know non-stop dry fly fishing to eager trout on a beautiful river in early summer. What could be better?

Fish...

Rick Cox reports on 4.12.18

Smith, Rogue, and The Umpqua

Coastal Steelhead fishing is coming to an end, but it’s not over yet.  It’s Spring, we’ve been fishing in T-shirts and been fishing in Snow.  Last couple of weeks we spent days on the Smith, the Rogue system, and the Umpqua rivers.

Some upriver fish are still being caught but the end is near. It’s been a very good year for us on the coast,...

Jim Andras reports on 3.9.2018

The upper Rogue continues to fish well. This week brought more winter fish upstream and a slow snowmelt greened up the water perfectly. There are fish headed both directions and that will likely continue through the month. However, from what I saw earlier this week it feels like our winter season’s finally gettin’ going. Thank you for staying interested in the Rogue...

Jim Andras Reports on 3.1.2017

What a difference a little rain makes:

The upper Rogue continued to fish well this week. Still seeing mostly late summer fish with a few winters in the mix with an adipose fin on almost every one. Winter finally arrived this morning with snow in Talent and high temps predicted to stay in the 40’s over the next ten days. Aside from a few showers, precipitation looks...

Jim Andras just Texted 2.15.2018

Wild steelhead from the upper Rogue released moments ago:

Jim Andras reports on 2.8.2018

I understand that fly fishing in winter does not appeal to everyone. Compared to fall, anglers face greater variability in weather and water that can create less comfortable conditions and heighten the challenge. For some, thoughts of winter conditions and shiny steelhead circulate continuously throughout the year in anticipation of their arrival. Well, they’re here....