Southern Oregon Fishing Report 5/11

I hope you've got your sunblock for this weekend, as it's going to be a scorcher. It's going to feel a lot like summer with temperatures going over 90 degrees, and the fishing shouldn't be half bad either.

Salmon & Steelhead

This big wild sprigner fell to back bounced eggs by
guides Brady Rogers and Charlie Brown

Upper Rogue - The upper stretch of the Rogue has been in great shape all week, and will continue to be well into the upcoming one. Flows out of Lost Creek Dam are hovering right around 3000cfs which is perfect for springer fishing. The salmon have definitely started to show up, and a few are being caught in all the usual holes. Roe has been outproducing plugs, but look for the plug bite to start picking up as the water warms. Bank anglers are fairing best at the Hatchery Hole in the early mornings. 38 springers have entered the hatchery as of this week. A few winter steelhead are around as well, but most are spawning and should be left alone.

Middle Rogue - Decent reports have come from Rainie Falls and Hayes Falls this week, as big pushes of fish have moved through. The springers are shooting up river, so fishing has been spotty. Sitting in a travel lane trying to intercept them is the best bet.

Lower Rogue - Springer fishing continues to be very good from Elephant Rock to Foster Bar. Those fishing in 4-8ft of water have been consistently picking up fish as they make their way up river. The top producer continues to be a Rogue Bait Rig with an anchovy and some combination of green and gold spinner. Brad's Cut Plugs have also been reported as working.

Trout

A view from near the north boat ramp thanks to
the Diamond Lake Resort

Diamond Lake - The Diamond Lake Resort has reported that the ice hasn't quite all melted, but boats were able to push through the slush to open water. The rest of the ice will be melting fast, and anglers should find excellent fishing. Target the shallower areas with PowerBait just off the bottom for the best success.

Howard Prairie - Anglers have reported some good success the past week. Both trolling and still fishing have been producing. A lot of the fish are in the 10-12inch range, but a few larger holdovers are in the mix as well.

Tight Lines....

Video: Lower Rogue Springers with the Salmon Specialist

In case you missed it yesterday, I posted the story from this past Wednesday of our trip on the lower Rogue with guide Bruce Craviotto: Lower Rogue Springers with the Salmon Specialist.

If you read it, you're probably wondering just how bad I failed on the net job. Well now you can see for yourself. Here's the video from the entire day with The Salmon Specialist...



Tight Lines....

Lower Rogue Springers with the Salmon Specialist

Every once in awhile you have one of those days were things just don't quite go your way. This past Wednesday was that trip. We timed the trip almost perfectly, and were part of one of the best bites all year on the Lower Rogue for springers. Hooking fish wasn't the problem, but putting a keeper in the boat was.

When talking with our guide Bruce Craviotto, aka the Salmon Specialist, he mentioned that it had been an afternoon bite all week long. So instead of waking up at o'dark 30 we got to sleep in, and met him at the dock at 10. After a quick safety talk we were jetting up the lower Rogue bay to the spot Bruce knew should be producing that day.

We anchored up in the hog line, deployed our rods with the typical Rogue Bait Rig with an anchovy, and then it was just a waiting game. It wasn't very long before my rod was dancing, and line was stripping out. The ocean fresh, wild springer put up a great fight in the relatively shallow lower Rogue, and after a few powerful runs we had it up next to the boat. This time of year all wild salmon must be released, and Bruce takes great care to not harm them. You won't find him netting or even lifting the fish out of the water. If the hook can't be pulled quickly, he cuts the line to give them the highest chance of survival.

My first Lower Rogue springer ready for release.

The 20lb springer was the high point of the day. From there on out our landing percentage took a huge dive...

My dad was up next, and this fish was hot. Just after dropping out of the hog line, the springer does a 180 turn and makes a 200ft run upstream. Even at full throttle on the kicker we couldn't keep up with the fish. Just as we were starting to get worried though, my dad finally gets it turned around and back near the boat. Just as we see it's a keeper hatchery fish, it gives one good head shake and the hooks come flying back.

The instant before depression hits us.

We didn't have time to sulk afterwords though. The bite was on, and we needed to get back up to our spot.

The next two fish gave us just enough action to know they were there. One hit, started stripping line, jumped out of the water, and was gone all in an instant. The next was gone even faster as my dad didn't even have a chance to get the rod out of the holder.

At this point we knew it just wasn't our day. Bruce was doing his job perfectly, and giving us plenty of opportunities, but we just couldn't seal the deal. Then our 5th fish of the day hit...

Just like the first two, this one made some very impressive runs. The hook was sticking this time, and after a few long minutes, my dad had the hatchery fish close to the boat. The current was exceptionally strong in the area the fish took us to, and my dad was having a tough time getting the fish to cooperate for a net shot. Finally the fish kept its head high as my dad brought it close, and I took the chance and reached for it. Bad mistake on my part...

So close to bringing home dinner

The current and long reached combined to catch the front hook in the net just as the fish was going in. I wasn't able to get its tail in the hoop, and the fish flopped around. At that point I knew it was over, but tried a couple quick maneuvers. They also failed. One head shake was all it took, and the fish was free.

My first botched net job, and it couldn't have happened at a worse time. To make matters worse, the bite turned off and that was our last opportunity. I had no one to blame but myself, and looking back on it now there's a few things I should have done that would have made it a success.

Oh well. Live and learn I guess.

I know it's all part of fishing, but I couldn't help but feel angry at myself for losing my dad's fish. I'll just have to get redemption for him once they get upriver to us.

If you're looking for a lower Rogue guide I highly recommend Bruce. He wasn't ready to give up when we had to call it quits, and really wanted to put a fish in the box for us. The drive he has to make sure his clients leave happy, as well as his care for the resource with how he handles wild fish really impressed me. He also BBQ's up a mean lunch while on the water to keep you fueled up and comfortable. Whether you're wanting to go now for springers, or later in the year for fall salmon in the bay Bruce is the man to go with. You can find him on the web at: www.salmonspecialist.com or give him a call at (541) 913-3759. You won't be disappointed.

Look for the video to be posted tomorrow. You won't want to miss the epic fail on the net job.

Tight lines....

Southern Oregon Fishing Report 5/4

May has finally arrived, and it's brought some great fishing with it. Whether you're looking to tussle with a big, chrome spring chinook, chase some crappie for a good pan fry, or escape the valley in search of a high mountain trout, now is the time to get out.

Salmon & Steelhead

Guide Charlie "Steelhead" Brown found
this hatchery springer Wednesday on
the upper Rogue

Upper Rogue - Outflows have been dropping by about 10% a day, and that has helped to keep the fishing good, despite a transition in runs. Late winter steelhead continue to show up, and there's still plenty being caught. Springers are starting to show them selves, and while a few have started to be picked up, they're still not here in great numbers. That leaves anglers with a hard choice between the two. My recommendation is to still target the winter steelhead, but up size your gear. That will leave you with plenty of action, and you'll still be able to handle a springer if one takes your steelhead offering. Look for springer fishing to start improving this week with the temperature rising, and the flows dropping. All wild chinook must be released.

Middle Rogue - Fishing for springers has been fairly slow this week with the high flows. However, a few reports came in the last couple of days of fish being caught at places like Hayes Falls, and below Grants Prass. Flows are predicted to fall below 4,000cfs at Gold Ray by Tuesday which could really get the fishery going. All wild chinook must be released.

Lower Rogue - Springer fishing has really turned on this week, with most boats hooking into multiple fish. Most of the action has been from Elephant Rock to Foster Bar by both boats and bankies. The top producer continues to be a Rogue Bait Rig with an anchovy with some combination of green & gold blades. Fishing should continue to stay good through the rest of the month. Anglers are reminded that all wild chinook must be released until next month.

Tom Olson and Paul LeFebvre with a beautiful lower Rogue hatchery springer

Trout

Diamond Lake Resort reported that there were many
happy anglers during opening weekend

Diamond Lake - Opening day anglers were greeted by an ice covered lake, and most were able to find a few trout below it. About a 150 anglers hit the lake, and a few were able to find their 8 fish limit. With temperatures forecast to go over 80 degrees this week in the valley, be sure to give the Diamond Lake Resort a call for the latest ice conditions 541-793-3333.

Howard Prairie - The trout fishing opener at Howard was a bit slower than at Diamond. There were fish caught, but anglers were scratching by to find even a few. Things should pick up as the water warms up this week.

Bass & Panfish

This week is looking like it could be a great time to hit the local lakes and ponds for some warm water fishing. Both the bass and crappie have already started to come on the bite, and with temperatures forecast to go over 80 degrees things should really be picking up.

Tight Lines.... 

Winter Steel 2012

It's the first day of May, and winter steelhead season is nearing its end. With the high water, good catches will most likely continue for the next couple of weeks, but here at Southern Oregon Fishing we're wrapping things up. It's time for us to start getting ready for springers, and warm water fishing.

Before we move on to the next season though, let's take a look back on what a great winter steelhead season it was...



Tight Lines....

Breaking in the New Boat

Until this last year I've mostly been bank bound when it came to fishing. I took the very occasional boat trip down the river, but they were always few and far between. Things have changed quite a bit this year though. I've made a few new fishing buddies, and now I find myself riding down the rapids and staring at a plug rod more often than not.

One of my bank bound buddies recently took the big leap into buying a boat, so it was time to teach ourselves the ins and outs. There won't be many more free rides of sitting up front, and dazing off into nothingness, until the violently shaking rod brought you back to reality. This past Wednesday was the day we chose to get our feet wet, and break in the new boat.

We're both pretty sick when it comes to our fishing addiction. Being first to the hole is nothing new to us, and we weren't about to let our lack of rowing experience get in the way. A quick, unrecommended, float down the river in the dark, got us there about an hour before another soul ever ventured along. Our plan for the high water was to sit on anchor, and let the fish come to us. The other part of it was to break in the new boat the only way we saw fit...Plenty of fish slime and blood.

The adventurous row in the dark, ended up paying off quite well. There was plenty of slime and blood all over the boat by the end of the day, and we thoroughly enjoyed not having to be bank bound anymore. You'll still see the occosional bankie story and reports, but look for things to change quite a bit around here.

And now without further adieu, here's exactly how we like to break in a new boat on Southern Oregon Fishing...

A nice chromer for Jeff's first fish in his new boat

2-2 on the Mag Lips 3.5, and 0-1 on an XFactor Tackle egg cluster under a bobber.

We payed homage to our bankie ways after the quick float, and picked up a third before we called it a day.

Tight Lines....

Southern Oregon Fishing Report 4/27

Similar to last year we're experiencing extremely high flows going into May. However, this year it's even higher currently, with flows in the upper Rogue beating the record by nearly 2000cfs, and even at Gold Ray it's 200cfs higher than the previous record. It's made fishing tough on the river, but still doable. The high mountain lakes also open tomorrow for trout.

Guide Brady Rogers has been finding quite a few
chrome hens on the upper Rogue this week

Upper Rogue - The very upper stretch is just about the only thing currently worthwhile on the Rogue. Flows had been at 5500cfs this week, but shot up to 6000cfs last night. There are plenty of fresh winter steelhead present, but you'll have to head near the hatchery to intercept them. Bank anglers are fairing very well at the hatchery hole on just about everything for winter steelhead. They are also finding a couple of springers just about every day. Boat anglers were fairing very well all the way down to Rogue Elk despite the high flows. Plugs were outfishing side drifting.

Middle Rogue - Flows are too high and turbid for fishing currently. Anglers wanting to try and intercept springers should plunk close to the bank.

Lower Rogue - The raising river this week largely turned the bite off. Some excellent days were being had before the river started to rise. Luckily flows are currently peaking, and fishing should be picking back up the next couple of days. Rogue Bait Rigs with an anchovy, and either a gold or green blade continue to be the go-to presentation.

Lower Rogue anglers were finding quite a few springer before the water went on the rise, like these by guide Andy Martin.
Now that flows are dropping the bite should come back on.

Trout Opener

The high mountain trout opener is this weekend, and it's looking like it could be a good one this year. Howard Prairie, and Hyatt Lake are both ice free. Still fishing will most likely out produce trolling during the opening weekend. Diamond Lake is still 99% covered in ice, but does have some open water. If you're wanting to head up there for some ice-fishing be sure to give the resort a call 541-793-3333, to check on the ice conditions.