Wild steelhead can now be retained in the whole Rogue basin, as long as the fish is a minimum of 24 inches long. Only 1 wild fish per day, and 3 per year zone wide in aggregate may be kept.  

Limited reports of winter fish showing in the fishery. There are still half pounders and summer steelhead in the area.

Throwing soft beads, drifting night crawlers or a small yarn ball or bit of roe would be the baits of choice. If fishing flies, dark flies or an intruder with pink, blue or red would be good choices. At this point in the year, being between runs, you’re more likely to catch a half-pounder or summer steelhead than a winter fish. If fishing for half-pounders, anglers are reminded that only hatchery trout may be retained.

Locally-owned and operated tackle stores in Grants Pass have excellent gear and very fresh bait that is specific to the Rogue and to your particular technique. Go check them out and offer them support during this time.

It is illegal to snag and keep a snagged fish, whether it’s wild or hatchery! Report violations to Oregon State Police by calling *OSP.

Look for the Rogue to crest on late Wednesday or Early Thursday after the latest big of rain and snow. It should be dropping Friday and be pretty leveled out around 2,000 cfs by the weekend. As of Wednesday mid-day, the flow in Grants Pass was approximately 3,190 cfs and rising, and temperature in the low 40s.

For those interested in checking conditions before getting on the river, the City of Grants Pass Water Division’s website offers information on river conditions at Grants Pass as well as a link to a river camera. Anglers can check all the USGS gaging stations, which have the most current temperatures and river flows here.