The Hatchery Hole, which encompasses the reach of river from Cole Rivers Hatchery Blocker Dam to 1,200 feet downstream, is currently closed to ALL FISHING through July 31. In the remainder of the upper Rogue, only hatchery steelhead and hatchery spring Chinook can be retained.

Anglers are mostly targeting spring Chinook in the upper River right now. Only hatchery Chinook may be retained. Plugs wrapped with an anchovy/herring are usually the ticket. There are still hatchery steelhead around as well.

Trout fishing on the Rogue opened last Saturday, May 22. The salmon fly hatch has been spotty and the increase in water flows due to the recent heat wave has likely slowed them a bit. The hatch is starting to move upstream though of Shady Cove. Some anglers have done very well on trout in the Takilma area as well, including reports of some early hatchery summer steelhead. You may even get lucky and get an adult steelhead to rise to the dry this time of year!

The Holy Water is beginning to see a few salmon flies in the area. This reach of Rogue between William L. Jess Dam and the Cole Rivers Hatchery blocker dam is open year-round to trout fishing and is restricted to catch-and-release fly-fishing only with barbless hooks. Please consider filling out voluntary creel cards in this reach of river at one of the eight check stations.

As of May 26, 10 more winter steelhead entered the ladder at Cole Rivers Hatchery, bringing this year’s total to 1,551fish. Additionally, 15 spring Chinook also entered the ladder at Cole Rivers Hatchery, bringing the year’s total to 127 fish. No summer Steelhead were yet in the ladder.                                                                         

Flows have been increasing over the last week with 2,893 cfs coming out of the dam. The McCloud gauge is reading 2,900 cfs with temperatures in the low 50s.

Locally-owned and operated tackle and fly shops in Medford, Shady Cove, and Ashland have excellent gear and very fresh bait, local flies and knowledge that is specific to the Rogue and to your particular technique. Go check them out and offer them support during this time.

For the latest fish counts, call into the Lost Creek Reservoir hotline or check the MyODFW.com fish counts page.

For the most current releases of water out of Lost Creek Reservoir, call 1-800-472-2434. For real time streamflow from USGS gauges on the Rogue click here.