This week will see the first trout stockings in the upper Rogue above Lost Creek. Due to changes in low reservoirs in the Rogue district, the upper river will be receiving 3,500 trout weekly through Labor Day. There are still some issues with USFS campgrounds not being open yet, but there are plenty of walk-in access points in the upper Rogue above Lost Creek. 

Due to snow still limiting hatchery truck access in upstream reaches, all stockings for now will be between Mill Creek and the Mt. Stella Bridge (Road 6510).

Flows in the upper river are quite elevated right now with snow runoff. Anglers will want to target slower pools and eddys. 

The Rogue and tributaries above Lost Creek Reservoir remain open year-round, with a daily retention limit of 5 trout. Stocked rainbow trout in this reach are not fin-clipped. There are also residential cutthroat ,brown trout, and even the occasional brook trout that are periodically hooked by anglers.

Great techniques up here include throwing small Panther Martin spinners or small hooks with a single Pautske fire egg under a bobber. You also can’t go wrong fishing nymphs up here, or nightcrawlers under a bobber. With very cold water, be looking for areas where fish are holding or getting out of the high flows.

You’ll want to check the flows at prospect and above prospect if planning a trip up here.  The USGS gauges can be found here. 

ODOT trip check maintains a camera at Union Creek (OR62), where you can get an idea of weather and road conditions.

More information on Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest lands can be found on their website or calling the RRSNF office.