Best Winter Steelhead Fishing in Southern Oregon
South Coast Rivers Among the Top Spots for Sea Run Rainbows
Jul 18, 2009
Steelhead, a rainbow trout that migrates to the ocean like a salmon to grow far bigger than your average lake fish, are particularly abundant in the rich rivers of southern Oregon, where they return to spawn every winter.
The Umpqua and Rogue rivers are year-round fisheries, including not only great winter runs but also impressive summer steelheading.
Also, the state’s lower coastline also includes several rivers where a limited number of wild steelhead may be retained, while most northern Oregon coast rivers or those close to Portland have strict regulations that require immediate release of all steelhead without hatchery fin-clips. It's always best to consult fishing regulations before that first cast so you'll know whether you can keep your catch.
From north to south, the following rivers are Southwest Oregon’s best bets for winter steelhead.
Umpqua River Provides Excellent Steelheading From Reedsport past Roseburg
The Umpqua has something for everybody: salmon, smallmouth bass, shad, striped bass – and lots and lots of steelhead.
“Every time out on the river you know you have a shot at a fish of a lifetime,” said Todd Harrington of Living Waters Guide Service, who has a clients land steelhead over 20 pounds every year. “The easiest way to know if the Umpqua is in shape for winter steelheading is if all the other rivers are running low and clear, the Umpqua will be in prime shape; if the other rivers are in prime shape, the Umpqua will be too high.”
The mainstem is capable of producing incredible catches, as in 2006-07 when nearly 4,200 fish were harvested. The previous few seasons saw retention above 2,300, according to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife catch records. The Umpqua has good runs of both hatchery and wild fish; consult ODFW regulations yearly.
The Umpqua gets started below Elkton in December, and by its peak in February and March steelhead are well distributed throughout the mainstem and major tributaries such as the North and South Forks, Smith River and Cow Creek.
Bank access points on the mainstem include Family Camp, Sawyer’s Rapids, Scotts Creek and the Bunch Bar wayside.
Among tributaries, the South Umpqua is best for winter steelhead, with catches often topping 1,000. Bank access is good at Templeton Beach, Myrtle Creek Bridge, Stanton County Park and behind the Seven Feathers Casino. Boat anglers launch at Templeton Beach in Roseburg, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Happy Valley and several unimproved ramps.
Harrington often uses side-drifting techniques, either with a roe cluster and puff ball or with yarn. He also pulls plugs or anchor-fishes and, during low water, fishes with float or spinner tactics.
Coquille River Near Bandon and Myrtle Point is Small in Size but Big on Results
The Coquille, like nearby Coos River, is hemmed in by the bigger Umpqua and Rogue rivers, but what it lacks in length it more than makes up for in catches. The Coquille system produces 2,000 or more winter steelhead in a good year.
The best winter steelheading in this system is on the South Fork, particularly near smolt acclimation sites at Beaver and Woodward creeks, according to ODFW. Stick below Powers for hatchery fish.
Boaters can launch near Beaver Creek on the South Fork and also at the confluence of the South and Middle forks.
On the other forks, which can be steady if less spectacular, try bank fishing spots at Laverne County Park on the North Fork and Frona County Park on the East Fork.
Rogue River Offers Winter Steelhead From Gold Beach to Cascade Mountains
Most of the Rogue’s winter steelhead are landed in the lower and middle sections, from Elephant Rock down low to Gold Hill. In better years, anglers harvest 2,000 to 3,000 winter steelhead from Gold Ray Dam downriver all the way to the mouth. (Note: The fishing landscape is changing around Grants Pass and Central Point as the Savage Rapids dam has been breached, and Gold Ray Dam is next in line for removal to improve fish passage.)
In the lower section, the best fishing begins in December and peaks in late January. Public access to prime gravel bars is very good for the lower 15 miles. Boat anglers also launch from the gravel bars or ramps at the Port of Gold Beach or at the Lobster Creek or Quosatana campgrounds.
In the middle section, steelheading is best in February or March in the Grants Pass area, which includes a section where limited harvest of wild fish is allowed. According to ODFW, anglers will find more than 20 publicly owned parks and recreation areas with bank access to the Middle Rogue, plus numerous boat launches.
Above Gold Ray Dam, at least while it’s intact, the river produces fewer winter steelhead overall, but fishing the right areas here can be quite good in March and early April. Try between the hatchery and the Highway 62 Bridge, or at Casey State Park, Rogue Elk Park and Touvelle State Park.
Chetco River is in Oregon but Close for California SteelheadersEntering the Pacific Ocean near Brookings, the Chetco River is a longer drive for many Oregonians but worth the trip. The Chetco produced about 2,400 winter steelhead in the 2004-05 and 2006-07 seasons and regularly tops catches of 1,200, according to the ODFW.
Ron Buntrock of Fishing with the Boss Guide Service, said many anglers want to side-drift with bait these days but that "old school" fishermen working plugs in tailout sections catch plenty of fish.
The state releases smolts from a broodstock program at Social Security Bar about three miles upstream from Highway 101. Look for peak fishing from December into early March, especially between the North Fork and Loeb State Park.
Famous Steelheading Rivers and Plenty of Options
It would be hard to find rivers more deserving of steelhead fame than the Rogue and Umpqua rivers. Even though they draw a good number of anglers, they are long streams far from major cities and with room to spread out. Or, if you want to have a great shot at a winter steelhead on a river that flows under the radar, try the Coquille or Chetco.
 |
 |
 |
