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, hatchery trout and hatchery spring Chinook can be retained.

Wild Chinook can be retained if caught below Dodge Bridge. No wild Chinook can be harvested upstream of Dodge Bridge. Chinook Angling above Dodge Bridge closes on Aug. 1.

Many anglers are still targeting spring Chinook in the upper River right now. Plugs wrapped with an anchovy/herring are usually the ticket. Back-bouncing with bait such as roe, roe and sand shrimp/ghost shrimp, or even tuna bellies are good tickets. 

Given current water levels, drift boat anglers should be aware of Rattlesnake Rapids between Dodge Bridge and Modoc. For the novice, tt’s a good idea to float this section with an experienced boat handler. The Denman Wildlife area on the Modoc access site is a good float if one doesn’t want to deal with Rattlesnake.

As of July 14, 142 spring Chinook brought this year’s total to 1,586 fish, far below the long-term average but closer to meeting broodstock needs. 108 fresh summer steelhead also entered the ladder bringing the total to 495 fish for the year.                                                                            

As inflows to Lost Creek Lake have dropped, managers have been forced to drop flows by about 100 cfsf, with 1,353 cfs and a temperature target of 54 degrees coming out of William L. Jess Dam.

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 your support.

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.