“Almost a month since the last heavy rain, a significant rise in the Chetco is expected Sunday morning,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Flows are expected to jump from around 500 cfs to nearly 2,500 cfs, prime conditions for steelhead. The river has seemed lower than the actual flow, with drift boaters struggling to find floatable water above Ice Box and plenty of bumping and dragging below Loeb. Groups of steelhead can be seen, but they are easily spooked on the low, clear water. 

The rain also will give the Elk and Sixes a much-needed boost in flows, at a time when fishing is usually at its peak. The Rogue also should fish well after the rise for plunkers and boaters anchoring and running plugs. Salmon have been encountered by bottom fish anglers near Mack Arch, so don’t be surprised by an early springer on the Rogue.”