Idaho Fish Report

UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM:

Chinook fishing is open, but with low water, not many anglers are trying. Wild harvest of Chinook is closed in 2020 in the main. Hatchery harvest is still allowed.

Steelhead fishing has been decent throughout the main. The river is dropping and more anglers are focusing on the main and drift fishing. A lot of anglers fish the main by “plunking.” This is usually a good strategy for water that is high and has more color.

Make sure to turn in snouts from hatchery steelhead for a chance to win a gift card. Snout collection barrels are found at Scott Cr, Sawyers Rapids, Elkton, Yellow Creek, Osprey, James Woods, Umpqua, Cleveland, and River Forks boat ramps.

Trout fishing is currently closed on the Main and its tributaries, but will reopen next Memorial Day.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH:

The river is very low for this time of year. Most boat anglers are not fishing the North right now as it is too low. Try smaller presentations during low clear water conditions.

The North is open to Chinook fishing under permanent rule. Anglers may harvest up to 10 wild Chinook per year and two per day. However, fishing usually doesn’t pick up till April, though a few anglers are trying.

Some of the North Umpqua and tributaries are open for trout (those above Slide Creek Dam): check the fishing regulations to see which areas are closed.

Note that as of Oct. 1, fishing in the fly water area is restricted to the use of a single, barbless, artificial fly.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH:

Fishing has been decent for those fishing from the bank. Very low river conditions may make floating most of the South difficult.

Make sure to turn in snouts from hatchery fish for a chance to win a gift card.

Snout collection barrels can be found at Douglas County Fairgrounds, Happy Valley, Lookingglass, Myrtle Creek, Lawson Bar, Stanton boat ramps and Seven Feathers access area.