Idaho Fish Report

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 and hatchery spring Chinook can be retained.

Trout fishing on the Rogue is also closed until May 22. This includes catch-and-release trout angling. Any angler on the Rogue at this time will need to have in possession a valid combined angling tag, in addition to their fishing license, and should not be actively targeting and angling for trout.

This regulation is designed to protect out-migrating wild steelhead smolts. There are also hatchery steelhead smolts actively out-migrating at this time. Those anglers wishing to target the salmon fly hatch should be starting to look toward the Holy Water. It is still a bit early, but to get your trout fix, please head to the Holy Water or wait two more Saturdays for the mainstem to open to trout.  

The Holy Water, the reach of Rogue between William L. Jess Dam and the Cole Rivers Hatchery blocker dam is open year-round to trout fishing and is restricted to catch-and-release, fly-fishing only with barbless hooks. Please consider filling out voluntary creel cards in this reach of river at one of the eight check stations.

As of May 4, 95 new winter steelhead entered the ladder at Cole Rivers Hatchery, bringing this year’s total to 1,453 fish. Additionally, 14 hatchery spring Chinook also entered the ladder at Cole Rivers Hatchery, bringing the year’s total to 16 fish.  

Flows have been increasing over the last week and should be 1,800 cfs by noon on Wednesday. 

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 support during this time.

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.