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.

Anglers are mostly targeting spring Chinook in the upper River right now. Plugs wrapped with an anchovie/herring are usually the ticket. There are still hatchery steelhead around as well.

Trout fishing on the Rogue opens this Saturday, May 22. The salmon fly hatch is well underway in the Shady Cove area.  

The Holy Water is beginning to see a few salmon flys in the area.  This 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 11, 69 new winter steelhead entered the ladder at Cole Rivers Hatchery, bringing this year’s total to 1,522 fish. Additionally, 21 spring Chinook also entered the ladder at Cole Rivers Hatchery, bringing the year’s total to 37 fish.  

Flows have been increasing over the last week with 1,949 cfs coming out of the dam.  The McCloud gauge is reading 1,970 cfs with temperatures in the low 50’s.

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.