Idaho Fish Report

The summer Steelhead run is still trickling into the hatchery but is likely about over. Rain forecast for next week should hopefully get some fish moving. Until something changes, expect fish to continue to just trickle in. Down-runner summer fish have been reported still being caught.

Plugs from a drift boat would be a good bet in the upper river. Fly-anglers are usually best to choose something darker, but don’t be afraid to start throwing pinks and oranges either.  If drifting bait, smaller presentations are your best bet. Work the water, as it’s cold and clear out there. There is a forecast for some weekend precipitation. The rain this week on Monday did pretty much nothing to raise river levels. However, the change in pressure should hopefully get fish moving. 

Wild winter steelhead can now be retained as long as they are a minimum size of 24 inches. Only 1 wild fish can be harvested per day as part of the daily limit, and 3 wild fish in aggregate for the year in the Rogue and other waterbodies of the SW zone where wild steelhead may be harvested. Consult the 2022 sportfishing regulations and SW zone for more information. 

For Feb. 23, six new wild winter Steelhead entered the hatchery, along with 67 summer steelhead. 

Best bets for the upper river would be concentrating on the area between Shady Cove and Touvelle as there is more color to the water. If fly-anglers are so inclined, the Holy water should start improving with the cloudy and slightly warmer days. 

The Dodge Bridge gauge was reading 1,060 cfs / 2.81 feet and approaching 42 degrees on Wednesday afternoon. The McCloud gage at 969 cfs/ 1.62 ft. Flows from the dam were 905 cfs and 41 degrees. You can check all the USGS Rogue gauges here.