Idaho Fish Report

Steelhead fishing has been slow in the lower river. "Half-pounder" steelhead have started to move upstream. This year the hatchery return of "half pounders" is expected to be below average due to fewer fish being released this spring. Half pounders are immature steelhead that return to the river after only a few months in the ocean. These fish usually run 12 to 15 inches. ‌

ODFW annually monitors the run of Chinook, steelhead, and coho at Huntley Park (approximate 8 miles upstream from the mouth) on the Rogue River. To learn more about the project, people can visit the ODFW website to receive this years' two-week updates and to see the historical catch. ‌

Chinook numbers in the bay have picked up and anglers are having pretty good success. Most of the fish are still being caught downstream of Hwy 101. Most anglers are trolling flashers and anchovies, but anglers trolling straight anchovies or putting a spinner blade in front of the anchovy are catching fish. This week the Curry Anadromous Fisherman derby is running from Aug. 7 - 10. Anglers can expect a few more boats on the water.‌

Anglers fishing the Rogue Bay should always check regulations before heading out. This year the ocean is open to salmon fishing through Aug. 31. The regulations on gear type and legal salmon that can be kept is different in the ocean than the river. The two big differences and reasons anglers will get a game violation while fishing in the ocean are 1) fishing with more than two single point hooks in the ocean, barbed hooks in the ocean, and 2) having Chinook salmon under 24 inches in the boat while fishing in the ocean.‌

Anglers fishing with a guide should also understand and know the regulations. The licensed angler will be issued the violation, not the guide. A couple of the most common violations are failure to tag your fish prior to putting your fishing gear out again and continuing to fish after keeping your adult salmon bag limit.‌

Anglers that see a game violation can report the violation to *OSP (*677) on a mobile device or call 1-800-452-7888. Anglers can also file complaints or potential violations concerning guides to the Oregon State Marine Board.