The release from Lost Creek is 2,000 cfs as the Corps deals with snowmelt entering Lost Creek Reservoir. River temperature out of Lost Cr is 48F. The flow at Gold Ray is 3,000 cfs.

Reports of the first Spring Chinook caught have come in. Anglers continue to catch winter steelhead. Pulling plugs at the heads and tails of pools can be very productive under these semi-high conditions. Side drifting, spoons, and swung flies will work in some places and be more effective as river levels drop and settle. In addition to winter steelhead, spring chinook are beginning to migrate through the upper Rogue. The Rogue is closed to trout fishing until May 22.

Cole Rivers Hatchery returns as of 4/23/25:

Species / Run New Season Total

Spring Chinook

19.     19

Winter Steelhead

526.      1276

There is no wild steelhead harvest allowed above the confluence with the Illinois River. The Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation is required for all winter steelhead anglers fishing in the Rogue Basin or on the south coast from Dec. 1 to April 30.

Anglers, please use proper catch-and-release techniques, such as keeping fish in the water as much as possible and releasing them quickly. If fish are getting injured with the technique you are using, please change techniques. Remember that smaller rainbow are usually the steelhead that will return in future years.

For up-to-date river levels, check all the USGS Rogue gauges here.