The Applegate River is open to trout fishing only until Jan, 1, when it will open for winter steelhead as well. Only fin-clipped rainbow trout or steelhead may be retained on the Applegate River. All wild steelhead, cutthroat and rainbow trout must be released unharmed.

Keep in mind that winter steelhead on the Applegate are late arriving, they probably will not show up in any large numbers until February or March. Rain events will encourage fish to move into the Applegate, so keep your eye on the weather and plan to be on the river during or after some wet weather. The release from the reservoir is 116 cfs and the river temperature is 43oF.