Winter fish are being caught from Touvelle to the hatchery and will numbers only increase in the next month. Wild steelhead can now be retained in the entire Rogue basin through April 30, as long as the fish is a minimum of 24 inches long. Only 1 wild fish per day, and 3 per year SW Zone wide in aggregate may be kept. Wild trout must still be released. 

The Rogue is one of the few places where trout fishing is open this time of year, but it will close on March 31 before it reopens May 22. All wild rainbow and cutthroat trout must be released during open trout fishing. Trout anglers are especially encouraged to harvest adipose-fin clipped trout in the upper reach of river during open seasons. From April 1 through May 22, trout fishing is closed. This is to protect out-migrating wild steelhead and coho smolts. This regulation applies to catch-and-release trout fishing as well, so if you are on the river, you must have in possession a combined angling tag and not be targeting trout.

As of Feb. 10, 55 new winter steelhead entered the ladder, bringing this year’s total to 73 fish. 

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.