Winter steelhead fishing has slowed in the mainstem Umpqua, but some are still being caught closer to the confluence. Catch rates of hatchery fish are notably lower than regular due to loss of winter steelhead smolts in 2020.

There are still no reports of spring Chinook being caught, but more anglers have been trying their luck this week. Over the next week we are expecting quite a bit of rain, so anglers may have to hit the river is muddied up or wait for it to come down a bit. After the rain and when the river begins to clear may be a great time to catch a Chinook on the mainstem.

Spring Chinook runs until June 30. Wild spring Chinook may be harvested this year with a bag limit of 1 per day and 5 total from the mainstem Umpqua. This is in aggregate with the North Umpqua limit of wild Chinook of ten total Chinook per season. Anglers may still retain two adults per day, but only one may be wild (unclipped).

Anglers are encouraged to submit steelhead snouts in barrels stationed at many boat ramps throughout the Umpqua drainage, or at the ODFW office in Roseburg. These snouts are being used in a study to optimize angling opportunities while maintaining a healthy fishery. Anglers who submit snouts may be entered into monthly drawings for gift cards to Sportsman’s Warehouse. Email Levi.m.simmons@odfw.oregon.gov for more information on the program and locations of collection barrels.