Winter fish are being caught from Touvelle to the hatchery and numbers will 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. Hatchery steelhead may be retained year-round.

Trout fishing on the Rogue also closed March 31, and opens again on May 22. This includes catch-and-release anglers.  Any angler on the Rogue at this time will need to have in possession a valid combined angling tag, in addition to their fishing license.

As of March 24, 82 new winter steelhead entered the ladder, bringing this year’s total to 202 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.