Floating the Rogue in September

[MaribuMonkey]

Calling any of you Rogue Experts, I will be drifting the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River (float is Galice to Agnes)starting on September 9, so I was looking for information on how best to catch Chinook and Steelhead.

What Flies and techniques would you use while in the boat floating the 45 miles to catch Steelhead or Chinook?

I will also be able to wade fish in the morning and in the evenings so what flies/techniques would you use to catch Steelhead or Chinook?

Any help would be appreciated!

FYI -- I already posting this on the main board as well.

[clacksteel]

There are some ppl that know a lot more than me when it comes to the Rogue, but I do go down there once a year to go after the half-pound steelhead. They should be in the river this by the beginning of September. I target them w/ a swung fly (either a red ant, juicy bug or prince nymph). You can use the same flies while floating...just dangle you line below your boat and "back troll" the fly. Grantspastor is the pro w/ the rogue and this technique.

[Grantspastor]

The timing will be about perfect. Fish just like Clacksteel said. I like small double hook size ten flies fished with a 6 lb tippet. The Red Ant has accounted for hundreds or thousands of fish for me over the years. Fish the breaks and seams. Fish will hold in choppy riffles too. Peyton Riffle at Wild River Lodge is killer water. Start fishing very shallow, and work into the deeper water. Early and late will be best. If you're camping, I like Battle Bar for great fishing on the first night, and Brushy Bar the second night. There will be plenty of Chinook in the river, but real tough to target with flies. Don't be afraid to fish up high on the breaks in slow water.

[Troutinator]

killed them last year with a green prince on a dropper under a golden hares ear...timing is perfect assuming we get some rain. I just got back from Gold Beach/ Agness and the river is LOWLOWLOW!

[djsh]

Floating the same section of river this weeekend. Not sure how much fishing i will be able to do during the day, but plan to do some early am and evening fishing. same techniques apply i assume. am i going to get pounded with a 5/6 rod? thanks.

[Grantspastor]

A 5/6 wt rod would be just about right

[Wildgoose]

Grantsp, I too am new to the Rogue and will be with a small group of floaters(mostly splash and gigglers) next week permit 4th -8th.Any suggestion welcome.Got a 3,6 9 wt rods.Waters warm (80f) will that effect bite?Any fires down that way? John

[Grantspastor]

Wildgoose....I don't think fires are allowed at this time of year. If they are it will have to be in a fire pan. Unfortunately, this is the slowest time of year for fly fishing, which is not to say there aren't any in there. I've heard reports of fish being caught already in the Grants Pass area. Fish early and late when the sun is not on the water. Your best chance will probably be below Paradise. It's a great trip even without good fishing. Your 6 wt is the rod to take.