First Time Post with a Southern Oregon Question

[jdougher]

After lurking awhile, I’ve got a question that I hope someone on the board will reply with a suggestion or two.
Work finds me in Brookings early on 9/9. I have all day Monday to get there. I live in Battle Ground, WA. Where would you fish? As I am not familiar with most of the rivers in Southern Oregon, my only thought is to high tail it to Gold Beach and go up the Rogue to around Lobster Creek and work my way down for either SRC or Steelhead.
May have the same “situation” (a free afternoon) the next day in Grants Pass.
Advice appreciated.
Thanks,
John

[Grantspastor]

I've heard good reports from the lower river. Night crawlers, Panther Martin spinners, and flies will all produce well. Find and fish Coal Riffle. You'll have to climb down a steep bank, but it's worth it. Check out the first few pools of the lower Illinois River too. Hotel Riffle at Agness is another good spot.

[El Wapo]

Grantspastor knows of what he types...it's a curvey road from GB to Agness, but to swing the fly for steel.....that is what you'll want to do. Smaller fly's than you would think (6's and 8's)...There are a few good spots below the Illinios, but access is more difficult. I suggest crossing the bridge above Agness and hanging a right...there is a nice run just above the old fire house...Spend your day exploring and save your fishing for when the light is off the water. Once it is dark, go to Cougar Lane Lodge...food is average, Bar is smokey, unique local folks....don't want to miss that! It's then 45 minutes back to GB and another 1/2 hour to Brookings...look out for skunks, drive sober, and be safe....Just my 2 cents based on mistakes I made several years ago...By the way...there are bears and wild Turkeys...some in Bottles......if you stop at Cougar...say hi to Marion...she is famous.....Or, option 2...Rent a boat at Lex's in GB (say Hi to Larry and Lisa)..drop anchor in the SW corner of the Bay just inside the sand spit. Cast big flys far and strip in....there is a 5% chance of hooking a Big Chrome Bright Chinook...!....wow...I don't normaly share.http://www.ifish.net/board/images/icons/icon10.gif

[jdougher]

Thank you for the information.
John

[Two Fister]

I know NOTHING!! Sorry Sgt. Schultz was my favorite on Hogans Heros....

I read a report that it's the best half pounder run in at least a decade on the lower Rogue. Should make for some fun action.

By the way, it's a tradition to post a fishing story about yourself for your first post! Welcome to ifish!

[jdougher]

Thanks. Not many stories, mostly the garden variety ones. Except a few years ago I was part of a group of 6 guys who put together a “do it your self” trip to the Dean River. A chopper dropped us off about 10 miles above the mouth and picked us up a week later. Fishing was slow however everybody came back safely and it didn’t rain (every) day.
Fantastic river and scenery.
Still hoping that someone on the board my be able to tell me where to fish with a free afternoon/evening around Grants Pass. Haven’t been to that area in over 10 years.
John

[Greg516]

Right now your probably gonna have a hard time fishing for steelies fly fishing wise but Salmon fishing is getting good for gear fishing.