Upper Rogue River Report

Navigator · 10-13-2009, 10:27 PM

I have made this trip for 10 years in a row and am never disappointed. What a nice river!

I fish with friends and co-workers. We fish out of pontoon boats. I fished 4 days. Dodge Bridge to Tou Velle, Shady Cove to Dodge Bridge, Rogue Elk to Tekelma, Tekelma to Dodge Bridge.

This is the type of water you are looking for.

We dead drift a big bug/small bug combo underneath an indicator. Many fish were hooked on a #18 pheasant tail type nymph. Big bugs are Otis Bugs (flashy rubber legged beadhead weighted nymphs) or large weighted stoneflies.

It can be tedious and tough - going hours (even days) without a hook-up. But, it can be fast and furious when things get in the zone. One in our party hooked 9 and landed 5 in a day's fishing. I went 2 for 5 in the four days fishing. I was 2 for 6 on nice trout (12" plus). Here is a nice one (14") that I managed to bring to net.

These fish are beautiful. Here is a nice 22" wild buck.

Of course, it is all about the scenery and nice weather. Timing is everything - we had perfect serene weather.

BlackBass · 10-14-2009, 04:32 AM

Great pics with all the fall colors, sounds like you had a great time! Thanks for shairing

steel_beaver · 10-14-2009, 07:41 AM

Good Job

I love the upper river. I spent a summer there a few years ago and even though it was in between fish runs, I had a blast. I'm going to be there the first week of November and I was thinking of bringing my toon with me. Are there any floats I should be avoiding (too technical) up there or is it pretty straight forward?

Thanks

leadeyedbugger · 10-14-2009, 07:43 AM

I was down there fishing the same stuff at the same time basically.......Weather was great, river was amazingly busy, fishing was ok for the rogue this time of year, best day was 2 adults for me.

Fishrite · 10-15-2009, 08:25 AM

This is my favorite picture of the Fall Colors of the Upper Rogue River...wish I was there right now.

Fishrite

Navigator · 10-15-2009, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steel_beaver

Are there any floats I should be avoiding (too technical) up there or is it pretty straight forward?

All pretty basic. I am a newbie on the sticks and was comfortable with all the runs. Might be a different story if in a drift boat - toons are a bit more forgiving.

Grantspastor · 10-16-2009, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navigator

All pretty basic. I am a newbie on the sticks and was comfortable with all the runs. Might be a different story if in a drift boat - toons are a bit more forgiving.

A little bony in places. Don't commit yourself below Dodge Bridge to avoid Rattlesnake rapids. Above there if you can read water and handle the oars you'll be OK

matt95 · 10-16-2009, 07:29 PM

Some nice fish and weather. Good Job!

the other pics are sweet too.

mat

ChartHead · 10-25-2009, 03:07 PM

I'm looking to get up there this fall... great looking scenery!
Thanks for the post.

Greg516 · 10-25-2009, 03:42 PM

Can't wait to get up there after thanksgiving!!!

byproxy · 11-04-2009, 10:44 AM

i'm fortunate that i live very close to this section of river. fish it all the time and love it. my only disappointment is that it gets dark too early for me to hit the river after work now!!!