Where to go for January Steelhead?

[Two Fister]

Hey ifishers,
I have a friend that is turning 50 in January who has never caught a steelhead on a flyrod. I'd like to help him change that as a birthday present. He's in K. Falls and I'm in Bend so we'll be traveling one way or another to chase steelhead. Any suggestions on where we might find a good spot to chase steelhead in January? It's been a long time since I fished the coastal rivers so I'm not sure where to start.
Thanks,
TF

[BarroomHero]

Wilson has a lot of good public access along Hwy 6. Lot's of pullouts with pools, and tailouts to drag some flies in. Always a good chance of hooking up on the Wilson.

[chromeseeker]

If you're so inclined to do it yourself (and are VERY good at the oars on a raft or 'toon) or don't feel like it and want to hire a guide, I'd recommend the Dodge Park-Oxbow park float on the Sandy. Beautiful scenery, great fly water. Your friend won't be disappointed.

C

[Slow and Low]

Dan,

You got a cat?

[AndyK]

Originally Posted by Two Fister

He's in K. Falls and I'm in Bend so we'll be traveling one way or another to chase steelhead. Any suggestions on where we might find a good spot to chase steelhead in January?

Contact Dean Finnerty, 5 Rivers Guide Service. Dean can get you on the Lower Umpqua River and that will be a shorter drive for both of you.

If you need contact info, send me a PM.

[Two Fister]

Originally Posted by Slow and Low

Dan,

You got a cat?

I wish Sam. My friend has a drifter, but he's not that experienced on the sticks. My neck is doing a lot better, but I'm not going to push it by rowing anything skinny or technical. Basic floats or bankie.

Andy, I'd thought about hiring a guide. Is late January early for the lower Umpqua?

Thanks for the advice!
TF

[AndyK]

Originally Posted by Two Fister

Is late January early for the lower Umpqua?

The lower Umpqua is hot right now. It should be fishing good until some time in February when the majority of fish move into the tribs (North/South Forks).

[James Waggoner]

Andy you beat me to it...Dean Finnerty and the lower umpqua is where I'd like to be. Great guide!

[MarlinMark]

If you go to the Umpqua and catch a fish then your buddy wont be able to say that he caught his first steelhead on a fly rod on the Rogue River.....

[afp]

I'd recommend Gary Lewis, and the South Upmqua is usually a better winter flyfishing river.

[afp]

Originally Posted by MarlinMark

If you go to the Umpqua and catch a fish then your buddy wont be able to say that he caught his first steelhead on a fly rod on the Rogue River.....

Yeah but at least the average steelhead on the Umpqua won't be a six pounder..........