Rogue River
Grants Pass to Gold Beach · Wild & Scenic
SW Oregon, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Steelhead, Chinook, Coho, and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 14361500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
At 2180 cfs and 59.4°F, the Rogue is running high for June but clearing nicely after recent rains. Rogue Valley Anglers confirms the golden stonefly hatch is firing — perfect timing with water temps crossing the 55°F threshold. Early summer steelhead are moving in, but focus on the exceptional dry fly trout fishing in the canyon reaches. Big stimulators and PMX patterns are producing trout to 24 inches. Expect explosive surface action during the warming afternoon hours as stones become active.
- Flow: 2180 cfs — elevated but fishable, clearing after weekend moisture. Classic June levels returning as temps stabilize.
- Hatches: Golden stonefly peak confirmed — water temp hit the 55°F trigger. Stimulators #10, PMX Yellow producing trophy trout.
- Water Temp: 59.4°F and climbing — prime stonefly emergence zone. Perfect for summer steelhead entry and aggressive trout feeding.
- Best Window: Afternoon warming drives stonefly activity. 2-6pm prime time as air temps hit mid-70s and stones become active.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: Aug–Oct (steelhead); May–Oct (trout)
The Rogue River in southern Oregon runs from the Cascade Mountains west through the Rogue–Umpqua Divide to the Pacific. The river is famous for its summer steelhead — half-pounder fish through August and adults from late summer through fall. The Wild and Scenic stretch from Grave Creek to Foster Bar is one of America's premier summer steelhead destinations, accessed primarily by multi-day raft trips. The upper river above Lost Creek Lake offers resident trout fishing. Salmon return in fall.
The Wild and Scenic Rogue from Grave Creek to Foster Bar — 34 miles of canyon water through old-growth forest — was one of the original eight rivers protected by the 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
January Outlook
January on the Rogue River is the heart of winter steelhead season. Half-pounder steelhead and hatchery fish run through the lower and middle Rogue throughout winter. The wild steelhead of the upper canyon are the primary draw for fly anglers.
Productive Patterns
- Winter Spey (black/blue)
- Intruder
- Bunny Leech (purple/black)
- Egg-Sucking Leech
Tips
The Rogue's winter steelhead run peaks December through March. Two-handed rods and Skagit lines with heavy tips are the standard approach. The lower Rogue from Gold Beach to Agness, and the middle Rogue around Merlin and Galice, are most accessible.
Water Notes
60-1,200 cfs in canyon sections. Water 38-46°F. Runoff events can blow out the river for days. Winter steelhead present throughout.
February Outlook
February is prime winter steelhead time on the Rogue River. The wild B-run fish are present and fresh wild fish continue entering from the Pacific. The lower canyon below Agness holds excellent numbers when conditions are right.
Productive Patterns
- Intruder (blue/black)
- Winter Spey
- GP (General Practitioner)
- Marabou Spey
Tips
February Rogue steelhead are among the finest fly fishing experiences in the Pacific Northwest. The lower canyon float from Grave Creek to Agness is world-class but requires a guided trip or technical rafting skills. The Merlin-Galice section is road-accessible.
Water Notes
200-800 cfs in accessible sections. Water 38-46°F. Winter steelhead peaking. Coastal storms can elevate flows quickly.
March Outlook
March completes the winter steelhead season on the Rogue as spring smolts begin moving downstream. The late-winter fish are often the freshest and strongest of the season. Trout season approaches on the upper river.
Productive Patterns
- Winter Spey
- Intruder (black/red)
- Marabou Spey (purple)
- Bunny Leech
Tips
March is the last best month for winter Rogue steelhead. Fresh fish are still entering the system. By late March attention shifts to spring Chinook in the lower river and resident trout in the middle and upper sections.
Water Notes
200-600 cfs. Water 42-50°F. Winter steelhead run concluding. Spring Chinook arriving in lower river by late March.
April Outlook
April on the Rogue transitions from winter steelhead to spring Chinook in the lower river and excellent resident trout fishing in the upper canyon. The wild and scenic stretch from Grave Creek to Agness is at its finest in spring.
Productive Patterns
- Spring Chinook Fly (large)
- Egg Fly
- Trout Streamer
- PMD Nymph
Tips
April offers multiple Rogue River opportunities. Spring Chinook in the tidal section at Gold Beach. Resident rainbow trout and resident steelhead kelts in the middle canyon. The upper river above Lost Creek Reservoir has excellent wild trout.
Water Notes
200-1,000 cfs. Flows increase with snowmelt. Water 46-54°F. Spring Chinook in lower 40 miles. Resident trout throughout.
May Outlook
May is the finest dry fly trout month on the upper Rogue River. The section above Shady Cove holds wild rainbow trout that rise aggressively to Pale Morning Duns and caddis. The lower river spring Chinook season is in full swing.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun (#16)
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14)
- Stimulator
- Spring Chinook Fly
Tips
The upper Rogue above Lost Creek Dam offers exceptional wild rainbow trout fishing in May. The section from the headwaters near Crater Lake to Lost Creek is a gem. PMD and caddis hatches produce classic dry fly fishing. Water flows are ideal before summer low water.
Water Notes
300-800 cfs upper river. Water 50-58°F. Excellent spring conditions. PMD and caddis hatches. Lower river: spring Chinook peaking.
June Outlook
June brings the summer steelhead season to the Rogue. Early half-pounders and the first fresh summer steelhead begin entering the river. The upper canyon dry fly trout season is excellent. The entire river is fishable in June.
Productive Patterns
- Low-water Spey (#6)
- Dry Fly Steelhead
- PMD
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
June summer steelhead on the Rogue respond to low-water flies fished on floating lines. Surface presentations with greased-line technique or dry fly steelhead patterns are the hallmark of summer Rogue fishing. A classic and storied experience.
Water Notes
200-500 cfs. Clearing water, 52-60°F. Summer steelhead entering. Dry fly or surface-swing techniques ideal.
July Outlook
July is peak summer steelhead season on the Rogue River. Half-pounders are running in good numbers and fresh fish continue to enter. The lower and middle canyon sections are at their best. Dry fly steelhead fishing is the Rogue's signature summer experience.
Productive Patterns
- Dry Fly Steelhead (waking)
- Bomber
- Muddler Minnow (waking)
- Low-water Spey
Tips
July waking flies for Rogue summer steelhead is among the most exciting experiences in fly fishing. The half-pounder phenomenon is unique to the Rogue, Klamath, and Eel rivers — fish that return after only a few months at sea and fight with extraordinary energy. Float trips through the canyon are the classic way to experience it.
Water Notes
100-300 cfs. Summer low clear water, 55-64°F. Half-pounders and fresh summer steelhead abundant. Ideal surface presentation conditions.
August Outlook
August on the Rogue is the height of half-pounder season. These remarkable juvenile steelhead fill the middle canyon pools and respond explosively to waking flies. The evening caddis hatch adds trout action on the upper river.
Productive Patterns
- Dry Fly (waking)
- Bomber
- October Caddis (dry)
- Moal Leech
Tips
August half-pounders on the Rogue are one of fly fishing's special experiences. These fish — unique in the world — average 2-4 lbs but fight like fish twice their size. They rise aggressively to waking dries. Float the Merlin-Galice section for the best access.
Water Notes
80-200 cfs. Summer low water, 60-66°F. Half-pounders very abundant. Water warm — fish mornings and evenings for best activity.
September Outlook
September transitions the Rogue from half-pounder season to the beginning of fall steelhead. Fresh fish begin arriving with cooler nights. The upper river has spectacular fall trout action with October caddis beginning.
Productive Patterns
- October Caddis Dry
- Moal Leech
- Fall Spey (orange/red)
- Dry Fly (waking)
Tips
September on the Rogue is a transition month with multiple species available. Early September continues the half-pounder peak. The October caddis hatch begins on the upper and middle river — one of the largest and most exciting caddis hatches in the Pacific Northwest.
Water Notes
100-400 cfs. Water cooling 56-64°F. Fall steelhead arriving late month. October caddis hatch beginning. Excellent conditions.
October Outlook
October is the finest month on the Rogue River. Fresh fall steelhead in the canyon, the peak of the October caddis hatch, and perfect weather create exceptional conditions. The entire Rogue from the headwaters to the coast is fishing well.
Productive Patterns
- October Caddis (#6-8)
- Fall Intruder
- Moal Leech (orange)
- Large Dry Fly (waking)
Tips
October on the Rogue is a fly fisher's paradise. The October caddis hatch produces some of the most spectacular dry fly action in the west. Large waking muddlers and october caddis patterns bring aggressive steelhead to the surface. The river canyon is spectacular in fall color.
Water Notes
150-500 cfs. Water 50-58°F. Peak fall steelhead. October caddis hatch peak. The finest month on the Rogue.
November Outlook
November brings increasing steelhead numbers and the transition to winter tactics on the Rogue. Fresh fish are pouring in from the Pacific. The lower canyon below Agness is at peak winter steelhead condition.
Productive Patterns
- Intruder
- Winter Spey (purple/black)
- Bunny Leech
- Egg-Sucking Leech (chartreuse)
Tips
November steelhead on the Rogue are fresh and powerful. The transition from fall to winter tactics — heavier sink tips, larger flies, slower presentations — reflects the cooling water and behavioral change. The lower canyon is at its best.
Water Notes
300-800 cfs. Water 44-52°F. Winter steelhead run building. Flows increasing with fall rains. Canyon access via boat preferred.
December Outlook
December opens the heart of the Rogue's winter steelhead season. Wild fish are pouring through the lower canyon and fresh chrome fish stack in holding lies from Gold Beach to Agness. One of the Pacific Northwest's premier winter steelhead fisheries.
Productive Patterns
- Winter Intruder
- GP (General Practitioner)
- Bunny Leech (purple)
- Marabou Spey (black/blue)
Tips
December on the Rogue River canyon is an iconic Pacific Northwest winter steelhead experience. The lower canyon float from Agness down is accessible by jet boat from Gold Beach. The Galice-Merlin section above the canyon is road-accessible and productive.
Water Notes
400-1,200 cfs. Water 38-46°F. Peak winter steelhead run. Rain can blow out the river — check conditions. The lower canyon is best December through March.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Stonefly Perlidae spp. |
Jun | May, Jun, Jul | #8–12 |
|
| Caddis Hydropsyche spp. |
May, Jun | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #14–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Grants Pass and Medford are the main bases. The Wild and Scenic stretch requires a permit (Galice Resort or BLM lottery). Multi-day raft trips dominate. Oregon fishing license + steelhead/salmon stamps required.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Rogue Valley Anglers
Regulations & License
Fishing in Oregon requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Oregon fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Rogue River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Rogue River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
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