Applegate River - January 2010  FISHING: Good
Winter steelhead are being caught on the Applegate River already. The flows are around 300 cfs.  The reported river temp. in around 40 degrees, but I been taking my own temp mid day and finding mid 40's more common.

There is enough public access on this river to spend and entire day fishing. Stop by Trophy Waters to discuss access points and get a few flies.

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Rogue River - Upper - January 2010  FISHING: Good
There are 2,400 winter steelhead over the dam at last report.  The flows are around 900 cfs.  Good flow for drifting or wading.  Most success for bank anglers has come from the parks above Shady Cove.

If the rains hit, don’t be afraid of the higher flows, it brings the fish closer to the bank in many areas.  It is also a great flow to go for the grab!!  That’s right, get out there and swing a fly once in a while, while the flows are higher and warmer.  It takes a little courage to take a day off of nymphing, and……you’ll have to deal with a skilled nymph fisher picking your pocket, BUT…..that tight line grab is the best fresh water take available.  K-K-AAA-WAMMM-OOOO……………….no coffee necessary on early mornings when the steelhead are willing to wake you up.

Give the public parks a try (Tou Velle, Rogue Elk, etc.) and learn where these fish are holding at this water level.  Next year when the river is at a similar level you’ll know where to start looking.   Don’t forget your steelhead first aid kit complete with Agent Orange, Retrievers, Chewey Egg, and Copper Swan.

The Nymph Fishing is most productive right now.  Be sure to fish one big and one small dropper fly to cover your bases.  Some days the fish are all on the big, some days all on the small, and some days on both. 

 
Stop by Trophy Waters to see new, locally tied, flies that make up the best selection of Rogue River patterns anywhere.  Service with an enthusiastic smile, and, helpful suggestions on where you can locate your next steelhead or trout.

Call Trophy Waters with any questions about Rogue River Guided Trips.