Oregon Fishing: Salmon and Steelhead Fishing on the Rogue River

"The river and fishing were excellent. Terry was very professional and knowledgeable. The lodges were a must. We hope to do another trip with you this winter."
--R. Chwark and J. Gibbons, Rogue River Oregon Fishing Trip

Additional Rogue River Information

Rogue River Fishing Home Page  Why Choose DW For Your Trip  Fish and Gear  Trip Outline  Getting to the Rogue  Natural History  Additional Information

Getting to the Rogue/Galice Area
By Air:
Medford, Oregon has the nearest commercial airport with services by major airlines. Please plan to arrive the evening before your trip, and to leave no sooner than 7 p.m. on the last day of your trip. We can arrange for shuttle transportation from and to the Medford Airport for you.
By Car:
Take the Merlin Exit (#61) off of I-5 (about 3 miles north of Grants Pass). Go west on the Merlin-Galice Road after exiting the freeway. You will pass through the town of Merlin. Continue on this road, crossing over the Hellgate Bridge and on to Galice. The Galice Resort, approximately 16 miles from the freeway, is marked by a small sign and a gas pump. If you cross the Rogue a second time, you've gone about 7 miles too far. Please plan to arrive in Galice the evening before your trip.

Where To Stay
We recommend lodging at the Galice Resort (541-476-3818) before and after your trip. A rustic, family run place, Galice is friendly and convenient. Those seeking more upscale accommodations may consider the Windmill Inn in Medford.

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Natural History
Visitors to the wild Rogue are taken by this rivers magnificent charm. Perhaps it stems from the Rogues lush forests, deep green pools, sparkling waterfalls, classic rapids, and rich past dotted with natives, pioneer families and early whitewater boaters. In 1968 Congress passed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to preserve the nations outstanding rivers. The Rogue was one of the eight original rivers protected by this act. Congress was merely validating what an exclusive group of adventurers already knew: that this is a rare treasure.

Rogue voyages are the oldest and most famous river trips in the Northwest. As early as the 1920s, Hollywood stars and presidents paid local guides to carry them through the canyon for fishing, sight seeing and whitewater thrills. The Rogue quickly developed a legendary reputation as one of the Wests greatest adventures. In this era, Glen Wooldridge became one of the original river guides. Much of the rivers illustrious boating history is recounted in his book, A River to Run.

Before the 1900s, the Rogue was home to the Takelma and Tutuni tribes. These nomadic people moved from the coast to this mountain river to harvest the abundant population of salmon and steelhead. Early exploration by French trappers brought conflict, and the French began calling the tribe coquins, or rogues. The river then became known as La Riviere aux Coquins, which was later shortened to the Rogue River. White settlement in the Rogue valley boomed after the discovery of gold in the canyon. The lower Rogue, where our trip takes place, remained wild and untamed. The lure of precious metal, though, did bring new comers. Most were hermit miners who worked along the many side creeks. Some were packers or pioneer families who made a living offering services for the miners. The gold rush put pressure on local resources and by the late 1800s the Takelma and Tutuni were gone.

Much of the Rogues mysterious charm resides in its lush surroundings. The dense forest is one of the oldest, most diverse forests in the country, where ancient forces still hold sway. The entire canyon is virtually covered in green. Huge pine and fir trees mix with dramatic madrones, maple, mock orange and myriad wildflowers. The lower canyon has dozens of side creeks with fern-lined grottos and some of the most spectacular swimming holes anywhere. Side-canyon streams that we hike to such as Tate Creek and Floral Dell feature beautiful waterfalls that cascade down through verdant mini-canyons as they stairstep towards their confluence with the Rogue.

The Rogue wilderness is also home to abundant wildlife. Deer are very common, as well as black bear. A very sharp eye might even spot river otter or an elusive ring-tailed cat or lone coyote. The Rogue has long been famous for strong salmon runs, and a patient observer can still sight one leaping the main drop at Rainie Falls or cooling off at the mouth of a side creek. Osprey cruise the sky and bald eagles have recently reestablished a permanent home in the canyon. In fact, on the occasional trip we may witness an osprey and bald eagle fighting mid-air over a fish pulled from the river. Interestingly, the osprey and bald eagle use different techniques to catch fish. Ospreys dive head first into the river, submersing much of their body before flying away with a fish in their beak or claws, while eagles fly inches above the water and use their talons as sharp hooks to scoop and snare the fish that swim just below the surface.

Our journey passes through several canyons of dark gray and green rock where the rivers unique geology is strikingly apparent. Geologists surmise the Rogue was already cutting its westerly course when the coast range was uplifted. As the mountains formed, the river continued west, dropping into new cracks in the earth. In these places, such as Mule Creek Canyon, the river narrows to a little as ten feet across. Running this slot is a thrill!

The narrow confines of the lower Rogue canyons create some of the best whitewater in the west. Never fierce, the Rogue is always fun. Most rapids here are boulder-choked mazes of whitewater, with large, calm pools beneath. On several stretches of our run, the rapids come one right after the other. Tyee, Wildcat and Slim Pickins rapids lead to Black Bar Falls. The adrenaline-building mile before Mule Creek Canyon leads to the famous Blossom Bar.

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Additional Information
Experience Required
No previous experience is necessary for the Rogue River Fishing Trip. In fact, this trip has again and again proven to be just right for those on their first wilderness fishing adventure. Our minimum age is 12. The maximum age is up to you! Your guides will gladly help with any aspect of our trip that is new for you, including comprehensive fly or spin casting instruction, equipment reviews, and so on.

Participant Fitness And Activity Levels
Destination Wilderness trips are created with fun, curious, and nature-loving adventurers in mind. The Rogue River Fishing Trip is ideal for those with a zest for the outdoors, moderate adventures, and self-determined activity levels. While you should be fit and in good health for this trip, you need not be a honed athlete. First timers, families, friends, experienced fishermen are welcome and thrive on our Rogue River Fishing Trips.

Weather
The Rogue is a coastal river with mild weather in the fall and spring. Temperatures from mid September through November, and then from January through May, can be cool and wet. Daytime temperatures can range from the 50s to 70s and nighttime temperatures can reach down to the 30s. Typically the Rogue is wettest from December through February, but rain is possible at any time. Please closely follow the packing list and bring appropriate gear in order to assure the most enjoyable and successful trip.

Equipment
Destination Wilderness provides all specialty fishing gear, boats, lifejackets, waterproof bags, camp chairs and eating utensils and all the specialized river gear you need. The fishing gear includes an assortment of state of the art rods, all terminal tackle, flies, plugs, and spinners. You are welcome to bring your own favorite rod(s) and tackle. A complete list of what you should bring will be included in your confirmation packet.

Fishing Regulations
Destination Wilderness guides and guests absolutely adhere to and follow Oregon Fish and Wildlife regulations. This includes catch limits, type of gear available to be used, not fishing in restricted waters, and so on. Your guide will instruct you as to the regulations that must be followed during your trip. Fishing licenses must be purchased before the trip and be in possession of all those on the trip at all times. Licenses can be purchased at various convenience stores and sporting goods outlets throughout the state. Fishing license prices for 2003 are currently as follows: Resident Annual: $19.75 per person Resident Annual Youth (14-17 years): $6.75 Non Resident Annual: $48.50 Non Resident Three Day: $21.00 Non Resident Four Day: $27.50 Harvest Tag: $16.50 (not required for Three and Four Non-Resident Licenses)

Meals and Beverages
We serve gourmet meals prepared with fresh ingredients. We also provide a variety of beverages with each meal. Each afternoon we set up happy hour snacks and beverages. We are also happy to prepare certain foods that you may want or need (including birthday or anniversary cakes). Please let us know if you have special dietary concerns, and we will plan and cook accordingly.

Gratuities
It is common to tip wilderness guides on fishing trips. It is not expected, but always appreciated. If you are happy with your trip please let us and your guide(s) know. Thanks!

Itinerary Changes
While we do everything possible to follow the itineraries in this packet we may be forced to adjust trips due to reasons beyond our control. Therefore, these itineraries are subject to change.

References
Many of our past trip members have offered to speak with folks who are considering our trips. We know we could blow our own horn until we are blue in the face about the great time we feel you would have on our trips. So, we invite you to contact us for a list of clients who have participated on Destination Wilderness trips and we'll let them do the talking!

Destination Wilderness Guides
Destination Wilderness guides bring a wealth of talent and experience to each trip we run. Destination Wilderness guides have years and years of experience leading trips in the U.S. and abroad. Each is licensed in first-aid and CPR. They are friendly, caring and talented people. Furthermore, they create an environment that fosters camaraderie and positive experiences. They are dedicated fishing guides, with years and years of experience. Our guides use a variety of fly fishing, spin casting, and pulling plugs techniques. Finally, we never have more than two guests per guide, ensuring attention to your wants and needs.

Suggested Rogue River Reading
Kay Atwood, Illahee, The Story of Settlement in the Rogue River Canyon.
Arman and Wooldridge, The Rogue: A River to Run.
Jackman & Bernstein, Hip-Pocket Naturalist: A Guide to Oregon's Rogue River Basin.

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