fishing Adventures—Rogue Canyon
Rogue Canyon Fishing with RRO Q&A
The Rogue River begins high in the cascades mountains behind Crater Lake and flows 215 miles west to Gold Beach on the Pacific Ocean. The Rogue River, behind the Willamette and Columbia, is Oregon’s third longest river. 84 miles of the Rogue River were designated as Wild and Scenic in 1968. The Rogue River was one of just eight rivers in the United States to be designated as a Wild and Scenic River. The Clearwater, Eleven Point, Feather, Rio Grande, St. Croix, Salmon, and Wolf Rivers were the other seven, bringing the total number of Wild and Scenic rivers in the United States to 226. From above Shady Cove to Gold Beach, the Rogue River contains roughly 174 miles of floatable waters. The Wild and Scenic Highway runs from Grants Pass to Gold Beach, and it starts seven miles west of Grants Pass and finishes 11 miles east of Gold Beach. Graves Creek is the start of the 34-mile Jewel of the Wild and Scenic.
About Your RRO Rogue Fishing Trip
OUR ROGUE RIVER WILD AND SCENIC FISHING TRIPS
We start our journeys 28 miles west of Grants Pass. We go 42 miles via the Rogue River Wild and Scenic portion, which is the Jewel of the Rogue River Wild and Scenic region. Our 3-day tours end 40 miles from Gold Beach at Foster Bar. Our 4-day trips conclude in Agness, Oregon, just 32 miles from Gold Beach. Our McKenzie River drift boats accommodate two guests and one guide. We spend our days fishing and our nights at rustic river lodges that are tastefully located along the river.
MCKENZIE RIVER DRIFT BOATS
We row McKenzie River drift boats. These boats were designed in the early 1900s by McKenzie River Valley river pioneers to run in shallow whitewater and are easy to maneuver. The drift boat’s bottom has a front-to-back rocker for whitewater and a flat bottom from side-to-side for stability. The “Cadillac” among drift boats, this early design is still the most popular. These boats can comfortably accommodate two guests and one guide.
GUIDE CREW
Our team is exceptional. Our guides are full-time subcontractors who are licensed and insured. All of our guides have their own boats, rods, reels, tackle, and other equipment. Our crew takes immense pride of their knowledge of the rivers on which we operate. They are accomplished rowers, historians, and fishers. It’s a privilege to collaborate with such competent guides.
WHAT FISH ARE IN THE ROGUE?
A variety of migratory fish can be found in the Rogue River. Winter, Summer, and Fall Chinook Salmon, Silvers or Coho Salmon, Winter, Summer, and Fall Steelhead, as well as half-pounder Steelhead and Sturgeon are also available. We will fish for fall Chinook Salmon, mature Summer and Fall Steelhead, and the famed “half pounder” Steelhead nicknamed by Zane Gray during our Fall Rogue Canyon fishing season (September, October, and November).
FISHING TECHNIQUES
Rogue River Outfitters specializes in mature Steelhead and “half pounder” Steelhead fly fishing. We come prepared to do whatever it takes to catch fish, even though we prefer to fly fish. For salmon, we’ll use plugs and bait. For Steelhead and half-pounder Steelhead, we troll plugs, cast spinners, side drift, and float fish, as well as fly fish. You are our guests, so please let us know if you have a fishing preference, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
FISHING EQUIPMENT
All fishing rods, reels, and tackle will be provided by our guides. We all use high-quality fly rods from Sage, Orvis, Loomis, and Beulah. Fly reels from Lamson, Orvis, Ross, and Hardly. Our spinning rods are Loomis and Lamiglas, and our reels are Shimano. All of our salmon rods and light plug rods are Loomis and Lamiglas with Ambassador and Shimano reels, while our light plug rods are Lamiglas with Ambassador reels. Please feel free to bring your favorite rod if you have one.
LODGING AT BLACK BAR AND PARADISE
Our first night’s stay will be at Black Bar Lodge. The Black Bar is exactly how you’d image a wilderness lodge to be. Small log houses set amid the trees serve as the rooms. Each cabin sleeps two people. Two single beds, a heater, and a private bathroom are provided in the cabins. A dining and gathering room, as well as an outdoor cooking and barbeque pit, are available. Your fishing guide becomes a 5-star chef at this lodge.
On the banks of the Rogue River, Paradise Lodge sits on the edge of an 88-acre meadow. Since its beginnings as a farmstead, Paradise has undergone extensive renovations. It’s not rustic, but it’s modern rustic, and it’s lovely. Each room, like Black Bar, sleeps two people in two single beds with a private bathroom. The guides will dine with you because the staff at Paradise prepares all of the meals.
DINNER, LUNCH, AND BREAKFAST
You will be treated to a delicious shore lunch every day at 12 NOON while fishing with Rogue River Outfitters. We’ll come to a halt as a group. The fish of the day is prepared and served with Tina’s homemade treats. Your guides transform into 5-star chefs the first night you arrive at Black Bar Lodge. Hors d’oeuvres are served in the dining room at 6:00 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., dinner will be served. Dutch oven biscuits, grilled New York steak, sauteed vegetables, pesto spaghetti, spinach or Caesar salad, and dessert are on the menu for dinner. At 10:00 p.m., the lights are turned off. The next morning, rise and shine at 6:00 a.m. for coffee delivered to your room. Breakfast is served in the dining room at 7:00 a.m. Remember lunch is at 12 NOON.
Second night: The lodge employees at Paradise are our hosts and will prepare our meals. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. in the main lodge, and the guide team will join you for dinner. At 10 p.m., the lights are turned off. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m., with coffee available at 6:30 a.m. in the main lodge. Lunch will be served at 12 p.m.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Your guide will point out historic sites and tell you stories about the past. You can walk up and see Zane Gray’s Cabin, where he wrote many of his western novels. Take a short hike to the Rogue River Historical Museum to learn about the canyon’s original settlers and the Rogue Indians.
WEATHER
From the time we begin in late August to the time we conclude in early November, the weather changes. September is typically still summer, with daytime temperatures in the 80s and overnight temperatures of 55 to 60 degrees. During the day, we usually wear shorts and a light shirt; however, I like to keep a fleece jacket on hand for the mornings and evenings.
Even on a hot day, you will detect cool places where it is shaded. October is still a genuinely pleasant month, but it is not uncommon to experience temperatures above 80 degrees. By mid-October, you should be prepared for rain; not to say it will happen, but it can. The daytime temperature is 70 degrees, while the evening temperature is 50 degrees. We start wearing long pants, light rubber boots, and a warmer long-sleeve shirt about mid October; both months are actually pleasant, with little rain throughout the season. We propose that travelers visit between September and mid-October, when the weather is more predictable.
Driving Instructions to and from your trip
We understand how confusing it can be to drive to the launch location and then back to I-5 after your trip. We’ve provided some maps that will help you find our launch location. To see a larger version of the map, click on it.
Here is a link to the Google Maps View
On the hand-drawn map, the green line is showing how to get to the launch site. The black line is showing Bear Camp Road and the route to get back to I-5.
If you want to print out a full size image of the map on the right, click here.
Trip Preparation Details by Step
The information below will be explained in detail on the following tabs. These steps are designed to make your trip run as smoothly as possible.
STEP 1: The Packet
STEP 2: Shuttles
STEP 3: Things to Bring List
STEP 4: The Night Prior to Trip Information
STEP 5: The Morning of Your Trip
STEP 6: Launch Details
STEP 7: Gold Beach, Oregon Information
THE PACKET
Prior to your trip, RRO will send you a copy of our trip release waiver in our trip packet. Sign, date, and send to Tina via email or regular mail. Prior to the trip’s start date, all guests must sign the release form. Consider purchasing travel insurance from one of the listed companies. We strongly recommend and encourage you to think about it. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS. See our Cancellation and Refund Policy.
On launch day, Tina will only be available by phone prior to 5:00 a.m. and back in the office after 11:00 a.m.
SHUTTLES
This service is required for anyone traveling down river. Tina will provide shuttle forms and envelopes for you. There is no cell phone coverage at the launch site or at the takeout location, and there is no TAXI or UBER service; you must have your vehicle shuttled.
Make sure you have a spare key and a full tank of gas.
We subcontract with BLT Shuttles. Rogue River Outfitters will have shuttles forms available for you at the launch location. The morning of the launch, BLT will pick up your vehicle, transport it to a secure location, and deliver it to the takeout point the last day.
If you wish to hire a van service, we recommend Town & Country Shuttles. You will need to make these reservations.
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Shuttle Service Contact Information:
BLT Shuttle Service ($135.00 per vehicle). Call 541-659-2212
Town & Country Shuttles (van service). Call 541-476-7773
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Takeout time is 3:00 p.m. At the end of your trip, you will have the option of driving over the mountain (Bear Camp) back to the Grants Pass area (1 hour, 50 minutes) or continuing to Oregon’s Treasure of the South coast, beautiful Gold Beach (45 minutes). Here you can enjoy hiking, beach combing, or fishing.
Once again if you have any questions or need help please call Tina, she is more than happy to help.
THINGS TO BRING LIST
Pack your clothing as directed on the “Things to Bring List.” Clothing and other down river gear will be repacked into waterproof bags at the launch site. If possible, we like to deliver the bags to your hotel the night before trip (call Tina if you have questions).
ARRIVE AT THE RIVER READY TO GO!!!
- 2 changes of cloths (combined lodge and fishing attire)
- Warm jacket or layered warm clothing (for temperature variations 50-30 degrees)
- 1 pair of shoes for lodge stay (tennis shoes etc.)
- 1 pair of waterproof boots or sandles (there maybe times that you need to step into 4 inches of water to getting in or out of the boats).
- No Waders
- Set of QUALITY RAINGEAR (pants, jacket, hat)
- Sunglasses, chums and/or holder to prevent loss
- Greaseless sunscreen
- Small flashlight (for evening/morning)
- Personal toiletry items
- No hair dryers (wrong electric current)
- Camera and/or binoculars
- Liquor and wine maybe in glass, however we do prefer plastic
- Personal water bottle we provide drinking water and lemon-aid
- Oregon Fishing License and Steelhead Tag
- All fishing rods, reels, and tackle is provided
- Please limit your beverages to what you think you will consume; we have plenty of cold storage. Bring your beverages chilled it will be helpful. NOTE: All left-over beverages will be left behind at the end of the trip.
- NO SUITECASES ALLOWED. We will provide you with 2 waterproof bags: a small bag for camera’s, sunscreen, hats, etc. A larger bag for your cloths and toiletries. These bags will be given to you preferably the night before our trip or a launch site.
We recommend packing each day’s cloths in a Large Zip-Loc bag. This makes repacking into our waterproof bags fast and easy. The Zip-Loc bags provides one extra layer of waterproofing, keeps your cloths fresh and clean and will keep your cloths away from wet and dirty cloths.
September trips are warmer—summer outfits and swimsuits are a good idea. Nylon jacket, shirt, shorts and/or pants. Average temperature for September 83 highs with 47 degrees for the lows; with 2 days of rain fall on average.
October trips maybe cooler, so you will want warmer coat, long sleeve shirts, shorts and/or pants. Average temperature for October 70 degrees for the highs with 40 degrees for the lows; with 5 days of rain fall on average.
November average temperature 55 degrees for the highs and 40 degrees for the lows; with 11 days of rain fall on average.
THE NIGHT PRIOR TO YOUR TRIP
The nearest airport is in Medford, Oregon, approximately 40 minutes South of Grants Pass, Oregon. You will want to spend the night prior in Grants Pass or Merlin (this night’s lodging is not included in the package). The town of Merlin has two lodging facilities to stay. Grants Pass is approximately a 45-minute drive. We have listed below a handful of places our guests have stayed and given us positive feedback. You will also find a list of local favorite restaurants. When you do make your reservation, please contact us, letting us know where you will be staying so we can deliver your waterproof bags the night before your trip.
The Lodge at Riverside:
Located right on the Rogue River in downtown Grants Pass. Visit www.thelodgeatriverside.com or call 541-955-0600.
Hampton Inn:
Easy access to I-5. Visit www.hamptoninn.com or call 541-474-5690.
La Quinta Inn & Suites:
Easy access t0 I-5. Visit www.wyndhamhotles.com or call 541-472-0152.
Holiday Inn Express:
Easy access to I-5. Visit www.holidayinnexpess.com or call 541-471-6144.
Best Western:
Easy access to I-5. Visit www.bestwestern.com or call 877-237-8791.
Riverside Inn:
Also located on the Rogue River. Visit www.riverside-inn.com or call 541-476-6873.
Weasku Inn:
A little further away but what a great place. Visit www.weaskuhistoriclodge.com or call 855-797-6733. Great dining only 5 minutes away at Rivers Edge.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT:
Wild River Brewery & Pizza Co.
Baldini’s (located in Merlin)
Tap Rock
Tacomania (located in Merlin)
El Paraiso
Twisted Cork
Circle J
Horney Goat
Laughing Clam
River’s Edge (5 minutes away from Weasku Inn)
Ma Mosa’s
Elmer’s
Shari’s
Black Bear Diner
THE MORNING OF YOUR TRIP
You’ll drive to Grave Creek, our launch spot, after breakfast at a restaurant of your choice (about an hour if driving from Grants Pass). If you stay at The Galice Resort, you will need to drive to Graves Creek, which will take around 10 minutes. If you have a large party and are staying at Morrison’s Lodge, they will drive you to Graves Creek. You will drive to the launch location for smaller groups. 8:00 a.m. is the meeting time at Graves Creek.
LAUNCH DETAILS
Once you get to Grave Creek, you will be greeted by our guides, and you will receive your dry bags for your clothing and a day dry bag for things like phones, cameras, sunglasses, sunscreen etc. (This is if you have not received bags night prior from us)
Then everyone will be fitted for a life jacket (class III-V) A river safety speech is given and then off we go!!!!
If you should have any questions regarding any of the above steps, PLEASE do not hesitate to email or call 1-888-767-3144.
GOLD BEACH, OREGON
For those of you planning to stay in the area following your trip, we recommend taking a 45-minute drive from our takeout site (Foster Bar) to the small town of Gold Beach, Oregon. For more information on places to stay and eat, visit www.goldbeachoregon.gov.
PLACES TO STAY:
Pacific Reef Hotel: www.pacificreefhotel.com or 541-247-6658
Best Western: www.bestwestern.com or 541-2477066
Gold Beach Inn: www.goldbeachinn.com or 541-247-7091
RESTAURANTS:
Dinner
Spinners: www.spinners.com or 541-247-5160
Port Hole Café: www.portholecafe.com or 541-247-7411
Barnacle Bistro: www.barnaclebistro.com or 541-247-7799
Breakfast Places
Indian Creek Café: 541-247-0680
Double D’s Café: 541-247-6565