The Rogue River begins near Crater Lake and flows 215 miles through the mountains and valleys of southwest Oregon emptying into the Pacific Ocean at the town of Gold Beach. Rushing from the Cascade Range, the river glides into the Rogue Valley floor, drifting peacefully past cities and towns and agricultural lands. The Wild and Scenic River designation begins west of the city of Grants Pass where the Applegate River flows into the Rogue River. The river turns north, flowing through the scenic Hellgate Canyon, and then bends sharply west at Grave Creek, where the Wild Section of the Rogue River begins. Here the powerful river cuts through the rugged terrain of the northern edge of the Klamath Mountains. The river churns through the steep rock walls of Mule Creek Canyon and the boulder-strewn Blossom Bar Rapids before slowing in Huggins Canyon and Clayhill Stillwater. Below the town of Agness, the Rogue and Illinois Rivers join and flow through picturesque Copper Canyon. Below Copper Canyon, the river widens and slows, with the Wild and Scenic designation ending where Lobster Creek enters the Rogue River.
Flowing through time, the Rogue River has nurtured those who have come to its lush banks. The earliest inhabitants were Indians who lived a life of hunting, fishing, and gathering. Various Indian tribes made their homes and found sustenance along the Rogue River for over 9,000 years before Euro-Americans arrived. In the 1850s, miners poured into the Rogue Valley and Indians awoke to the coarse cry of “Gold!” which, with startling immediacy, signaled an end to a way of life Indians had known for thousands of years. The boatmen of the early- to mid-1900s, whose daring and perseverance established dominance over the wild waters of the river, were responsible for opening these waters to the guide-fishing industry and whitewater boating that has become so economically vital to southwest Oregon today.
The Rogue River was one of the original eight rivers included in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. With its famous steelhead and salmon fishing, challenging whitewater, and extraordinary wildlife-viewing opportunities, the Rogue River continues to be one of the world’s most popular recreation destinations. The 34-mile Wild section features predominantly Class III (or less) rapids, and includes thundering Rainie Falls (Class V) and breathtaking rapids at Mule Creek Canyon (Class III) and Blossom Bar (Class IV).
Guided Fishing Trips
DESCHUTES FLY FISHING GUIDES & STEELHEAD GUIDES
Regulations & Fishing Methods: Lower Deschutes River regulations prohibit fishing from a floating device, which means that ... morewe wade fish exclusively. As well, the regulations only allow fishing with artificial lures and flies on the Lower Deschutes, so we do both. We primarily fly fish for trout, but we always have a couple of spinning rods along just in case the fish aren’t hitting the fly. We focus our Steelhead fishing efforts swinging flies with spey rods in morning and evening and use a combination of nymphing techniques, throwing lures and using side planers with plugs through the middle of the day.
Above Maupin (River Mile 52): The famous Deschutes Redside Trout are the focus of our efforts above Maupin from mid-April through September when Steelhead begin to show up in the 50-miles above Maupin. September and October provide an opportunity above Maupin for “combo” trips where we target both Redside Trout and Steelhead in the same trip. November and December can be some of the best Deschutes River Steelhead fishing of the year if you are tough enough to brave the cold weather!
Below Maupin (River Mile 52): Beginning in mid-July, when Steelhead start to enter the Mouth of the Deschutes, we focus our Steelheading efforts to the last 50-miles of the river, below Maupin, where the Deschutes meets the Columbia River. Trout are common in this section of the river as well, but the main focus of our attention are powerful and fresh Deschutes River Steelhead.
Days: On Thu, Sep 8 2016 - Sat, Aug 25 2018
Trip Details
Floating and fishing the "Wild and Scenic" Rogue River Canyon is considered one of the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular river experiences. Enjoy this stunning canyon ... morefrom the classy comfortable ride of a beautiful wooden drift boat and spend your evenings in unique riverside lodges. Spend four days floating the 43 miles of protected waters while fly fishing for half-pounder and adult steelhead fresh out of the ocean. Legendary for its combination of dramatic rapids and tranquil pools, fishing on the Rogue River has been popular with guests of the Helfrich family since 1931 when Prince Helfrich first explored the canyon.
His legacy continues as newcomers enjoy the same majestic old-growth forests of Douglas fir and twisted Madrone along the riverbanks. Picturesque grassy pastures, wildflowers and wildlife are all part of this unspoiled wilderness. Deer, otter, black bear, blue herons, osprey and bald eagles call this paradise home.
And then, there are the fish! With two fishermen and one guide in each drift boat, you’ll have a unique opportunity to catch fall run Steelhead and Salmon on lures and flies. Even the most experienced fishermen will be challenged by the great sport of landing these fighters on light tackle. This is a world-class fishing river and our guides serve as skilled fishing instructors and experienced boatmen. Their knowledge of the river and the maneuverability of the drift boats allow them to easily access the placid pools and rich holes where the fishing is best.
Our trips begin at Argo Riffle and for four days and 43 miles we will travel west in McKenzie River drift boats through the Coastal Range to Hog Eddie at Agness. You’ll get a firsthand look at Rainie Falls, Zane Grey’s cabin, Mule Creek Canyon and Blossom Bar rapid.
Each night you will enjoy the comfort of three different rustic wilderness lodges. Shore lunch stops along the river allow time to relax and explore the area. We often barbecue or pan-fry any freshly caught steelhead or salmon. Delicious! No one goes away hungry.
The combination of unforgettable fishing experiences and drift boating through exciting whitewater make this outing on the Rogue River's "Wild and Scenic" section Helfrich River Outfitter's most sought after and desired fishing adventures.
River Accommodations
Nights are spent in comfortable wilderness lodges with private sleeping accommodations for couples or singles. All of the breakfasts and dinners are served family-style by the guides and lodge staff. Each remote lodge offers its own distinct character, which adds a memorable element to the trip that few ever experience, as they are only accessible by river or hiking trail and are run on generator power.
Tributaries:
Tributaries include the South Fork Rogue River, Elk Creek, Bear Creek, the Applegate River, and the Illinois River.
Seasonal Conditions
Spring | Stonefly, Caddis, Mayfly, Midges |
Days: On Thu, Sep 8 2016 - Sat, Aug 25 2018
- Float trip through the extraordinary protected Wild and Scenic River corridor
- Fly Fish for steelhead from the comfort and class of our beautiful McKenzie River drift boats
- Cozy riverside lodges provide comfortable accommodations and home cooked meals each night
- Breathtaking scenery of lush forests and vibrant fall foliage
Trip Details
Floating and fishing the "Wild and Scenic" Rogue River Canyon is considered one of the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular river experiences. Enjoy this stunning canyon ... morefrom the classy comfortable ride of a beautiful wooden drift boat and spend your evenings in unique riverside lodges. Spend four days floating the 43 miles of protected waters while fly fishing for half-pounder and adult steelhead fresh out of the ocean. Legendary for its combination of dramatic rapids and tranquil pools, fishing on the Rogue River has been popular with guests of the Helfrich family since 1931 when Prince Helfrich first explored the canyon.
His legacy continues as newcomers enjoy the same majestic old-growth forests of Douglas fir and twisted Madrone along the riverbanks. Picturesque grassy pastures, wildflowers and wildlife are all part of this unspoiled wilderness. Deer, otter, black bear, blue herons, osprey and bald eagles call this paradise home.
And then, there are the fish! With two fishermen and one guide in each drift boat, you’ll have a unique opportunity to catch fall run Steelhead and Salmon on lures and flies. Even the most experienced fishermen will be challenged by the great sport of landing these fighters on light tackle. This is a world-class fishing river and our guides serve as skilled fishing instructors and experienced boatmen. Their knowledge of the river and the maneuverability of the drift boats allow them to easily access the placid pools and rich holes where the fishing is best.
Our trips begin at Argo Riffle and for four days and 43 miles we will travel west in McKenzie River drift boats through the Coastal Range to Hog Eddie at Agness. You’ll get a firsthand look at Rainie Falls, Zane Grey’s cabin, Mule Creek Canyon and Blossom Bar rapid.
Each night you will enjoy the comfort of three different rustic wilderness lodges. Shore lunch stops along the river allow time to relax and explore the area. We often barbecue or pan-fry any freshly caught steelhead or salmon. Delicious! No one goes away hungry.
The combination of unforgettable fishing experiences and drift boating through exciting whitewater make this outing on the Rogue River's "Wild and Scenic" section Helfrich River Outfitter's most sought after and desired fishing adventures.
River Accommodations
Nights are spent in comfortable wilderness lodges with private sleeping accommodations for couples or singles. All of the breakfasts and dinners are served family-style by the guides and lodge staff. Each remote lodge offers its own distinct character, which adds a memorable element to the trip that few ever experience, as they are only accessible by river or hiking trail and are run on generator power.
Days: On Thu, Sep 8 2016 - Sat, Aug 25 2018
Improved launch ramp with parking across road. Lond even drift for bait and lure fishing. 2.8 miles from Upper River Road, 0.7 miles from Gold Ray Dam
... more
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Rogue River Fishing Report
This road dead ends above the river 2.8 miles from Hwy 234 with parking for trucks only. Wade to fish deep riffle downstream from dam.
... more
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Rogue River Fishing Report
Bank fishing below dam from rocks. Whitewater riffle with large rocks drops into long pool. Very limited parking. 3.5 miles from Upper River Road, 1.5 miles from Blackwell Road.
... more
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Rogue River Fishing Report
Parking area only on bridge NW side with family day use facilities and hiking trail on SE side. NW side has pool fishing under bridge and riffles to fish from mid-channel bars, wading ... morebbest. There is a trail downstream to more constant flows. On SE side of bridge is bait and lure fishing, upstream wade narrow backwater to island and fish riffle and tailout of main river.
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Rogue River Fishing Report
Take trail behing old bridge support and head downstream when you reach river. Riffle fishing for fly fishers.
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Rogue River Fishing ... moreReport
Lots of accessible roads in this area. End of road is fast current bait and lure fishing. Take trail downstream for fly fishing riffles and tailout. 1.4 miles from Table Rock Road.
... more
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Rogue River Fishing Report
Bait and lure fishing on constant drift near launch ramp. Wheelchair access. Upstream trail leads to island and fly fishing riffle, wading mandatory. Parking and turnaround for all ... morevehicles. 7.0 miles from Hwy. 62, 0.2 miles from Hwy. 234
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Rogue River Fishing Report
Mostly bait and lure water. Wadding best to access main current. Concrete platform for wheelchair anglers and parking for all vehicles. Launch ramp, restrooms, picnic area. 0.1 miles ... morefrom Hwy. 62, 7.1 miles from Hwy. 234.
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Rogue River Fishing Report
Parking for all vehicles on bridge NW side, the park overflow area. Fast water under bridge best fished by waders and a nice tailout upstream.
... more
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Rogue River Fishing Report
Parking for all vehicles on SE bridge approach. Trail to riffle fishing and some whitewater downstream. M.P. 22.5
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Rogue River Fishing ... moreReport
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