Salmon fishing in the Rogue River is one of the most exciting outdoor activities that the great state of Oregon has to offer. Not only is the river gorgeous, but it is also full of hard-fighting and tasty chinook salmon. Coho salmon are another option, especially in the fall. To catch the salmon, however, it’s important that you adopt the proper strategies. Here’s a basic overview of the techniques that work best. 

Spring vs Fall Season

The Rogue River fishery is typically divided into the spring and fall seasons. Each run has different rules and characteristics, which is why the ideal strategies change from one season to the next. 

Rogue River Fishing Trips

During the spring chinook run, fly fishing is not an otion. This means only spinning or conventional tackle can be used. 

Boaters often target the salmon by anchoring near channels where the fish typically migrate. From there, they can toss spinner or anchovies at the fast-migrating salmon.

When fishing from the bank, drifting bait is often a good strategy. You want the bait to bounce along the bottom, where it will appeal as a tasty snack to migrating salmon. Don’t use so much weight that the bait stays in one place, but use enough that it drifts along slowly instead of being immediately swept away in the current.

Fall Season Techniques

While similar techniques can work in the fall, a change in location might be in order. The fall run sees more fish in the lower portions of the river. 

In addition to the chinook run, the fall season also brings a decent number of coho salmon to the Rogue River. These fish, known to be aggressive fighters, are also great eating. Try looking for them below the Lost Creek Dam in September and October. 

It’s not for nothing that the Rogue River is a legendary salmon fishing spot in Oregon. Give these techniques a shot and you might just get in on the action. 

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