Plunkers and side planners have pretty low water on tap for the weekend. The color has also cleared up quite a bit. Not the greatest conditions for this method of fishing, but winter fish may be starting to trickle into the Galice Area. Still it is very early for the middle and upper Rogue.

Throwing soft beads, drifting night crawlers or a small yarn ball or bit of roe would be the bait of choice. If fishing flies, dark flies or an intruder with pink, blue or red would be good choices. However, at this point in the year, being between runs, you’re more likely to catch a half-pounder or summer steelhead than a winter fish.  

Upstream of Hog Creek, Wild steelhead retention is closed until Feb. 1.  Downstream of Hog Creek, wild Steelhead may be retained as long as they are at least 24 inches in length.  Only 1 per day, 3 per year zone wide in aggregate can be kept.

This weekend would be a good weekend to target half-pounders between Grave Creek and Robertson Bridge. Only hatchery trout may be retained.

Locally-owned and operated tackle stores in Grants Pass have excellent gear and very fresh bait that is specific to the Rogue and to your particular technique. Go check them out and offer them support during this time.

It is illegal to snag and keep a snagged fish, whether it’s wild or hatchery! Report violations to Oregon State Police by calling *OSP.

As of Wednesday mid-day, the flow in Grants Pass was approximately 1,870 cfs and steady, turbidity 3 NTU, temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s.

For those interested in checking conditions before getting on the river, the City of Grants Pass Water Division’s website offers information on river conditions at Grants Pass as well as a link to a river camera. Anglers can check all the USGS gaging stations, which have the most current temperatures and river flows here.