The Hatchery Hole, which encompasses the reach of river from Cole Rivers Hatchery Blocker Dam to 1,200 feet downstream, is currently closed to ALL FISHING through July 31.

Wild Chinook can be retained if caught below Dodge Bridge. No wild Chinook can be harvested upstream of Dodge Bridge at any point in the year. Beginning Aug. 1, Chinook fishing above Dodge Bridge closes through the remainder of the year, all the way to Cole Rivers Hatchery.

Anglers are still catching trout and summer steelhead. Anglers can only retain hatchery trout (5 per day) and hatchery Steelhead. 

Given current water levels, drift boat anglers should be aware of Rattlesnake Rapids between Dodge Bridge and Modoc. For the novice, tt’s a good idea to float this section with an experienced boat handler. The Denman Wildlife area on the Modoc access site is a good float if one doesn’t want to deal with Rattlesnake.

As of July 21, 161 spring Chinook brought this year’s total to 1,747 fish, far below the long-term average but closer to meeting broodstock needs. It’s likely around 70 percent of the Chinook return for the year has entered the hatchery. Ninety fresh summer steelhead also entered the ladder bringing the total to 585 fish for the year.

Flows coming out of William L. Jess Dam have bumped back up to 1,442 cfs and will remain relatively constant into mid-August. The upper river temperature is 53.9 degrees, typical for this time of year.

Locally-owned and operated tackle and fly shops in Medford, Shady Cove, and Ashland have excellent gear and very fresh bait, local flies and knowledge that is specific to the Rogue and to your particular technique. Go check them out and offer them your support.

For the latest fish counts, call into the Lost Creek Reservoir hotline or check the MyODFW.com fish counts page.

For the most current releases of water out of Lost Creek Reservoir, call 1-800-472-2434. For real time streamflow from USGS gauges on the Rogue click here.