The periodic bumps in rain should be as good of conditions as the Rogue has seen in January for a few years. It is a bit muddy, but a day after each small crest should get the river fishable again. Based on the current forecast, Thursday and Saturday looks to be a dropping river.

A potential few winter fish have been caught, but there’s mostly just half-pounders and down runner summer steelhead being encountered. There has been very little river pressure, but prime side-planner spots around Galice will be getting filled early. The sweeping inside bends on Griffin Park, Matson Park, or Robertson Bridge would be good places to run a side planner and plug or Spin-n-Glo when the water is muddy and just starting to drop.

Wild steelhead retention is closed until Feb. 1, when they may be kept as long as they are 24 inches. not be harvested until Feb. 1, and they must be at least 24 inches.

There continue to be reports of half-pounders in good number around Agness, Marial and Galice. However, with the bump in river flows, your guess is as good as any where they’ll be once the river returns.

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 morning, the flow in Grants Pass was approximately 2,750 cfs and dropping, turbidity at 8 NTU, temperatures in the low 40s. Expect another bump or two by the weekend with the river cresting around 4000 cfs and 3.62 feet late Friday night. Later Saturday or early Sunday would be the best time to be on the water.

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. Last updated 1/6/21.