Steelhead fishing has picked up on the Applegate River and the first 249 winter steelhead came into the trap last week. Outflow from the dam is around 650 cfs and 43 F. Middle and lower river levels are on the high side due to heavy rain this past weekend. Water clarity should be good below the angling deadline near the dam.

In the last few weeks we've gotten reports of folks catching steelhead upstream of Cantrall Buckley County. Side drifting with a worm has been productive.

Hatchery steelhead may be retained between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2025. All wild steelhead must be released. Bait is allowed. No fishing from a floating device.

The Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation is required for all winter steelhead anglers fishing in the Rogue Basin or on the south coast from Dec. 1 to April 30.

Only adipose fin clipped rainbow trout may be retained. All wild rainbow and cutthroat trout must be released unharmed. Consult the fishing regulations for more information.