Rogue River Steelheading - Oregon

The Rogue River

Our outfitter holds a special BLM permit to access this section of the river, known as The Wild Rogue. This area spans 32.4 miles from Grave Creek to Watson Creek, with ten Class III rapids with some Class IV sections. The Rogue River consists of large pool-and-drop sequences, offering thrilling whitewater.
The trip begins just below Grave Creek. Shortly after entering the water, the guides will maneuver their boats around Rainie Falls, the only part of the river that cannot be safely navigated. Throughout the remaining 43-mile journey, you'll enjoy the remoteness and breathtaking beauty of the Rogue River Canyon.
Season:  September 1 through mid-November.

Rogue River Steelhead

The Rogue River "Twitch" means swinging a wet fly.
Fly or lure fish for 4-to 10-pound summer steelhead and the world-famous half-pounders (1½ to 3 pounds steelhead - nicknamed by Zane Grey). Steelhead migrate up from the Pacific Ocean to the upper reaches of the Rogue.
During your drift, your guide will point out historic sites. Take a short hike to the Rogue River Historical Museum and learn about the Rogue Indians and the Canyon's first white settlers. Winkle Bar is a favorite spot for history buffs. You can also visit Zane Grey's cabin on the mining claim he purchased from an old gold prospector in 1926. Zane Grey was inspired to write several novels at his cabin on the Rogue, including "Rogue River Feud" and "Shooting the Rogue."

Typical Fishing Day:
7:30 a.m. Breakfast is served at the Lodge. After breakfast, the boats are packed up.
9:00 a.m. You'll float and fish the river.
Between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m., the guides prepare a nice shore lunch.
After lunch, you'll float, fish, and pull into that evening's boat-in-only lodge for the night.
Between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m., You'll enjoy a hearty dinner and a hot shower, if desired, before bed.

Guide-Prepared Shore Lunch

Shore Lunch:  Each day, the guides prepare a nice shore lunch with fresh fish, a deli-sandwich bar, and salads. Shore lunches feature fresh steelhead (only hatchery fish) or salmon when available.

The Fishing Program:

Boats:  Drift boats have padded seats with back support and ample legroom. You’ll get in at least eight hours of guided fishing each day. One to two anglers per boat and guide. You'll mainly fish from the drift boat as the wild and scenic Rogue doesn't offer much bank fishing.
Guides:  All of their guides have multiple years of guiding experience on the Rogue and other rivers in Oregon, Idaho, and California. They provide excellent instruction for all levels of anglers. The guides are top boatmen and are able to easily access small pockets of water with no wading or extremely long casting.
Group Size:  Up to 12 anglers per week.
Methods:  The outfitter focuses mainly on fly fishing. Although some lures are welcome, no baitfishing is allowed.
Fishing Equipment:  All fishing gear, tackle, and flies are provided.
Fishing License:   The package does not include an Oregon fishing license and steelhead tag.

Blossom Bar Rapid

Rogue River Wildlife

During your drift, you may see osprey, wild turkeys, bald eagles, otters, turtles, deer, and the occasional black bear.

Black Bar Lodge

Lodging:  You'll stay at three comfortable, historic lodges on the Rogue – Black Bar Lodge, Marial Lodge, and Illahe Lodge. Hot showers, a warm fireplace, comfy beds with sheets, and two guests per room or cabin.

Cabin Black Bar - First Night

First Night:  You will float to the shore of Black Bar Lodge, where you can enjoy a delicious Dutch oven BBQ dinner and a hearty breakfast prepared by your guides. When it's time for lights out, you'll stay in log cabins with a private bathroom. At Black Bar, you'll experience some of the brightest stars in the night sky.

Marial Lodge

Second Night:  You'll stay at Marial Lodge on your second night. Enjoy a spacious deck overlooking the river. This historic lodge is full of character and known for its delicious cuisine. Each room has a private bathroom.

Illahe Lodge

Third Night:  Illahe is a classic fishing lodge with stunning views. The warm atmosphere of this family home is steeped in the rich history and lore of the Rogue River.
Communications:  Phones don’t work on this stretch of the river. The guides carry satellite communications for emergencies.

Meals:  You'll enjoy hearty breakfasts and dinners at the riverside lodges.

Beverages:  Water, soft drinks, and lemonade are provided. Guests are invited to bring their own adult beverages.

Getting to the Trip Start:

Medford is the closest airport to the launch site. (Portland is a four-hour drive.) The day before the trip starts, plan on staying in a motel in Grants Pass, Oregon, or in the small town of Merlin. The following day, the group will meet on the Rogue River at Grave Creek at 9:00 a.m. The launch is about 20 miles off of Interstate 5. You’ll meet your guides, pack your water bags, get fitted for a life jacket, and take in a short safety speech. There is a $135 shuttle fee to get your vehicle from the put-in to the take-out. Our confirmation packet includes a list of lodging options.
Departure Days:  For 4-day trips, you'll generally reach the final destination of Agnes at about 11:00 a.m. If you’re traveling back to Interstate 5, it's about 2 hours to Grants Pass.

2025 USD Rates:

Season:  September 1 - November 12

3-nights and 4-days guided fishing
$2,550.00 per person

2-nights and 3-days guided fishing
Available in November:
$2,175.00 per person

3 and 4-day Rafting Trips are available
between August 8-18.
Please request rates.

The Package Includes:

• Lodging
• All meals on the river
• Guided fishing
• Use of fly outfits and flies
• BLM special use permit

The Package Does Not Include: