The shop dog, Jasper, and I took a long weekend down South fishing the famed Rogue River half pounder run. While I have rafted the Wild and Scenic section several times in the Summer, I have never actually fished for our unique juvenile steelies.
After the 4 plus hour drive to the Agness area I launched my boat and motored up to the first riffle. It was 80 degrees and high sun. A long-time shop customer gave me some advice that on warm days they are only in the faster, oxygenated water and he was correct.
Fished or an hour and nothing, changed flies and tactics but still nada. I kept at it and motored back up as high as I could and as soon as the shade hit the water, I hooked my first fish and boy do they hit hard.
I continued down the run and landed several in the 12-15” range. Some on dead drift but most on the swing. Fished Sens 20”ers, McChickens (Hot Spot Girdle), and big bead jigged possie both under a bobber and under a chubby. Had one fish smash the chubby as well but did not hook up. These fish are so cool! Super acrobatic, strong and they truly look like miniature steelhead.
Next morning I floated from Foster Bar to Agness. Same tactics produced decent fishing, again all in faster riffles. I swung traditionals and girdle bugs in the greasy shaded tail outs and sweet looking glades with no results. Weather was gorgeous and by noon the temps were over 80 and the action
slowed dramatically.
Silvers were jumping in the deep pools, Herons and Egrets were chilling and the day cruised by. By 4 I was close the end of the drift when I got to a juicy
looking riffle. Slid through, rowed into position and anchored in the sweet spot. First cast landed my biggest ½ pounder and second cast a wild adult!! What a way to end the day.
Last morning I put in at Hog Eddy across from the confluence of the Illinois
river. Stunning backdrop with the tall bridge over the spot. Had good action for an hour and landed another stunner. I really found out why this fishery is so storied and popular. The Fall weather and camping, stunning scenery, killer BBQ at Cougar Lane and good fishing have me thinking about next year.
If you have any questions reach out to us at the shop, we’d be happy to help.
-Bryson & Jasper
