Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Rogue River - McLeod - Oregon

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Winter Stonefly Midday 14-18 Zebra Midge, Black Stonefly
Midges Afternoon 18-22 Griffith's Gnat, Fuzzle Bugger
February Winter Stonefly Midday 14-18 Zebra Midge, Black Stonefly
Midges Afternoon 18-22 Griffith's Gnat, Fuzzle Bugger
March Spring Caddis Midday 14-16 Elk Hair Caddis, Hare's Ear
Mayflies Afternoon 14-20 Parachute Adams, Blue Wing Olive
April Spring Caddis Midday 16-20 Elk Hair Caddis, Hare's Ear
Mayflies Afternoon 14-20 Parachute Adams, Blue Wing Olive
May Salmonflies Midday 6-12 Stimulator, Sofa Pillow
Golden Stones Evening 8-14 Yellow Sally, BH Copper John
June Salmonflies Midday 6-12 Stimulator, Sofa Pillow
Golden Stones Evening 8-14 Yellow Sally, BH Copper John
July Terrestrials All Day 8-14 Hopper patterns, Foam Beetle
Caddis Evening 12-18 Elk Hair Caddis, Henryville Special
August Terrestrials All Day 8-14 Hopper patterns, Foam Beetle
Caddis Evening 12-18 Elk Hair Caddis, Henryville Special
September Fall Caddis Midday 14-18 Diving Caddis, Goddard Caddis
Terrestrials Afternoon 10-14 Ant Patterns, Grasshopper Patterns
October Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 18-22 Parachute Adams, BWO Emerger
October Caddis Evening 8-10 Godard's Tan Orange Caddis, Stimulator
November Winter Stonefly Midday 10-14 Zebra Midge, Black Stonefly
Midges Afternoon 18-22 Griffith's Gnat, Fuzzle Bugger
December Winter Stonefly Midday 10-14 Zebra Midge, Black Stonefly
Midges Afternoon 18-22 Griffith's Gnat, Fuzzle Bugger

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

Located in southwestern Oregon, the Rogue River offers some world-renowned locations for fly fishing. Particularly, the McLeod section is prominent among fly fishers. Notable spots include:

  • Lower Rogue River: This tailwater section offers diverse fishing opportunities, especially in the stretch below Grant’s Pass. It’s ideal for large steelhead and salmon.
  • Rainie Falls: Famous for its challenging whitewater, this spot draws experienced anglers who target steelhead and salmon during their upstream migration.
  • Illinois River Confluence: The merging of these two rivers provides excellent holding and feeding areas for trout and steelhead.
  • Takelma Gorge: Known for its unbelievable beauty and teeming with rainbow trout, this remote section of the Upper Rogue River is well worth the hike.
  • The Narrows: This area in the McLeod section is a challenging but rewarding fly fishing spot, home to some large and feisty steelhead.

Best Access Points

The Rogue River in McLeod offers remarkable opportunities for fly fishers. Some of the best access points are:
  • Upper Rogue River: This section, running from the river’s headwaters at Boundary Springs to William L. Jess Dam, is teeming with trout and steelhead.

  • Gold Hill Sports Park: Located in Gold Hill, the park offers easy access to riparian areas along the Rogue River for fly fishing.

  • Rogue Elk Park: This park offers about a half-mile of access along the upper Rogue, providing ample spots for casting lines into the flowing river.

  • Shady Cove Park: A well-maintained park with river access for boats and, most importantly for fly fishers, lots of shoreline access to the river.

  • Takelma Park: Located near the town of Rogue River, the park offers river access and several good locations for fly fishing.

Local Fish

The local fish that are targeted for fly fishing on the Rogue River – McLeod are:
  • Steelhead Trout: These anadromous fish are highly prized by fly anglers for their size and fighting spirit.
  • Chinook Salmon: Also known as king salmon, they represent a significant component of the Rogue’s recreational fishing.
  • Rainbow Trout: A native trout species, they are usually caught in the river’s upper reaches.
  • Bull Trout: A predatory fish species native to the Pacific Northwest, can reach impressive sizes.
  • Coastal Cutthroat Trout: Usually found in the tributaries, these fish are usually smaller but can provide a fun challenge.
  • Pacific Lamprey: An ancient, jawless fish that is often overlooked but are an integral part of the Rogue River ecosystem.
  • White Sturgeon: The largest freshwater fish in North America, a rare but exciting catch.
  • Mountain Whitefish: An abundant species in the Rogue, these fish are native and well-adapted to the river system.

About The River

Experience the tranquility and rich history of the Rogue River – McLeod. This stunning river runs through southwestern Oregon, painting a breathtaking landscape that’s blessed with flora and fauna. The river, in its majestic beauty, stretches over 215 miles.

Let’s explore its history:

  • Native American Era: The Rogue River was central to Native American tribes, like the Takelma, whose lives centered around its bountiful resources.
  • Naming: The river earned its name ‘Rogue River’ from French trappers, who were met with resistance from local tribes and tagged them as ‘Coquins’ meaning ‘Rogues’.
  • Gold Discovery: In the mid-1850s, gold was discovered – triggering the Rogue River Wars between gold-seekers and indigenous peoples.
  • Establishment of Reserves: To maintain natural beauty and encourage recreational activities, President Dwight Eisenhower established the Rogue River as a National Wild and Scenic River in 1968.

Today, the Rogue River – McLeod serves as a delightful escape offering adventure activities such as white-water rafting, fishing, and hiking.

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