Aniak River Hosted Trip 2022

Halleluaja

It’s finally rained, after what has seemed like far to long for such a mundane fact of life like weather.

The clouds reared up against the Klamath mountains and at long last, have quenched for a time the dust and ash, fire and smoke that’s plagued the State of Jefferson for months.

The smell of the coming rain was palpable as I approached the mountains’ southern flanks, driving north and home from the Shadow of Shasta after a fun day introducing fly fisherman to the Upper Sacramento’s Wild Trout.

It’s a good sign for Fall fishing in Southern Oregon and Northern California and after such a hot and smokey summer. I hope it’s welcome relief for more then just a fly fishing guide.

This first rain for many is the unofficial kickoff of steelhead season; a time of high hopes for fresh chrome and magical days in their pursuit. For all fisherman though, including trout anglers, the changing of seasons is always a great time to be out on the water. Sometimes fish feel the relief too.

As Shasta faded into the rearview mirror, the patter increased with each upward bend of the road, over the Klamath River’s tea colored waters, finally through the fresh scar left by the Hornbrook fire. Kind of like me, it looks better after a shower.

I’m Looking forward to a Fall season of tight lines, leaping fish and many fond memories. Hopefully a few will have a dripping hat brim and rain jacket somewhere along in the story.

Fly-Only Regulations begin on the Upper Rogue River: A few tips to ensure your fish swims away.

Signaling one of fly anglers favorite times in Southern Oregon, September 1st brings Fly-Only regulations (pg. 36) to the Upper Rogue River, Oregon.

During this time period Fall Chinook and Summer Steelhead surge into the upper river where water and weather conditions are perfect for fly anglers seeking a quality and fun angling experience. This year the Rogue is forecast to host and is beginning to see an epic, large return of both Chinook and Steelhead.

Many tactics are used on the Upper Rogue River including Spey casting with two handed rods (a local favorite), indicator nymphing from drift boats and the time tested "Rogue River twitch."

Which ever angling method you choose to utilize while fly fishing on the Upper Rogue River, take note many of these prized fish are wild and the utmost care should be taken when fighting, handling, photographing and releasing them. A study by Trout Unlimited shows mortality is much higher when fish are exposed to over 30 seconds of air (Do better then that, PLEASE) and that barbless hooks also increase survival rate. As local guides, we do our best to follow TU's recommendations and because we are on the water most days during the Fall, we tend to encounter quite a few fish.

To ensure your fish swim away strong, I recommend using a rubber net bag that is much larger then the anticipated fish to be caught such as PNW landing nets. If you plan to take a Grip N Grin, prep your shot so when it's picture time, you can count the seconds of air exposure to the fish. I aim for 3 seconds or less out of the water. Better still, if the angler and conditions allow, try for a shot that keeps the fish mostly submerged. Your fish will thank you when it sprays your face with a fan of cool water after it darts back to the depths.

Tight Lines,

Brandon Worthington

Half-Pounders on the Upper Rogue River!

The Rogue River has an epic Steelhead run each fall. But this year we are also seeing many half-pounder to the net too! So great, keeping the rods bent.

Keep em wet, these fish will return to the ocean to grow larger and return next year. Double fun!

Rogue Nightmare. Steelhead Beware.

With a Saturday morning off and fly-only regulations in just three short weeks I sat down at the vice to bang out a few choice patterns.

The Rogue Nightmare is a fly that can be both swung and dropped under a bobber. 

Steelhead beware ...

Check out Ashland, OR for your next fly fishing trip

Ashland, Oregon has it all - Food and Wine, accomodation, entertainment and a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities, including outstanding regional fly fishing destinations such as the Rogue and Klamath Rivers.

At Worthington Fly Fishing we have you covered on the water and ensure your fly fishing experience is everything you could have hoped for. But to see why Ashland is such a stand out for your next getaway, check out Vogue Magazines recent article about where to eat, drink and stay and play while you are here.

Tight Lines,

Rogue River Summer Steelhead Report

Flows continue to be lower then seasonal but water clarity and temps are perfect. Wet wading in the evenings is wonderful, and fish are being caught throughout the day.

Fires surrounding the area are causing smoke in the valley but anglers take note: Smoke reduces sunlight on the water and is essentially CLOUD cover. Fishing is good, come get some!

Drop us a line to set up your guided Steelhead trip on Oregon’s famous  Rogue River.

760.424.9682

Pinch Your Barbs

I plan to hook them again tomorrow, so I like to make sure their chances are as good as possible. Keep your tip up and keep your tension, but pinch your barbs!

Spring Fly Fishing in Southern Oregon

Southern Oregon + Northern California Fly Fishing Report

As the rivers in our area continue to fish well for winter steelhead, warmer, brighter days signal that the end of the season is in sight. Between storms and as waters clear, the observant angler can look in shallow tail-outs and see the occasional fish digging redds and dropping eggs.  It's a special dance to witness and one I hope goes well for the fish who are ensuring their legacy and our continued opportunity to fish.

As waters warm through the spring months, wild trout in the Klamath and Rogue become much more active and feed on the bounty of aquatic insects and baitfish.

Both the Rogue and Klamath Rivers see strong hatches of golden stoneflies and salmonflies early in the season. On the Rogue, most fish are small but Cutthroat to 20 inches or more can show themselves from the deep over hanging branches of the upper river in May.  Dry fly fishing in the early mornings and evenings can be non-stop action and trips are a perfect addition to a spring weekend in Ashland, OR.

Meanwhile, on the Klamath River, swarms of stoneflies, caddis, and damsel choke the reeds and air, but the fish seldom feel the need to surface for them. Turbid waters, bouldery chutes and heavy water require skilled subsurface presentations. Serious anglers love this fishery and are often rewarded with high quality Redband Trout. We fish out of framed fishing rafts and the whitewater between fishing ensures a high adventure fishing trip.

Worthington Fly Fishing guides both the Rogue and Klamath rivers in Southern Oregon and takes pride in sharing exceptional guiding and outstanding days on the water. Join us in 2018 to kick off your trout season!

Plan Your Trip

760-424-9682

WorthingtonFlyFishing@gmail.com