2001.1 Rogue River Report

[ISC Archives]

Originator: Fred Evans

Date: 9/9/2001 11:25 PM

Don t have the actual hard number but apparently close to 2000 summer runs now in the upper Rogue with a very large percentage of them already up to, in the area, of the hatchery.   But they have FINALLY announced the dates/volume of the reduction in water flow. 8 pm Monday 9-10 water cut from 1800 cfs to 1650 cfs. 8 pm 9-11 cut again to 1500 cfs.   Corp. of Eng. will then cut the river flow on 9-21 to 1300 cfs and again on the 22nd to 1100 cfs. Suspect that in October this will be cut again so the out-flow is a closer match to the inflow (750 cfs).  Point is the summer steelhead and Fall Chnk are really streaming into the upper river so you have a better than even chance of fishing for something in the range of 3 lb and hooking something 30 lb. Interesting question: What tippet do you run? :>)

[ISC Archives]

Originator: Fred Evans

Date: 9/19/2001 4:37 AM

2001.1.1   Well water flow is down and then some; fishing, including the following should improve  lot.  Andy Z (fish head) says first recycle of summer runs happened yesterday. Guy whose the mgr. of a fly fishing shop (McKinizie Outfitters) displays the worst of manors. Think a guy who makes his living from what we do would be at the top of the list; apparently not. Poor performance.   With the lower water flows fishing should be top notch; hooking up even better. fe

[ISC Archives]

Originator: Fred Evans

Date: 10/8/2001 4:55 AM

Well a quick update:   Water flow is now down to 800cfs for fish are being forced to 'stack up' in deeper runs. This can make for some fab. fly fishing with a touch of reading the river. About 4000 summer runs now in the top 30 miles (bulk in the top 15 or less). Time to think of a trip south?   Fred

[ISC Archives]

Originator: longhackle

Date: 10/14/2001 7:01 AM

Hi Fred,   I am interested in the latest "Skinny" for the upper Rogue--fish count, water flow, the "Bite", etc.   I am looking to make it up there (or down there, depending on your perspective) in the next couple of weeks and would appreciate any information/tips you are willing to part with.   Are skaters causing any action?  Is nymphing the most productive lately, etc.?   Again, I appreciate any info. you could provide.   Thanks. Jerry

[ISC Archives]

Originator: Fred Evans

Date: 10/15/2001 1:33 AM

Jerry, Something approaching 5000 summer runs now in top 15 miles of river and with the water flow down to 800cfs fishing is hot, hot, hot. The lower water conditions are making the little buggers bunch up in the deeper runs (3-5 feet) and they're sticking right on the bottom.   Best fishing is from Touville Park up to the top end of the river. Game Dept announced they would reopen the Hatchery Hole (aka the Zoo Hole) on 11-1 rather than January 1st. As this 1200 yard stretch of water starts at the hatchery fish gate it should be something to see in a couple of weeks.   Patterns of choice for most are still a large black buggy (very early/late with white lags, then to black an hour after sun up) followed by a size 8-12 beadhead Prince Nymph. Some October Cad's now showing so I'd have a few of them in the box for additional fund and games.   With the number of free spawing fall Chnk in the river small single egg patterns have also been producing for some of the better fly-guys. Last year they were very sucessfull for me, but for some reason this year they've pretty much been a "zip." Anyway, it's cooling down (fall has finally fell) so it's cool most of the day (high 60's to mid 70's rather than the low 90's) so the 'bite' has been staying on all day long. A very good thing. Depending upon your timing would love to share the beach with you.   Do have a very good map of the river which I've sent copies to several folks who are not framilier with "our" waters. If you'd like me to fax you a set send me a fax number to my work e mail at Frederick_Evans@KeyBank.com. and I'll shoot you a copy. With the map sheets in hand it's pretty easy to get you to stand on the 'special rock' and cut your fooling around down to a minimum. Work number is 541 734 2714. Fred

[ISC Archives]

Originator: Fred Evans

Date: 10/15/2001 1:42 AM

Dah Fred!!   Jerry, forgot to answer two of your questions. Deep run nymphs are still the best all round bet for getting the fishes attention. No restrictions in the fly only water (ends 11-1-01) on number of flys run on your rod; most of us use at least a two bug set up. Big, buggy and black on top and either a BH Prince Nymph or other fly of choice as the trailer. Main thing is the two flys be at least 30" or more apart. Closer together and results drop like a rock. Go figure?   Skaters with this low water are working WONDERFULLY! Found the best time for them is either early or very late in the day. Main thing is the sun is NOT on the run you're fishing. Late last week took two, lost two more on skaters. The first was a big well (silicon goop fly floatant) Muddler Min. Fish hit it so hard he litterly shreaded the fly. The other were on the black/red/black deerhair Bomber. Have several others in my vest just haven't given them a go as of yet. fe

[ISC Archives]

Originator: fish-head

Date: 10/15/2001 4:37 AM

Fred and Jerry ,  Jerry if you are going to come down and fish , try to make it during the week day's if you can ? TheArmy Core dropped the flows to 798CFS . You will never see the the Upper Section this low again unless they decide to drop the CFS more ? Couple places you do not want too miss a stroke , If you plan to bring a drift boat BE PREPARED TO DRAG OVER SOME LEDGES AND TAIL OUTS.......... Other wise it is a circus with fly fisherman fishing behind beds , Lots of water in between to fish slot's ....Sammy's are very spooked and so are the Summer's ...... If you put in there face they will eat , Egg pattern's , Princes #6 , and rubber legged Stone fly's , or the flavor of the month ? And for Fred how come you never gave me a map to that special rock , Or anymore of your SPECIAL LEADER SETUP STUFF ??????? Hope this Help's  Fish-Head

[ISC Archives]

Originator: longhackle

Date: 10/15/2001 4:51 PM

Fred and Fish-Head, Thanks for all of the help.    I am trying to make it down there this Thursday and fish through the weedend at least.  But, as this year has been going, things don't seem to want to work out the way I think they should.   I am planning to camp out at the county c.g. up towards Cole, and I'll be bringing a  pontoon boat for floating (low water no problem) if I can find shuttle arrangements in S. Cove.   Fred, I'd love to have a copy of the map you offered but won't be near a fax this week. Perhaps I'll give you a call to see if I can pick one up on my way up the river on Thursday, (and maybe say thanks with a single malt or two).    Thanks again.   Jerry

[ISC Archives]

Originator: Fred Evans

Date: 10/15/2001 7:31 PM

Jerry, don't let Andy (fish-head) pull  your leg. He knows the top 20 miles of river so well he could draw the map 'free-hand.' Andy even has "pet names" for half the rocks in the river. No problem in getting a copy of the top end of the river sheets to you just let me know when your due down here and I'll meet you at the camp ground (Rogue-Elk at Elk Creek?).   Ware a green and yellow flower patterned dress and a large hat so I can easily pick you out. :>) From Rogue-Elk Camp Ground down to Shady Cove you should be fine in you P-Boat. Couple of places above R-E water (like behind the Obstinate J Ranch) that are pretty hairy in low water, but below it's straight forward. A couple hundred yards below Elk Creek is a chunk of main holding water for the little buggers so be sure to pound the heck out of it as it has a lot of fish in it right now. The ramp at Shady Cove is one of the best 'at dark' holes in the river. I'm sure Andy can give you even more precise info as he runs this section frequently. An example of this would be what he calls "the bucket" right off the mouth of Trail Creek. This is a 20 some yard stretch of water just above the falls (this you may want to 'line' around in a P-Boat not knowing the size of it, etc). Major fish collection area after they've run the fast water.   Give me a call when you get down here and, if it works out for you time-wise, we could 'hook-up.' Also Andy can give you the names/numbers of shuttle services who work this area of the river. Fred

[ISC Archives]

Originator: Fred Evans

Date: 10/17/2001 3:52 AM

Jerry, Bob and Laura will be down to stay with Joan and I this weekend for some summer run fishing. All of us would love to do a 'mini-spey clave.'  If you get this in time before you leave call me at 541 734 2714 - work, 541 857 0700-home or 541 944 0404-cell. Would like to set up a Saturday fish with the bunch of us. Will also get a hold of Andy Zwan (fish-head) to see if he's available. Fred