Winter Steelhead Fishing
Southern Oregon’s Premier Winter Steelhead Adventures
From December through April, Southern Oregon transforms into a world-class winter steelhead destination. Blair’s Guide Service offers guided drift boat and jet boat trips across the Rogue, Umpqua, Chetco, Elk, Sixes, and Illinois Rivers, each offering its own unique character and trophy fish potential.
Winter steelhead are hard-fighting, aggressive, and unforgettable — and our family of guides is here to put you right where the action is.
Rogue River – Winter Steelhead
December through April
The Rogue River boasts one of the most abundant winter steelhead returns in Oregon. With a steady four-month migration, anglers enjoy countless opportunities to target both hatchery and wild fish — perfect for those who love taking home fresh steelhead.
These fish typically range 6–14 pounds, with larger fish pushing the 20-pound class. We guide both jet boat and drift boat trips from Gold Beach up through Merlin and Grants Pass, adjusting location as the run progresses.
A classic, productive, and highly accessible winter steelhead fishery.
South & North Umpqua Rivers
January through April
The South and North Umpqua Rivers are famous for producing large, powerful wild steelhead year after year.
-
South Umpqua:
Features a strong hatchery program and consistent returns, making it a great system for action-packed days. -
North Umpqua:
Renowned for its beautiful wild steelhead and incredible scenery. With very few hatchery fish, this is primarily a catch-and-release experience, preserving a healthy population of oversized winter steelhead.
These rivers are ideal for anglers wanting big, wild fish in breathtaking country.
Chetco River – Winter Steelhead
December through March
Born in the high country east of Brookings, the Chetco River remains one of Oregon’s most pristine and productive winter steelhead fisheries. With no dams and a strong broodstock program, the Chetco receives fresh, chrome-bright fish whenever the rains hit.
It’s common to catch steelhead only 4–7 miles from the ocean, making them incredibly strong and full of energy. This is drift boat fishing at its finest, surrounded by emerald water and untouched forest.
Elk River – Winter Steelhead
January through March
The Elk River is known for its classic “steelhead green” water, rainforest-like banks, and steady returns of both hatchery and wild fish. Thanks to the hatchery located directly on the river, anglers can expect strong numbers of returning steelhead.
Most fish run 8–15 pounds, with trophy specimens breaking the 20-pound mark. This small, scenic river offers peaceful floats and excellent fishing.
Sixes River – Winter Steelhead
January through April
Flowing just a few miles from the Elk, the Sixes River is a unique small-stream fishery known for producing some of the meanest, hardest-fighting steelhead of the season. This system receives a generous return of wild winter steelhead and offers a rugged, intimate winter steelhead experience.
When the water is right, the Sixes can fish exceptionally well.
Illinois River – Wild Winter Steelhead
January through March
A tributary to the Rogue, the Illinois River is home to a fully wild, native steelhead population with no hatchery influence. These fish are fierce, aggressive, and incredibly fun to target.
Techniques include:
-
Back-trolling plugs
-
Swinging spoons
-
Spey or single-hand fly fishing
With private-access drift boat opportunities and guided bank fishing for the more adventurous angler, the Illinois offers a remote and secluded winter steelhead experience unlike any other.
Why Fish Winter Steelhead With Blair’s Guide Service?
-
Multi-generational, family-run guide team
-
Licensed, insured, and highly experienced on all regional systems
-
Jet boat & drift boat options
-
Access to private water on select rivers
-
Custom trips for families, beginners, or seasoned steelheaders
-
Highest quality gear, boats, and safety standards
Contact- Shane Blair
Serving Southern Oregon’s Premier Fisheries
Rogue • Chetco • Elk • Sixes • Umpqua • Illinois
Guided Salmon & Steelhead Trips Year-Round
USCG Licensed • Fully Insured • Professional Guides
541-761-7797