Full Day Salmon And Trout Fishing Trip In Rogue River
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day salmon and trout fishing on scenic Rogue RiverPrime season July through October for king salmon trollingExpert Captain TJ provides guidance for all skill levels
Captain TJ Cornelison knows the Rogue River like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some of Oregon's best salmon and steelhead action. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience – with just one guest at a time, you get personalized attention and the chance to really dial in your technique. The Rogue River system offers some of the most consistent fishing on the Oregon coast, especially during the prime July through October window when kings are pushing through in serious numbers. Whether you're looking to land your first chinook or add another trophy steelhead to your logbook, Captain TJ's got the local knowledge and proven spots to make it happen.
Your day starts early with Captain TJ, who'll meet you at the launch with everything rigged and ready to roll. The Rogue River offers a unique mix of tidal influences and freshwater structure that creates perfect holding water for salmon and steelhead throughout the season. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat that can handle both the lower river's tidal sections and the upper reaches where the big fish like to stage. The scenery alone is worth the trip – towering coastal mountains, dense forests, and crystal-clear water that lets you see fish moving through the deeper pools. Captain TJ runs a relaxed operation where you can focus on fishing without worrying about navigation or reading the water. He knows which holes are producing, what the fish are hitting, and how to adjust tactics when conditions change throughout the day.
Captain TJ specializes in trolling techniques that consistently produce results on the Rogue River system. You'll be running a mix of cut-plug herring, spinners, and spoons depending on what the fish are showing interest in that particular day. The boat carries all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need – everything from lighter steelhead setups to heavy salmon gear that can handle a 30-pound king when it decides to make a run. Trolling allows you to cover water efficiently and put your bait right in the strike zone where these fish are actively feeding. Captain TJ will teach you how to read the rod tips, feel the difference between a bite and bottom contact, and set the hook properly when a fish commits. The lower river sections offer deeper water perfect for trolling, while the upper reaches provide opportunities to work specific structure and current breaks where fish like to hold.
The Rogue River consistently delivers some of Oregon's most sought-after species, each offering its own unique fight and characteristics that keep anglers coming back year after year. Captain TJ targets these fish during their peak seasons when they're most active and accessible to visiting anglers.
Chinook salmon are the undisputed kings of the Rogue River system, with fish regularly pushing 20 to 30 pounds and occasional monsters topping 40 pounds. These powerful fish enter the system from July through October, with peak numbers typically showing up in August and September. Chinooks are known for their bulldogging fights and long, powerful runs that will test your drag system and endurance. What makes Rogue River kings special is their incredible condition – these fish are fresh from the ocean, chrome-bright, and full of fight. They're also some of the best eating salmon you'll find anywhere, with rich, firm meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker.
Coho salmon bring a completely different energy to the fight, known for their acrobatic jumps and lightning-fast runs. These silver bullets typically range from 8 to 15 pounds but make up for their smaller size with pure athleticism. Cohos hit hard and often go airborne immediately, putting on a spectacular show that gets your heart pumping. They move through the Rogue River system primarily from August through October, often following the chinook runs. Local anglers love cohos because they're aggressive biters and will often hit lures that kings might ignore, making them a great backup target when the fishing gets tough.
Steelhead trout are the ultimate game fish for many Pacific Northwest anglers, and the Rogue River produces some true beauties. These sea-run rainbow trout typically range from 6 to 12 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 15 pounds or more. Steelhead are available year-round in the Rogue system, but summer-run fish from July through October offer some of the most exciting fishing. These fish are incredibly strong for their size and known for spectacular jumps and long runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. What makes Rogue River steelhead special is their chrome-bright condition and the variety of water they can be caught in – from deep tidal pools to shallow gravel bars where you can sight-fish to individual fish.
The Rogue River's prime fishing season is relatively short, and Captain TJ's personalized one-on-one trips book up fast during peak salmon runs. July through October offers the best combination of weather, fish numbers, and river conditions, but the sweet spot is typically August and September when all three target species are present in good numbers. Don't wait until the last minute to secure your dates – the best fishing often coincides with weekends and holidays when availability gets tight. Captain TJ provides all the gear, expertise, and local knowledge you need for a successful day on one of Oregon's most productive salmon and steelhead rivers. Whether you're a visiting angler looking to experience world-class Pacific Northwest fishing or a local wanting to learn new water, this trip delivers the goods. Book your spot now and get ready to experience why the Rogue River has such a legendary reputation among serious salmon and steelhead anglers.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweight champions of the Rogue River, typically running 12-30 pounds with some giants pushing over 40. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs love the deeper holes and channels where they stage before spawning runs. July through October is prime time when they're aggressive and feeding hard. What makes them special? Pure power - they'll strip line and test your drag like no other fish. Plus, that rich orange-pink meat is table fare at its finest. Here's a local trick: since kings are light-sensitive and hug the bottom, use a heavy sinker to get your bait down where they're lurking. Early morning and evening bites are typically the hottest.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are the acrobats of the Rogue - expect 8-12 pounders that'll jump six feet straight up when hooked. They cruise the mid-water column in deeper pools and love structure like fallen trees and rocky ledges. Best action runs from late summer into fall when they're moving upriver. What sets coho apart is their fighting spirit - they're scrappy, aerial, and never give up easy. The bright orange meat is outstanding eating too. My go-to method here is swinging bright spinners through the current breaks. Chartreuse and pink work great, especially on cloudy days. Keep your drag smooth because when these fish go airborne, they'll throw the hook if there's too much tension.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are sea-run rainbows that average 24 inches but can stretch past 35 - they're built like chrome torpedoes after years in the ocean. Look for them in fast water, tail-outs, and deep runs with good current. Mid-fall through spring offers the best action as they move upriver to spawn. These fish are pure adrenaline - long runs, head shakes, and jumps that'll get your heart racing. They're also incredible table fare with firm, pink meat. The challenge is what draws most anglers back. Pro tip: drift your bait or lure naturally with the current - steelhead are spooky and will reject anything that looks unnatural. Light line and a gentle touch often make the difference.
Grants Pass,OR