Idaho Fish Report
Spring chinook numbers continue to rise
by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
5-22-2025
Website
The release from Lost Creek is 2,220 cfs as the Corps deals with snowmelt entering Lost Creek Reservoir. River temperature out of Lost Cr is 52F. The flow at Gold Ray is 3,010 cfs.
Spring chinook numbers continue to rise in the upper river, and hatchery chinook are broadly distributed. But don't forget that winter steelhead are still available and being caught. Pulling plugs at the heads and tails of pools can be very productive under these semi-high conditions. Side drifting, spoons, and swung flies will work in some places and be more effective as river levels drop and settle. The Rogue is closed to trout fishing until May 22.
Cole Rivers Hatchery returns as of 5/07/25:
- Spring Chinook: 156 new fish for week, 368 season total
- Winter Steelhead: 122 new fish for week, 1510 season total
Anglers, please use proper catch-and-release techniques, such as keeping fish in the water as much as possible and releasing them quickly. If fish are getting injured with the technique you are using, please change techniques. Remember that smaller rainbow are usually the steelhead that will return in future years.
For up-to-date river levels, check all the USGS Rogue gauges here.