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Premier Rogue River Fishing with Capt. TJ
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Grants Pass,OR
- $350 - $1,000 price range
Summary
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Rogue River Catches
Triple Chinook success!
Proud Chinook catch!
Beastly Chinook landed!
Solid Chinook lineup!
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Exciting Chinook catch!
Massive Chinook catch!
Epic Chinook haul!
Loaded with Chinook!
Bridge-side Chinook catch!
Triple Chinook success!
Proud Chinook catch!
Beastly Chinook landed!
Solid Chinook lineup!
null
Exciting Chinook catch!
Massive Chinook catch!
Epic Chinook haul!
Loaded with Chinook!
Bridge-side Chinook catch!
Triple Chinook success!
Proud Chinook catch!
Beastly Chinook landed!
Solid Chinook lineup!
Rogue River Fishing: 8-Hour Salmon & Steelhead Adventure
Ready for some world-class fishing on Southern Oregon's legendary Rogue River? Captain TJ Cornelison's got you covered with an 8-hour charter that'll have you casting for trophy salmon and steelhead in some of the most beautiful water you've ever laid eyes on. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, TJ's expertise and local know-how will put you on the fish and create memories that'll last a lifetime.
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're drifting down the pristine Rogue, surrounded by towering pines and rugged canyon walls. The morning mist is just lifting off the water as Captain TJ points out a prime holding spot. You cast, and bam! Your rod doubles over with the weight of a chrome-bright steelhead. This isn't just fishing - it's an all-out Oregon adventure. TJ's boat is set up for comfort and efficiency, with top-notch gear that'll give you the best shot at landing the big one. And with room for up to 4 guests, you can bring along your fishing buddies or make it a family day on the water.
Rogue River Fishing 101
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of techniques to target salmon and steelhead. Depending on the season and water conditions, we might be drift fishing with roe, back-bouncing plugs, or even pulling sardine-wrapped Kwikfish. TJ's always got his finger on the pulse of what's working, so you'll be using the hottest techniques and best gear. We'll cover miles of prime water, hitting all the sweet spots - from deep, swirling holes where big kings like to hold, to classic steelhead riffles that'll make your heart race every time you mend your line.
Species You'll Want to Hook
The Rogue River is home to some of Oregon's most prized game fish. Let's break down what you might tangle with on your trip:
Chinook Salmon: Also known as king salmon, these are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon world. Rogue River kings are famous for their size and fight. They typically range from 15 to 40 pounds, but 50-pounders aren't unheard of. Fall is prime time for these bruisers, with the best action usually happening from September through November. When a king hits, hold on tight - they're known for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your skills and your gear.
Coho Salmon: While not as big as their Chinook cousins, Coho (or silver) salmon make up for it with their feisty attitudes. These fish typically weigh 6 to 12 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked. The Rogue's Coho run peaks in October and November. They're suckers for flashy lures and flies, often hitting with explosive strikes that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
Steelhead Trout: The Rogue is world-renowned for its steelhead fishing, and for good reason. These sea-run rainbow trout are some of the hardest-fighting fish pound-for-pound you'll ever encounter. Winter steelhead start showing up in December and run through March, while summer-run fish are available from July through October. Averaging 6 to 12 pounds, with some topping 20, hooking into a wild Rogue steelhead is an experience you won't soon forget. They're known for their long, screaming runs and aerial displays that'll have your heart pounding.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Fishing the Rogue with Captain TJ isn't just about catching fish - it's about the whole package. You'll be floating through some of the most stunning scenery Oregon has to offer, with a good chance of spotting wildlife like eagles, ospreys, and even the occasional black bear. TJ's not just a guide; he's a wealth of local knowledge, happy to share stories about the river's history and the characters who've fished it over the years. And let's not forget the fishing itself - when that rod goes down and line starts peeling off your reel, you'll understand why anglers travel from all over the world to fish these waters.
What You Need to Know
While meals aren't included on this 8-hour trip, TJ recommends bringing along some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up. Don't forget to pack layers - Oregon weather can be unpredictable, and you'll want to be comfortable out on the water. As for fishing licenses, you'll need to grab an Oregon fishing license and the appropriate tags for salmon or steelhead before the trip. TJ can point you in the right direction if you need help with this. And remember, while TJ provides all the gear you'll need, you're welcome to bring your own rod and reel if you prefer.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to experience some of the best fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer, Captain TJ Cornelison's Rogue River charters are just the ticket. With years of experience, top-notch equipment, and a passion for putting clients on fish, TJ's trips are a cut above. Whether you're dreaming of battling a mighty Chinook, testing your skills against acrobatic Coho, or feeling the electric pull of a wild steelhead, the Rogue River is calling. Don't miss out on this chance to create lasting memories and maybe even land the fish of a lifetime. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so grab your fishing buddies and book your trip with Captain TJ today. The fish are waiting - are you ready to answer the call?
Learn more about the species
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon are the kings of the Rogue, and for good reason. These monsters can top 30 pounds, with silvery sides and a blue-green back dotted with black spots. They're a blast to catch, putting up a serious fight when hooked. You'll find them in deeper, cooler parts of the river, especially near cover like fallen trees. Fall is prime time as they make their spawning run. Anglers love Chinooks for their size, strength, and rich, flavorful meat. If you're after one, try trolling with weighted plugs or spoons in the early morning. My local tip? When fly fishing, go for bright flies on sunny days and darker patterns when it's overcast. These fish are light-sensitive, so matching your presentation to the conditions can make all the difference.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon, or silvers, are the acrobats of the Rogue. They're smaller than Chinooks, usually 8-12 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. These fish are known for their spectacular leaps and runs. You'll find them in calmer areas of the river, often near debris or in deep pools. Late summer to fall is the best time to target them as they return from the ocean. Anglers love Cohos for their aggressive strikes and aerial displays. They're also great eating, with bright orange meat. To land one, try swinging spinners in fast water or twitching jigs in holding spots. Here's a local secret: Cohos are suckers for bright, flashy lures. A chartreuse or hot pink jig can really get their attention, especially in slightly murky water.
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are the Rogue's year-round attraction. These sea-run rainbow trout average 24 inches but can reach a whopping 55 pounds. They're sleek and silvery, with a signature pink stripe along their sides. You'll find them in cool, fast-moving sections of the river, often near riffles or pocket water. Winter and summer both offer great steelhead fishing, with different runs coming in. Anglers prize steelhead for their incredible fighting ability and the challenge they present. They're notoriously choosy, earning the nickname "fish of a thousand casts." For the best shot at hooking one, try drifting a nymph rig or swinging flies with a spey rod. My go-to local trick? Focus on the "softer" water at the edges of fast runs. Steelhead often hold here to rest, and a well-placed cast can lead to an explosive strike.
