The Umpqua Rivers consist of the South Umpqua, North Umpqua and Main Umpqua, located near Roseburg, Oregon. Each fork of the Umpqua River System provides great opportunities for salmon and steelhead fishing year round. The North Umpqua River originates near Diamond Lake in the High Cascade Mountains. Most people find its beauty one-of-a-kind.
The North Umpqua River has salmon and steelhead in it every day of the year. The biggest Winter steelhead taken in my boat each winter are usually caught on the North Umpqua River. Most Winters I witness fish over 20 pounds. I have had several Winter steelhead get away that I can only wonder about. Twenty-six pounds is the largest landed in my boat. Maybe you’ll get one bigger.
During the Winter the rapids, rocks and willows make this big fast powerful river one of my favorite challenges. I have had a love for this river from the first day I fished it. It never gets old and shows me something new all the time. Please come and share Winter steelhead day with me; I know you’ll like it. I take two people at a time in heated drift boats. Rain gear is a must, but once you’re out there experiencing the action, all the rest slips away.
Umpqua River Spring Chinook
Great fighting fish that typically arrived in good numbers from April through June, these fish are challenging to catch and to catch a limit of two is an excellent day. My favorite fish for dinner or lunch or breakfast. These fish take patience to catch, but are well worth the time and energy.
The South Umpqua River has an excellent Winter Steelhead Hatchery program. Its scenic drifts near its headwaters are unrivaled and yet another favorite place to hone my skills as oarsman, guide and angler. My first cast on the South Umpqua produced a 15-pound Winter steelhead, which hooked me right away.
Canyonville, Oregon is where Steelhead Hatchery acclimation point exists. When we’re looking for hatchery steelhead to take home this is the destination. Often it is good action and getting a limit of steelhead is very likely.
North Umpqua River Summer Steelhead Fishing
No steelhead I fish for jumps as much or runs as hard. Pound for pound these fish are easily the best fighters we angle for. We often leave the boat for the most stealthy drift we can get. Our first cast is our best chance and when it all comes together, hot pursuit begins. September is my favorite month and October is still well within the peak of the season. Fantastic Fall weather and low Clearwater presentation makes this an interesting steelhead trip you’ll never forget.
Umpqua River Sturgeon & Smallmouth Bass Fishing
The Main Umpqua is the section of river after the North and South Umpqua River confluence. This section of the Umpqua is home to a large variety of fish. From Smallmouth Bass to sturgeon near the mouth of the river, it always has something to offer.
The Smallmouth Bass are mostly caught in the Summer months. Smallmouth Bass anglers from all over the world travel here as a destination for these fish. These fish can be caught on nearly anything you throw in the water. Fly fishermen love them, families love them, I think everyone loves them except for maybe the crawdads they eat.
Umpqua River Shad Fishing
These fish average 1 to 3 pounds and fight like a small tarpon. Yet another Umpqua species that people go nuts over. These fish are willing to bite, willing to fight and something you should try. Although they are not good to eat, they do have some uses. Some fishermen will use them for crabbing or their gardens. Or just let them go and they will make more Shad for our future anglers. This fishing is best around Memorial Day – May is the best month. These fish will bite flies or jigs and shouldn’t be overlooked. Come try Shad fishing!
Umpqua River Fall Chinook
Fall Chinook salmon on the Umpqua River is typically good from September and October. These fish are some of the most aggressive Chinook I fish for. Action is good, weather is good, it’s all good! T-shirt, shorts, sunglasses and sunscreen as always. Maybe even a big hat, you won’t scare the fish away. This has become my favorite fishing trip for my clients in recent years. Catching big Chinook salmon in great weather; you can’t beat it!
- Winter Steelhead can be caught beginning in December and lasting through the first part of May.
- Spring Chinook Salmon can be caught April through June.
- I guide for Summer Steelhead in the months of September and October.
Accommodations are available in Roseburg. A few that I recommend are:
- The Windmill Inn at 541-673-0901
- The Comfort Inn at 541-957-1100
- The Quality Inn at 541-673-5561
