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World-Class Salmon Fishing on Oregon's Rogue River

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Cottage Grove, OR
  • $500 price range
  • Updated Date: October 16, 2025

Summary

Ready for some top-notch salmon fishing in Oregon? Join us on the Rogue River, one of the state's prime fishing spots. We're talking serious Chinook and Coho action here. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this full-day guided trip has you covered. Our expert guides know all the best spots and will set you up with quality gear to maximize your chances. The Rogue isn't just about the fish though - you'll be surrounded by some seriously beautiful scenery while you're out there. We keep our groups small, with just two guests per trip, so you'll get plenty of personal attention. South Valley Outfitters has been running these trips for years, and we know how to put you on the fish. Come spend a day on the water with us and see why Oregon salmon fishing is hard to beat.
World-Class Salmon Fishing on Oregon's Rogue River

Rogue River Catches

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A Chinook Salmon, a large fish, caught by a person in Cottage Grove

Fishing fun on Cottage Grove Lake!

Coho Salmon caught while fishing in OR

Reeling in big catches in Cottage Grove!

Chinook salmon, 17 inches, being caught in Cottage Grove

Scenic fishing in Cottage Grove.

Rainbow trout caught while fishing in OR

Oregon fishing adventures start here!

Largemouth Bass caught while fishing in OR

Bass fishing at its finest!

Largemouth Bass fishing in OR

Cast, reel, and repeat!

Two people fishing in Cottage Grove

Fishing memories made in Oregon!

Coho Salmon caught while fishing in Cottage Grove

Trout action in Cottage Grove.

Coho Salmon caught while fishing in OR

A perfect day by the water!

Fishing in OR with 1 person and 1 fish

Hooked on Oregon’s best fishing spots.

A Chinook Salmon, a large fish, caught by a person in Cottage Grove

Fishing fun on Cottage Grove Lake!

Coho Salmon caught while fishing in OR

Reeling in big catches in Cottage Grove!

Chinook salmon, 17 inches, being caught in Cottage Grove

Scenic fishing in Cottage Grove.

Rainbow trout caught while fishing in OR

Oregon fishing adventures start here!

Largemouth Bass caught while fishing in OR

Bass fishing at its finest!

Largemouth Bass fishing in OR

Cast, reel, and repeat!

Two people fishing in Cottage Grove

Fishing memories made in Oregon!

Coho Salmon caught while fishing in Cottage Grove

Trout action in Cottage Grove.

Coho Salmon caught while fishing in OR

A perfect day by the water!

Fishing in OR with 1 person and 1 fish

Hooked on Oregon’s best fishing spots.

A Chinook Salmon, a large fish, caught by a person in Cottage Grove

Fishing fun on Cottage Grove Lake!

Coho Salmon caught while fishing in OR

Reeling in big catches in Cottage Grove!

Chinook salmon, 17 inches, being caught in Cottage Grove

Scenic fishing in Cottage Grove.

Rainbow trout caught while fishing in OR

Oregon fishing adventures start here!

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Reel in Trophy Salmon on Oregon's Rogue River

Hey there, fellow angler! Ready for a salmon fishing adventure that'll knock your waders off? Look no further than the mighty Rogue River in Oregon. As a local guide who's spent countless hours on these waters, I can tell you firsthand - this full-day trip is the real deal for both seasoned pros and newbies alike. We're talking world-class Chinook and Coho runs in a setting so gorgeous, you might forget you're here to fish (but don't worry, I'll remind ya). So grab your lucky hat and let's dive into what makes this Rogue River salmon expedition a must-do for any serious fisher.

What's the Buzz on the Water?

Picture this: You're drifting down the legendary Rogue, surrounded by towering evergreens and rugged canyon walls. The misty Oregon morning gives way to sunshine glinting off the river. Your guide (that's me or one of my equally fish-obsessed buddies) is dialed into the latest hotspots and what the salmon are biting. We've got top-notch gear ready to go, and trust me, we know every bend and eddy where those big boys like to hide. Whether you're a fly fishing fanatic or prefer to cast spinners, we've got you covered. And the best part? It's just you and one other lucky angler on the boat, so there's plenty of room to land that trophy catch.

Hooking into the Action

Alright, let's talk tactics. On the Rogue, we're usually mixing it up between trolling and bank fishing, depending on where the salmon are hanging out that day. We might start off slow-trolling with plug-cut herring near the river mouth, then switch to back-bouncing roe as we move upstream. If the fish are extra frisky, we might even break out the fly rods for some heart-pumping action. Don't sweat it if you're new to these techniques - we'll walk you through everything. And hey, half the fun is learning the local tricks of the trade. By the end of the day, you'll be swapping fish stories like a true Rogue River veteran.

Fish Tales from the Rogue

Now, I could go on all day about how awesome this trip is, but don't just take my word for it. Here's what some of our recent guests had to say:

"Caught my first Chinook ever - 35 pounds! The guide knew exactly where to put us and was a blast to fish with." - Mike S.

"As a beginner, I was nervous, but the team made me feel like a pro. Hooked into several Coho and even landed a nice one. Can't wait to come back!" - Sarah T.

"Best day on the water I've had in years. The scenery alone was worth it, but landing two big Chinooks made it unforgettable." - Tom R.

Meet Your Finned Friends

Let's get up close and personal with the stars of our show - the salmon. On the Rogue, we're primarily targeting Chinook (King) and Coho (Silver) salmon, but you might also run into some feisty Rainbow Trout or even the occasional Sockeye.

Chinook Salmon: These bad boys are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon world. We're talking fish that can tip the scales at 50 pounds or more! Chinooks start their run in late summer and peak in September to October. They're known for their powerful fights and rich, flavorful meat. When a big Chinook hits your line, hold on tight - it's gonna be a wild ride.

Coho Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you; Coho are pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fish you'll ever tangle with. These silver bullets usually show up in good numbers from September through November. They're famous for their acrobatic leaps and sudden runs that'll have your reel singing. Plus, their bright orange flesh makes for some mighty fine eating.

Rainbow Trout: While we're primarily after salmon, the Rogue is also home to some stellar Rainbow Trout fishing. These colorful fighters are around all year but really shine in the spring and fall. They're a blast on light tackle and put up a fight that'll make you grin from ear to ear.

Sockeye Salmon: Also known as Red salmon, these guys are less common in the Rogue but are a treat when you find them. They typically run from June to August. Sockeye are prized for their deep red flesh and are considered by many to be the best-tasting salmon out there. Landing one of these is like hitting the fishy jackpot!

Time to Wet a Line!

Look, I could keep yakking about the Rogue all day, but the truth is, nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. This full-day guided salmon fishing trip is the real deal - it's got everything you need for an epic day on the water. We're talking expert guides who eat, sleep, and breathe this river, top-of-the-line gear, and access to the kind of fishing spots that'll make your buddies back home green with envy.

Whether you're dreaming of battling a monster Chinook, looking to tick Coho off your bucket list, or just want to spend a day soaking in the incredible beauty of the Rogue River, this trip's got you covered. And remember, with only two spots per boat, these trips fill up fast - especially during peak salmon season.

So what do you say? Ready to make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime? Give us a shout, and let's get you out on the Rogue. The salmon are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss this. Tight lines, and hope to see you on the river soon!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, or kings, are the heavyweight champions of the salmon world. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50 or more. You'll find them in larger rivers and coastal waters, often holding in deep pools and near structure. Spring and fall runs offer the best action. Anglers target kings for their incredible strength and stamina – hooking one is like tying into a freight train. Their rich, flavorful meat is prized by seafood lovers too. When fishing for Chinook, go deep with heavy gear. Trolling with herring or large plugs can be effective. Here's a tip: early mornings and evenings are often the best times to hook into these giants. The fight of a lifetime and a cooler full of prime fillets make Chinook salmon a top target for serious anglers.

Chinook Salmon

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silvers, are a feisty mid-sized salmon that put up one heck of a fight. Averaging 8-12 pounds, these acrobatic fish are known for their spectacular jumps and runs. You'll find them in coastal rivers and streams, often holding in deeper pools and near structure. Fall is prime time as they return from the ocean to spawn. Anglers love targeting coho for their aggressive strikes and the challenge they present on lighter gear. Their bright orange flesh makes for some mighty fine eating too. When fishing for coho, try swinging bright flies or twitching jigs in likely holding water. Here's a local tip: focus on river bends and drop-offs where coho like to rest on their journey upstream. With their hard-fighting nature and tasty fillets, coho salmon offer an exciting fishing experience for both novice and seasoned anglers.

Coho Salmon

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a favorite for many anglers, with their colorful patterns and spirited fight. Typically 8-24 inches long, you'll find these beauties in cool, clear streams and rivers. They love to hang out near riffles and pools, often lurking under overhanging banks. Spring and fall are prime seasons, when water temperatures are just right. Rainbows are known for their acrobatic leaps and quick runs, making them a blast to catch on light tackle or fly gear. Their tasty pink flesh is a bonus too. When fishing for rainbows, try drifting a nymph or small spinner through likely holding spots. A local tip: on sunny days, target shaded areas where trout seek cooler water. Whether you're after a trophy or just want to enjoy some fun action, rainbow trout rarely disappoint.

Rainbow Trout

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon might be smaller than their cousins, but they make up for it with flavor and fight. Typically 4-8 pounds, these feisty fish are known for their bright red spawning colors. You'll find them in rivers connected to lakes, often in large schools. July to August is prime time as they return from the ocean. Anglers love sockeye for their hard-fighting nature and their rich, deeply colored flesh – considered by many to be the best-tasting salmon. When fishing for sockeye, focus on the lower sections of rivers where they stack up. Try small, bright flies or spinners. Here's a local trick: sockeye often hug the bottom in shallow riffles, so keep your presentation low. Whether you're after a trophy or just want to fill the freezer with some of the tastiest salmon around, sockeye offer an exciting and rewarding fishing experience.

Sockeye Salmon

About the Willis

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Hop aboard for a full day of salmon fishing on Oregon's legendary Rogue River. This guided trip gives you a chance to land prized Chinook and Coho salmon in one of the state's top fishing spots. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying salmon fishing for the first time, our expert guides will help you make the most of your day on the water. We'll provide all the gear you need and take you to the river's best fishing holes. As you cast your line, you'll be surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The Rogue's scenic shorelines and rushing waters create the perfect backdrop for an amazing day of fishing. With room for two guests, this trip offers a more personalized experience. Get ready for an awesome day pursuing salmon on one of Oregon's most famous rivers!
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