Rogue River Fishing for steelhead :
By Ed Swift

Back in June I wrote a blog describing a good day's fishing on the Deerfield River in western Massachusetts. In response I got a cheeky email from old friend Bob Brown, a former Sports Illustrated editor who now lives in Portland, Oregon, that said, in essence, if I wanted to try a real float trip, to join him in October, when he'd be fishing for steelhead on Oregon's Rogue River. I decided to bite.
...I'd never fished for steelhead before, but it had always been on my "to do" list, and the prospect of bumping into Tonya Harding while floating past a trailer park only added to the appeal of Bob's invitation. Steelhead are sea-run rainbow: trout that are hatched in a river, migrate into the ocean, then return to the river after one, two, or three years to spawn. Unlike salmon, steelhead do not die after spawning, but return to the ocean, where they grow ever larger and, if they are lucky, come back to spawn again and again. The world record on a fly, caught earlier this year on the Hoh River in Washington, is 29.5 pounds, but any steelhead over 10 pounds is a memorable fish.
...Bob had made reservations at Morrison's Lodge, which is on the Rogue, in Merlin, Ore., about an hour from the Medford Airport. (My wife and I actually made the 8 hour drive from San Francisco). Sally is quite a keen fisherman herself, and had decided that, while Bob and I fished with his favorite guide, Dennis, she'd take whatever guide was available and would strike out on her own. Dennis is 62, is as lean as a 15-year-old, and hasn't shaved or cut his hair since the Reagan administration. A carpenter by trade, he made his wooden drift boat by hand, and knows the Rogue like a lab knows its favorite couch. He calls the steelhead: "the fish of a thousand casts." By noon I was up to 662 without a hit.


...Despite its name, the Rogue is actually a reasonably navigable river, with long, wide stretches broken up intermittently by shallow, wade-able rapids. It is in these rapids and the tailwaters below them that the steelhead lie, often feeding on the eggs of the Chinook salmon that are spawning in the gravel shallows. Both Bob and I were using weighted egg-sucking stonefly nymphs with nymph droppers, not a delicate form of flyfishing, otherwise known as "chuck and duck."  In the tailwaters, Dennis had us switch to streamers, which we cast at an angle downstream, then let swing behind the boat, before we stripped in. Steelhead usually strike on the swing. We caught several small trout in this manner, rainbow under 12 inches that had not yet migrated to the sea, but it was a slow day by any standards. Having been on the water since 8:15, by 3:30 we had still not had a real strike.
....In this regard steelhead fishing is not unlike fishing for Atlantic salmon. You pound the water and pay your dues. There's not a lot of finesse or subtlety to it, no matching the hatch or changing to a lighter tippet. You cast, cast, cast, check for wind knots, and hope for the best. If you are lucky, a freight train hits.
....Mine came in at 3:31. We were floating into the top portion of a rapid, and I cast my egg-sucking nymph into the white water as I'd done hundreds of times already that day. I'd just had time to mend the line when my line started rushing upstream as if I'd snagged a rock. I didn't have to worry about setting the hook. The fish did that for me as I just tried to hang onto the rod and stay out of the way of the line stripping off the reel. The fish turned and started back downstream--the tell that this was a steelhead, not a spawning salmon--and as Dennis pulled the driftboat over, I jumped out and followed the running fish.
....The steelhead had just made it into my backing when it stopped in a heavy portion of the current and faced back upstream. I continued to reel as I walked, but I couldn't move it. Dennis told me he'd put 1x tippet on my line, which is about 12 pound test--strong but not strong enough to drag a big fish around in heavy current. I was worried about breaking it if I forced the issue. When my line still hadn't moved after a couple of minutes, I began to think the fish had somehow wrapped itself around a rock or log in the middle of the river. I asked Dennis if that was possible. Then the steelhead started shaking its head.
....I gradually began to gain line, inching the fish closer. The steelhead moved sideways through the water, a great gray shadow, giving us a good view of his length and thickness. I'd never seen a steelhead in the water before, but Dennis allowed this was a big one--a special fish. "I'm going to get below him," he said, moving downstream with his net. "Don't let him go any further. We'll never get him if he goes through those rapids further down."
...I started to gain a little more line, but the fish was still strong and not ready to come in. Dennis was still twenty feet away from it when the steelhead moved sideways again in the current, a short but sudden move. That extra tension it put on the tippet was too much. The line broke, springing back toward me, and the fish disappeared.
...It had been on for ten minutes. We'd had a good look, but the fish hadn't jumped, and outside of a thick slab of silver gray in the river, I didn't have a very good idea of its color or beauty. We'd have released it anyway, but no picture, no satisfying hoisting of its weight. To lose a fish like that isn't something one gets over easily. But that was why we'd come. That was the fish I'd signed on for. Dennis allowed it would have been the biggest steelhead landed by someone from the Lodge that summer, 12 pounds at least. It is certainly a fish I'll never forget.
...Back at the lodge, we shared war stories with other guests. Several steelhead had been caught that day, but none near the size of the one I'd lost. Sally had caught a couple of "half-pounders" as they call the little guys, but hadn't seen any adult fish. Her guide generally took out spincasters and bait fishermen, so it wasn't exactly a good match. But tomorrow she was going with Pablo, who'd been guiding flyfishermen on the Rogue for 34 years. Bob and I would be going out again with Dennis.
....What can I tell you? It was beautiful. The company was great. We tried like hell. But the skunk never left the boat. Not a strike from an adult fish. You could have stacked all the midgets we caught on a scale and they wouldn't have weighed two pounds. A long, frustrating day on the Rogue.
...But Sally? With Pablo? She was grinning like a Cheshire cat when we returned to the Lodge, sipping on her first martini. They have a nice tradition at Morrison's of posting pictures of the fish that are caught that day on a bulletin board by the bar, and this what greeted Bob and me when we bellied up for our first drink:

Not just one steelhead. Two. Two beauties. One of them "The Catch of the Week"--was estimated at 10-12 pounds. (They didn't weigh it because Sally stuck her thumb in the fish's mouth while trying to pose with it and began bleeding all over the boat.) The "small" one was 27 inches. The big guy over 30 inches. Both fish jumped and ran and generally gave Sally a gay old time on the river with Pablo. And it turns out, she sheepishly admitted, she'd caught a third steelhead in the 20-22 inch range that they hadn't even bothered to photograph. Ho-hum. Just another day on the river.
....She didn't even know the name of the fly she was using--some sort of purple streamer that Pablo had tied. Bob was ready to strangle her. And me. And Pablo, shown here holding Sally's big fish.
...But such are the healing powers of vodka that after a couple of drinks we were able to look at Sally's success as a group effort. Bob had suggested the Rogue. I'd driven the car up from San Francisco. And Sally had finished the job the men so manfully had started.
....It was a pretty good couple of days.
So start planning your own Rogue River fishing Adventure today!!!
Click here for Ed Swift's Blog
 

Rogue River Fishing Report October 24, 2009
The fishing has really been good this last week with most boats hitting adult steelhead each day with many Rogue River “halfpounders” sprinkled in. We had some rain early this week and some perfect overcast days with temperatures in the upper sixties. Most boats have been getting a couple steelhead opportunities swinging traditional steelhead patterns with single hand and spey techniques. The tiger paw, rusty red rat, Pablo special and the green butted Hilton patterns have been popular this week. With just a couple weeks left in our season, with the Lodge closing on November 4th, but there is still time to plan a Rogue River Fishing Adventure. Call or click and let us help plan your fishing adventure.
800-826-1963

Remember: Our fishing packages are all inclusive, lodging,meals,guides and gear!

Rogue River Fishing Report October 17, 2009
The fishing has really been picking up in the last week. We had some big rain early last week and the river got discolored for a couple days. Now the river is back into shape and the fish have been active. The salmon have really started to work their spawning beds and the steelheads are now gathering below all the salmon reds. Most boats have been getting a couple steelhead opportunities using egg patterns. The egg sucking leech, rusty red rat, and the sceined egg patterns have been popular this week. With just a couple week left in our season, there is still time to plan a Rogue River Fishing Adventure. Call or click and let us help plan your fishing adventure.
800-826-1963

Rogue River Fishing Report


The rain over the last weekend
put quite a few nice adult steelhead
into the Grants Pass area. Our guides caught several adults swinging traditional steelhead patterns like the Tiger Paw, Western Coachman and the Pablo Special. The current reports from the Lower Rogue River show another good pod of Rogue River “halfpounders” and adult steelhead are just getting into the Agness area. We expect to see those fish in the next couple weeks. October is the best month for Rogue River fishing so make your travel plans today.

Call or click and let us help plan your next Rogue River fishing adventure.
800-826-1963

The Rogue River fishing has been improving and the  river has dropped down to 1240 CFS in the Grants Pass area. The temperatures are good around 60 degrees and the fish should start to settle into the holding water. Salmon fishing has slowed down a bit in the Grants Pass area but a big fresh pod of fish just hit the Agness area. Several boats have been limiting out in the last couple days. The steelhead numbers have been increasing every week and now that the flows are down we are starting to see more steelhead caught on flies and plugs each day. Temperatures are still unseasonably warm so angling is best early and late in the day.

Click or call and let us help plan your Rogue River fishing adventure 800-826-1963
zac@morrisonslodge.com

“Old Lloyd Morrison was somewhat of a mystery,” General
Manager Lowell Pratt tells me with a humorous twinkle in his
eye. “We don’t know a whole lot about him and his wife, other
than that he was a river guide and a lumber mill worker, that
he hand-picked this choice birds-eye pine you see on the walls
and, rumor has it, that his wife’s ghost makes an appearance
from time to time.”
The lodge was built as a fishing outpost in 1945. In June
of 1964, the lodge was purchased B.A. and Elaine Hanten,
who had come from South Dakota with their three children.
Although B.A. and Elaine have long passed, members of their
family continue the legacy of grand hospitality that they began
45 years ago.
In January of 1964, just after the Hantens arrived, they experienced
one of the worst floods the Rogue has ever seen.
Lowell shows me a faded photograph of the lodge during the
raging flood. Unbelievable! The swirling waters rose higher
than the mantel of the fireplace! With the help of a disaster
fund, they cleaned up and repaired the main lodge and put
the cottages up on stilts where they still stand today.
Lowell shows me a variety of lovely river and creek view
cottages, the rustic guest rooms with real wood fireplaces, a
sprawling vegetable garden that provides fresh organic produce
to the kitchen, hiking trails and a fruit laden mulberry
tree.
“We try to take care of our guests from the moment they
arrive till the moment they leave. We can get them on a raft
trip from our Rogue River rafting company, book fishing, hiking or bird
watching trips, pick them up from the airport, feed them
gourmet food - and we even set up their fire in the hearth
on chilly evenings so all they need is a match. And, by the
way, did you know that we are an Orvis endorsed fly fishing
destination?”
As the setting sun painted the canyon walls with a rusty
glow, my wife and I chatted on the sprawling lawn above
the river where it bends at Taylor Creek Canyon. We sipped
chardonnay. The cottonwoods shimmered. Fish jumped below
us. We saw a lone blue heron waiting patiently for his
dinner to swim by. A soaring osprey circled, then flew upriver
with a fish in its talons. Rafters meandered by in their
lifejackets and sunburns. The tranquility and majesty of the
setting was an inspiration.
When the dinner bell rang, we headed up to the lodge to
be seated on the deck overlooking the river. The menu was
read aloud and the guests applauded. Our dinner, prepared
by new chef Bruno Jappert, was four courses and delicious.
We were satisfied - and pleased and amazed that something
so wonderful was just up the road. My wife looked at me and
I knew what she was thinking. “Let’s come back soon,” she
says. “Yes,” I say. We will come back…to the big little miracle
lodge on the mighty Rogue.
By David Evans
For more information on Morrison’s Lodge and Rogue River Fishing
call (800) 826-1963 or visit www.MorrisonsLodge.com

The early indicators show great news for Rogue River Steelhead fishing. The large numbers of “half pounders” last year are bringing a good return of adults this season. There are roughly 4000 summer steelhead into the upper river and several pods of fish coming though the Lower Rogue River canyon.  Even the ODFW says that we are on a good track without being too committed.
"This year's early run would look pretty darn good in a lot of decades on the Rogue," says Dan VanDyke, the ODFW's Rogue District fish biologist. "But this decade, we've had some outstanding runs of summer steelhead. We're not at 'outstanding.' But 'better' and 'solid' are words I'd use."

Here are just a few picture of early season Rogue River Fishing:





















   October should be some great steelhead fishing.
Click or call and let us help plan your Rogue River Fishing adventure.
800-826-1963

Starting near Crater Lake, the Rogue River flows approximately 215 miles, winding through the Siskiyou National Forest until it finally empties into the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach. Midway on the river is a little town called Merlin that is mostly known as the starting point for many Rogue rafting trips. While you can hook up with a variety of rafting and kayaking outfits to take you down river why not turn your time in Southern Oregon into a getaway experience that combines time on the river and a stay at the idyllic and rustic Morrison's Rogue River Lodge.

Sitting on about 30-acres of land, the lodge overlooks the scenic river and a massive groomed, green lawn that entices children to run and play in sprinklers and adults to relax and enjoy the views from the row of andriondak chairs that sit riverside. Built in 1946 as a fishing lodge, today it offers both fishing and whitewater rafting trips. A full service resort, Morrison's offers four rooms in the main lodge as well as larger cottages on the same property.

When staying at Morrison's, breakfast and dinner are included. If you are wise enough to sign up for the full day river rafting trip with sister company, Rogue River Raft Trips, lunch is also provided. The food at Morrison's from breakfast to lunch or dinner is a treat. Executive Chef, Bruno Jappert who trained in Switzerland and has worked as chef at many fine hotel restaurants creates memorable and delicious gourmet cuisine.

Begin your day with a delectable breakfast in the dining room or on the deck overlooking the lawn and river. Start with coffee or tea, fresh fruit and pastries. Included in breakfast is a daily special or eggs any way you like. I tried the special during my stay; a hash with potatoes, steak, onion, cheese and scrambled eggs. Delicious!

After breakfast, head just outside the front of the lodge to gear up with a vest for your full day rafting trip. After a quick introduction and a short drive up river to the raft launch point you are at the boat launch and ready to go. Our trip was on an oar-boat where the guide does the work of moving the raft down river. Rafters are welcome to grab an oar and paddle or sit back and enjoy the scenery. The river offers mainly class 1 to 2+ rapids and lots of placid waters for floating.

While a few of the 2+ rapids are certainly a thrill, it isn't a non-stop ride through rapids, making it perfect for the whole family or those who just want to see the amazing beauty of this river and experience the dramatic highlight of passing through Hellgate Canyon.

For a more hands on experience opt for navigating the river on an inflatable kayak. Rogue River Rafting Trips offers several kayaks on each rafting trip and it is a totally different way to spend part or all of the day. Those choosing to travel by kayak navigate close by as the raft makes its way down the river, so the guide can help out at any time.
A true hands on portion of the trip are the water guns each rafter or kayaker receives. Depending on your group and the temperature-it can be a major or minor part of the experience. My group was comprised of mainly families with kids including my seven year old son and if we weren't heading down a rapid they were on guard with their water guns.

At the half way point, you've made your way back to Morrison's for lunch. Menu requests are taken before the morning departure, so stroll up the beautiful lawn to the awning covered outdoor deck and relax. Order a beer and wait for lunch to be served. I opted for the White Bean, Fennel and Tomato Salad with Grilled Tuna and Garlic anchovy Aioli. It was delicious and I am still crossing my fingers that Chef Jappert will share his recipe.

After lunch, it's back on the river for a few more hours of fun in the sun, playing with water guns and of course white water rafting. While making your way through some of the calm waters you'll have a chance to do some swimming. Also along the way will be plenty of chances to see wildlife such as ducks and ducklings, river otters, deer, hawks, eagles and osprey.

Following the day on the river, you'll have several hours back at Morrison's to explore the grounds, swim in the pool, take a ride with one of their complimentary bikes or head back to your room or cottage for a nap before dinner.

The lodge offers one dinner seating, at 7pm each evening during their season. The bell is rung at 6:45 and all guests as well as local's looking for a delicious dinner make their way to the outdoor deck for a four-course dinner. Dinner begins with an appetizer or soup, followed by salad and the lodge's legendary orange rolls. The main course is a choice of two entrees or a combo plate of both. And of course, a delectable dessert.

In between courses, children scamper onto the five acres of river front lawn and dig into the chest of toys. All of a sudden there are mock soccer games, Frisbees flying and smash ball games happening. Parents and guests watch the children play as they sip wine or cocktails and watch the fireflies dance as the sun make its way down in the sky.

Morrison's somehow creates an environment that feels old fashioned but totally welcoming. As the evening proceeds it's hard to imagine saying goodnight to such a perfect day.

Article by Alexa Meisler and www.52perfectdays.com

What & Where?
Morrison's Rogue River Lodge
(8500 Galice Rd. Merlin; 800-826-1963 ; www.morrisonslodge.com)
Rogue River Raft Trips
(8500 Galice Road, Merlin; 800-826-1963; www.rogueriverraft.com)
Click or call to plan your Rogue River rafting adventure today!

A Rogue River rafting and fishing adventure is waiting for you. September is right around the corner and that means it's time to "Splash and Cast". Take advantage of great water for rafting and fishing on the Rogue river.

September is the only month to combine to unique experiences. The weather is still nice enough for rafting and the fish runs are in the river system. Enjoy this time of the year with two nights lodging combined with a day of guided whitewater rafting and a day of guided fishing.
During your float down the river you will encounter an abundance of wildlife: eagles, osprey, great blue heron, turtles, deer, river otter and an occasional black bear. On the raft trips you can either relax on the raft or try the challenge of an inflatable kayak.
 
Price: $675 per adult $486 per child   
Package includes:
* 2 nights’ accommodations in
cozy cottages or lodge rooms
 * All meals, including a sensational
four course gourmet dinner, a full
country-style breakfast and lunch
each day
*Splash jackets and wet suits for cooler
weather trips
*Use of inflatable kayaks on raft trips
 * All fishing equipment provided

Start planning your Rogue River rafting and fishing adventure today.
call or click for more info.
800-826-1963

Click here for more rafting photos;

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=2054960014/a=102253112_102253112/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast/

Lowell, Leslie, Zac, Larry, Pablo, Bryce, Dave, Hannah, the fabulous cooks, and Richard the shuttle driver. Thank you for yet another great adventure! This was my fourth time on this trip with you, and each time has been amazingly unique. Everything was absolutely perfect. Your team was very accommodating as always. They went out of their way to make sure each guest was having the time of their lives. During our trip, we came upon another rafting company that was attempting to assist a rafter and his son who had gone out on their own. After watching how poorly they (the other rafting company) handled the situation, I would never attempt this trip with anyone but Rogue River Raft Trips. The experience level can not be beat. And you guys are the only ones who can handle Ruth!! A special thanks to Larry and Pablo. Although everyone without exception was awesome, they helped to put this trip over the top and exceed all our expectations. We cannot wait for next year. I am sending out pictures and a newsletter to everyone in my email list, and encouraging them to make Morrison's a must do in their vacation plans. Thank you again. See you next summer, Pam Griffin

Still time to book your Rogue River Rafting
Adventure this summer.

Call or click for dates and rates
800-826-1963

Check out pictures of this trip
http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=1941010014/a=102253112_102253112/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast/
 

The summer time is made for those hot sunny days on the Rogue River. Enjoy these photos of this happy group of rafters on a 3 day camp/lodge trip. Rogue River Rafting Adventures depart from Morrison's Lodge every Thursday and Sunday.


http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=1640132014/a=102253112_102253112/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast/

Hi Zac and the Rogue River Rafting crew,
Wow, what an amazing trip.  We are still recovering from it and just getting back to reality has been tough for us.  Especially coming back to eating - we sure felt spoiled with all the food.  All of you guys were great and we hope to return to do another trip at some point in the next couple of years.  Thanks so much for remembering to email us the Chinese Chicken Salad recipe - it's the best and I plan to make it for a baby shower I am giving for a friend at my house next month.  By chance do you also have Morrison's recipe for their yummy orange dinner rolls?  I would love that one to make with the salad as well.  Please keep in touch with us if your travels ever bring you to CA (LA or San Diego), and that goes the same for Jake and Johnny as we have room and you are all most welcome in our home!
Thanks again,
Annamarie












                                                 When Rogue River Rafting a stop at Howard creek is a must!


The morning of day two at Black Bar Lodge

The first few days of summer are bringing warm temperatures just in time for some Rogue River rafting. The featured trip this week is the lodging rafting package.
THE SPLASH & DASH Packages at Morrison’s:
Depart seven days a week and all equipment is provided:
THE SPLASH & DASH packages combine exciting whitewater rafting, a fantastic lunch, and your riverside lodging at Morrison’s. First, you chose the length of your river adventure; half-day, full day or a two day, then you pick the day you want to arrive. Our reservation staff will set up all the other details for your stay. As you charge through the rapids and meander down the calm waters of the river, you will encounter an abundance of wildlife: eagles, osprey, great blue heron, turtles, deer, river otter and an occasional black bear. On all trips you can either relax on the raft or try the challenge of our inflatable kayaks.
All packages include:
Lodging, meals, river equipment, shuttles and of course a charming professional guide.
Call or click today to start planning your Rogue River Rafting adventure!!
800-826-1963

White water rafting is a great choice for a family vacation.  Whether you are paddling together, taking a hike in the wilderness or enjoying a sumptuously prepared meal at the end of a fun filled day, you will find lots of opportunities to share with your family. 

And, no matter how many times you have gone down the Rogue, each trip offers new perspectives.  The river changes from season to season, offering a few new twists, turns and splashes each summer.  And there are always new friends to be made along the way.

Our experienced guides will take you through a wilderness wonderland that inspires as much as it excites.  They play many roles on the trip acting as entertainers, historians and naturalists.  But a word of caution, don’t believe everything your guide tells you, they are known for spinning a tall tale or two.  All part of the   fun.                                    

Floating down a river, taking in all the splashes and thrills, is a rite of summer that should not be missed.  And it’s not just for families, either. All are welcome, young and old, couples and singles.  Rogue River Rafting Trips, offer a vacation that will bring a little something special to everyone. 
Click here for information and dates for family Rogue River Rafting trips

Click or call today, and let us help you plan a Rogue River Adventure today.

800-826-1963

Where can I go rafting for several days if I don’t want to camp? You only need to look at one river, the “wild and scenic” Rogue River in Southern Oregon.  Three day lodge trips are unique to the Rogue River rafting experience.  Our popular lodge trips take you into this pristine wilderness in pampered style.  Three days of rafting with two nights on the river at picturesque, remote wilderness lodges. You’ll enjoy the luxury of cozy accommodations with private baths, hot showers, and crisp, clean linens.  Savor delicious home-cooked meals in charming, nostalgic dining rooms.
Our three-day lodge trips depart every Thursday beginning in mid-May and continuing weekly through the end of August.  On your three-day, two-night trip you’ll stay at two magical lodges; Black Bar and Marial.
If you’re looking for pampered comfort in the midst of an exhilarating white water adventure, a three-day lodge trip is your perfect vacation escape!

Start planning your Rogue River Rafting
Adventure today!
Click or call 800-826-1963

Another great water year forecasted for
the Rogue River. The Army Corp of Engineers published the Rogue River Basin forecast for the 2009 season last week. With Lost Creek Reservoir at full pool the Rogue River rafting recreational forecast looks excellent. Right now, the flow at Grants Pass is 3,400 (CFS) cubic feet per second and the forecast calls for 3000 CFS or more released from Lost Creek till the end of June. In the beginning of July the flows will start to drop and then settle around 1800 CFS for the remainder of the summer.    This is great news for Rogue River rafting and fishing trips this season.
Click or call today and let us help you plan your Rogue River Rafting Adventure
800-826-1963

Every spring the crew of
Rogue River Raft Trips
gets together for a three day lower Rogue River training trip. This year the crew was treated to some incredible sunny spring weather, with temperatures in the 90’s. The warm temperatures were encouraging when it came time to jump in the river for swim drills. In camp each day the crew refreshed their skills at a variety of stations including: rope rescue, first aid, evacuations and trip procedures. Rogue River Raft Trips are one of the few companies that require this type of pre- season training and we believe that it’s an important part of our River Safety Program.
The majority of our staff returns year after year so this training trip is also a great opportunity for them to refresh their skills and connect with co-workers and friends.
Check out more photos on facebook   

The summer is approaching and several families are trying to make plans for the “Summer Vacation”. Here are just a few travel tips from Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge. First, let’s start by defining the new popular term in travel these days: the “staycation”. Some people would say that a staycation by definition would be a vacation in your own town. Let’s expand that definition; to include areas surrounding your home town that
can be driven to in one day or less.
With this in mind, consider this travel information:
Morrison’s Lodge travel time from major areas:
7 hour from San Francisco, CA
7 hours from Seattle ,WA
6 hours from Reno ,NV
4 hours from Portland, OR
2 hours from Eugene , OR 

Rogue River rafting is an excellent activity for the whole family and is available in many different types of packages. We offer all inclusive packages from three day Family trips on the wild and scenic to the  half day “Splash and Dash” on the Rogue near the lodge.

Call or click and let us help plan your
Rogue River Rafting "Staycation"
800-826-1963

Morrison's Rogue River Lodge is participating in an Orvis fishing lodge promotion. Contact the lodge for specific details, but here are the general details. The Helios fly rod is the top shelf of the Orvis fly rods with 25 models to choose from (retail value $795). Book a three day Rogue River Fishing package or three day Fly Fishing School and you will receive a new Helios Fly rod. This offer will expire in the end of June so start planning NOW!
Click or Call 1-800-826-1963



*Helios/Lodge Offer
Valid through June 30, 2009. Book a trip of three days (or more) of Rogue river fishing , including accommodations, and be eligible for a free Helios Rod. Non-refundable
deposit must be sent to the lodge by June 30th. Once deposit is received the Orvis Sporting Concierge Service will contact the customer and place the rod order. Maximum limit of one rod per person. Offer does not apply to
existing reservations. Packages vary, contact individual lodges for more details.

In 2008 we saw a huge increase in the number of Rogue River “half-pounders”, approximately 175,000 at early counts compared to 17,000 the year before.  We will see a percentage of that run return as adult steelhead in the next couple years.  This should equate to thousands more adults in the system.  Next, we saw an increase in two year old Chinook salmon, the “mini-jacks”, as well.  This run more than doubled since last season.  The “mini-jacks” return indicates good ocean-survival rates for spring Chinook that left the Rogue last year.  These Chinook will start contributing to the river fishery next year.  Both of these factors should increase the Rogue River fishery for years to come.  The river has continued to fish well and the summer steelheads have been much larger in size in the last few years.

A little history about Morrison’s Lodge on the Rogue River.  Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge was constructed as a fishing lodge on the banks of the Rogue in 1945 by Lloyd Morrison.  The Lodge opened to anglers in the pursuit of the Rogue River steelhead in 1946 and for the last sixty-three years anglers have made Morrison’s a fall fishing tradition. The combination of fine dining, cozy cabins and the extraordinary guide staff brings the anglers back again and again. Paul “Pablo” Blakely has been guiding for Morrison’s for thirty years and he believes that the Rogue is one of the most consistent steelhead fisheries in the west.  “The Rogue can’t be beat in October for good weather and reliable steelhead migrations year after year,” states Pablo.

With anticipation of a strong run we are all looking forward to a wonderful fishing on the Rogue.  Join Pablo and the crew to start your own Rogue River Steelhead tradition this fall at Morrison’s Lodge.
 Click or Call 800- 826- 1963