My wife and I have drift-boat fished for Steelhead trout from Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge for many years.  Our two grand children are now old enough (8 & 10) to enjoy fishing.  Morrison’s supplies the guides and all the fishing gear.  For a change of pace during the day, the boys can use flies or bait.  They can cast or swing flies off the bow of the boat.

Fishing from drift boats gives everyone an equal opportunity to hook a steelhead.  Landing these large aggressive fish is another story.  I have seen the boy’s rod arc down and the fish strip line from the reels.  But, the aggressive head shaking and jumping requires skill to keep the line taught and fish under control.  They have found it tough to actually land a Steelhead.  The children do hook and land Rainbow trout, half-pounders and some non-native fish (squaw fish).  We keep the non-natives and when we spot a bald eagle, toss the fish into the river and watch the eagles snatch them off the surface.  More is going on along the Rogue than just fishing to keep children’s interest.  Floating over salmon beds, seeing deer, elk and occasionally a black bear keeps the boys interested.  Two summers ago we watched a black bear pull a salmon from the river and drag it through the rocks.

The guides look for the wettest route through the occasional rapids.  The boys enjoy the splash and spray and wild ride on warm sunny days.

And, back at the ranch, Morrison’s executive chef, John Paul Wallace, creates spectacular meal, but he is also willing to accommodate children.  While the adults are served Salmon encrusted with macadamia nuts, the boys enjoy a special order of pizza or chicken strips.

The whole package, the lodge, guides, equipment, meals and the river make a wonderful trip to Oregon and Morrison’s for families and grand children.

Steve and Marlys Waldron