Rogue River Steelheading - Oregon

The Wild Rogue Experience

Our outfitter, Drift Adventures, holds a special BLM permit to access a spectacular 32.4-mile stretch of the Rogue River—known as the Wild Rogue—extending from Grave Creek to Watson Creek. This section features classic pool-and-drop sequences, 10 Class III rapids, and several exhilarating Class IV sections, offering a thrilling, scenic whitewater adventure.

The trip begins just below Grave Creek. Shortly after launching, guides will expertly navigate around Rainie Falls, the only section of the river that cannot be safely run. From there, you'll drift 43 miles through the heart of the Wild and Scenic corridor, immersed in the remote beauty of the Rogue River Canyon.

Season:  September 1 through mid-November.

Fishing & History Along the Rogue

On the Rogue River, the term “twitch” refers to the art of swinging a wet fly—a favorite technique for targeting summer steelhead. You’ll have the chance to fly or lure fish for 4- to 10-pound steelhead, as well as the world-famous “half-pounders”—1½ to 3-pound steelhead affectionately named by author Zane Grey. These fish migrate up from the Pacific Ocean to the upper reaches of the Rogue, offering a unique and rewarding angling experience.

Along the way, your guide will point out historic sites tucked within the canyon’s rugged beauty. A short hike brings you to the Rogue River Historical Museum, where you can learn about the region's Indigenous people—the Rogue Indians—and the canyon's earliest white settlers. History buffs will enjoy a stop at Winkle Bar and a visit to Zane Grey’s cabin, located on the mining claim he purchased in 1926 from an old gold prospector. Grey found inspiration here for several of his novels, including Rogue River Feud and Shooting the Rogue.

A Typical Fishing Day:
7:30 a.m. – Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lodge. Afterward, your guides will help pack up the boats.
9:00 a.m. – Begin your day on the water, floating and fishing along the scenic Rogue River.
12:30–1:00 p.m. – Stop for a relaxing shore lunch prepared by your guides.
Afternoon – Continue fishing and floating downriver, taking in the sights and sounds of the canyon.
5:00–5:30 p.m. – Arrive at the next boat-in-only lodge, where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and, if you like, a hot shower before settling in for the night.

Guide-Prepared Shore Lunch

Shore Lunch:  Each day, the guides prepare a nice shore lunch with fresh fish, a deli sandwich bar, and salads. Shore lunches feature fresh steelhead (only hatchery fish) or, when available, salmon.

The Fishing Program:

Boats: Drift boats are equipped with padded seats, back support, and ample legroom for a comfortable day on the water. Each boat accommodates one to two anglers and a professional guide. You’ll enjoy at least eight hours of guided fishing each day, primarily from the boat, as the Wild and Scenic Rogue offers limited opportunities for bank fishing.
Guides:  All guides have several years of experience guiding on the Rogue River and other notable rivers throughout Oregon, Idaho, and California. They are skilled instructors who offer excellent support to anglers of all levels. As expert boatmen, they can access small, productive pockets of water—no wading or long casting required.
Group Size:  Each week accommodates a maximum of 12 anglers, with a minimum of 8 required to confirm a group. If the group minimum is not met, the outfitter may combine bookings.
Fishing Methods:  This trip primarily focuses on fly fishing. While some lure fishing is permitted, bait fishing is not allowed.
Fishing Equipment:  All fishing gear, tackle, and flies are provided by the guides. However, you're welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
Fishing License:  An Oregon fishing license and applicable tags are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. Licenses can be purchased online.
Adult non-resident annual fishing license: $138
Adult non-resident 3-day fishing license: $68
Adult non-resident steelhead tag: $40
Non-resident Adult Combined Angling Tag: $89
(required if fishing for both steelhead and salmon).

Blossom Bar Rapid

Rogue River Wildlife

During your drift, you may see osprey, wild turkeys, bald eagles, otters, turtles, deer, and the occasional black bear.

Black Bar Lodge

Lodging:  You'll stay at three comfortable and historic lodges on the Rogue—Black Bar Lodge, Marial Lodge, and Illahe Lodge. All offer hot showers, cozy fireplaces, comfy beds with fresh linens, and two guests per room or cabin.

Cabin Black Bar - First Night

First Night:  You’ll float to the shore of Black Bar Lodge, where your guides will prepare a delicious Dutch oven BBQ dinner, followed by a hearty breakfast the next morning. Accommodations include cozy log cabins with private bathrooms. As night falls, you’ll experience some of the brightest, most breathtaking stars in the night sky—an unforgettable highlight of your stay at Black Bar.

Marial Lodge

Second Night:  On your second night, you’ll stay at Marial Lodge, a historic and charming retreat nestled above the river. Relax on the spacious deck overlooking the water and take in the serene surroundings. Known for its warm hospitality and delicious cuisine, Marial offers comfortable accommodations, with each room featuring a private bathroom.

Illahe Lodge

Third Night:  Your final night is spent at Illahe Lodge, a classic fishing retreat with stunning views and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Originally a family home, the lodge is steeped in the rich history and lore of the Rogue River, offering guests a cozy, memorable end to their journey.

Meals:  You'll enjoy hearty breakfasts and dinners at the riverside lodges.

Beverages:  Water, soft drinks, and lemonade are provided. Guests are invited to bring their own adult beverages.
Communications: Due to the remoteness, cell phone service is unavailable during the trip. However, guides carry satellite communication devices for emergencies to ensure guest safety.

Getting to the Trip Start:

The closest airport to the launch site is Medford, Oregon. (Portland is approximately a four-hour drive away.) We recommend arriving the day before your trip begins and staying overnight in Grants Pass or the nearby town of Merlin. A list of recommended lodging options is included in your confirmation packet.
The following morning, your group will meet at Grave Creek on the Rogue River at 9:00 a.m., roughly 20 miles off Interstate 5. There, you’ll meet your guides, pack your water bags, get fitted for a life jacket, and receive a brief safety orientation.
A $135 vehicle shuttle fee applies if you’re bringing your own vehicle and need it transported from the put-in to the take-out site. (Rate subject to change for 2026.)
Departure Days:  For 4-day trips, you’ll typically arrive at the final destination of Agness, Oregon, around 11:00 a.m. on the last day. If you’re returning to Interstate 5, allow approximately 2 hours to reach Grants Pass by vehicle.
Shuttle Service:  If your group is flying in together, we recommend arranging van service for airport pickup, transportation to your lodging, drop-off at the river the next morning, and return transportation at trip’s end. This service can be arranged through the outfitter and costs $900 per group (for up to 12 passengers). Please note that this rate is subject to change).

2026 USD Rates:

Season:  September 1 - November 12

3 nights / 4 days guided fishing
$2,650 per person

2 nights / 3 days guided fishing
Available in November:
$2,275 per person

Single-occupancy rooms are available for an additional $550 per person per package.

Rafting Trips (3 and 4-day) are available between August 8-21.
Please request rates.

The Package Includes:

• Lodging
• All meals on the river
• Guided fishing
• Use of fly outfits and flies
• BLM special use permit

The Package Does Not Include: