Our lodge to lodge Rogue River fishing trip is a unique combination of a world-class canyon, whitewater, wilderness lodging, and a long tradition of steelhead fly fishing. There are options to fish from historic drift boats or fly fishing focused rafts making it a perfect trip for first-timers, mixed groups of beginners and long-time anglers, and for anyone wanting a unique wilderness fishing experience. There is no trip quite like it in the continental U.S – it is a unique wilderness experience and perfect for all fishing abilities.
Each boat will have one guide and two passengers and can be a rigid McKenzie style drift boats or a raft with casting platforms. The classic and elegant drift boats were invented in the area and are an icon of the Rogue’s old west history and heritage. These boats are great for all skill levels ad there is something very unique, very beautiful, and very powerful about effortlessly slipping through currents, rapids, and drops in a drift boat.
Rafts with casting platforms are used for those who want to do more traditional casting and to include some wading. The morning and afternoon itineraries are modified as well to access more wadable sections.
For those who are interested, we will offer fly casting lessons and tips at lunch and fly tying demonstrations in the evening. There will also be opportunities to hike some of the beautiful side streams and historic trails. The whitewater is another highlight of the trip and there are over 80 rapids that are fun and exciting yet safe – it is definitely a whitewater fishing trip.
The availability of lodges is a unique aspect of the Rogue River. There are very few places in the world with a downriver system of remote riverside lodges only accessible by boat or small plane. It allows for the amazing experience of true wilderness adventure capped off by comfortable and cozy evenings in a remote lodge steeped in pioneer history. In each room you’ll find beds made up with fresh linens, bathrooms stocked with plenty of towels and hot water for showers. Meals are served family style in a dining room or on the deck. Evenings are spent relaxing with a glass of wine or beer, fishing at the river’s edge, or enjoying the peace and quiet of a deck chair and a good book. Because of the lodges these trips are also a perfect introduction to overnight wilderness trips and are wonderful for those who are nervous about camping.
What Makes Our Rogue Lodge To Lodge Fishing Trips Unique?
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Our guides are patient, passionate, and knowledgeable and with the attention to detail & friendliness, that both Humble Heron and Momentum are known for.
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A more active and interactive trip. There are optional fly-casting lessons in the boats and at lunches, fly tying demonstrations in the evening, and hiking options. We not only focus on catching fish, but also teaching. You will never be just a ‘rod holder’.
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The trip is ideal for people with a wide range of skill levels, including first-time anglers
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Some meals are prepared by the lodges and some are prepared by us. We also provide happy hour snacks and local beer and wine.
Typical Itinerary:
Please Note: Our river trips take place in the wonderfully unpredictable natural environment. Because of this our itineraries are always flexible to accommodate water levels, weather, and our guest’s needs and interests.
Day 1:
Our trip starts near Grants Pass, Oregon at the Galice Resort, located along the banks of the Rogue River. Here we will help you pack your dry bags and get any last minute “must haves” at the resort. We then head to the river, meet the crew, and do a thorough orientation talk. After loading our gear and ourselves into the boats we push off and head into the Rogue River Canyon.
For four days we will float and fish the Rogue as it cuts through the remote and wild Siskiyou Mountain Range. The canyon is home to abundant wildlife including bear, river otter, dear, bald eagles, and osprey. The first day includes the infamous Rainy Falls and drift boats and rafts may start at slightly different locations before meeting for our first lunch on the river.
Our day on the water ends in the late afternoon when we pull over in the middle of Big Windy Canyon at our first wilderness lodge. Black Bar is a rustic lodge that is only accessible by boat or small plane – it is simple yet comfortable and brimming with pioneer history. The lodge offers comfortable cabins with linens, beds, and private bathrooms with hot showers. Evenings at the lodge are spent relaxing on the deck with a glass of wine or beer, fishing at the river’s edge, hiking to side creeks, or enjoying the peace and quiet of a deck chair and a good book. Hors d-oeuvres and wine will be served on the deck while we prepare a fresh and filling dinner for all. We are famous for our food and chose this lodge because we can serve our own “Momentum” meals. The evening will be capped off with dessert and views of a night sky filled with stars and free of any light pollution.
Day 2:
After a restful night’s sleep, we wake early to coffee, tea, and a filling breakfast. As we fish we will pass the beautiful Kelsey Creek, Battle Bar with its rich Native American history, and Zane Grey’s historic cabin. Lunch on day two may offer a good time to practice (or learn) to fly cast as the food is being set out.
Night two is spent at Mariel Lodge. The owners will make you feel right at home and cook a huge country style dinner. The evening offers a good opportunity to try fly tying (or just relax by the fire with a drink).
Day 3:
After an early breakfast we head into the narrow and spectacular Mule Creek Canyon. Mule Creek Canyon is one of the most unique canyons in the world, and for many it the highlight of the trip. The infamous and feared Blossom Bar rapid follows. Blossom Bar was dynamited in the early 1900’s to allow boats passage. It is still an impressive rapid but with the proper guiding it is enjoyed by generations of friends and family. Day 3 includes some of the best fishing and we will also have some of the best opportunities to see Black Bear. From here on out the Drift boats and rafts will focus their time on different sections of river and come togerhe at lunch and in the evenings.
Night three is spent at Illahee Lodge at the edge of the wilderness area.
Day 4:
Our last morning comes once again with coffee, tea and a hearty breakfast. We will fish hard in the morning and reach the end of our river trip in the early afternoon. You then either load up in our van to make the drive back over beautiful Bear Camp road to Galice Resort or make the short half hour trip to the Oregon coast to continue your vacation.