Southern Oregon Fishing!

The South Umpqua River, as it runs through Myrtle Creek, Oregon, is a haven for anglers. Oregon is blessed with the top three rated small mouth bass rivers in the entire United States. The Umpqua is rated #1, John Day River is rated #2 and our South Umpqua is rated #3. Since we live along the South Umpqua, it’s #1 to us!

The South Umpqua opens for trout and small mouth bass the fourth Saturday in May and runs through September 15th. Should you come down with a case of winter steelhead fever, the South Umpqua is the place to be. The season runs from December 1st through April 30th. The limit is two fin-clipped steelhead per day.  Rainbow trout in the South Umpqua measuring over 16” are considered steelhead.

Under the recently announced and very successful Oregon State Hatchery program the winter steelhead population is at its’ highest level from March 1st ~ April 30th. Many limits are caught daily during this 61-day period. The South Umpqua also has two species of cutthroat and rainbow trout.

 While fishing the South Umpqua River is a great experience, the scenery is priceless. It is not uncommon to see black tail deer, mink, raccoon, beavers, otters, osprey, blue heron and even the majestic American bald eagle.

When you visit Southern Oregon, be sure to include Myrtle Creek~Tri City and the South Umpqua River in your plans. It will be a priceless adventure, filled with golden memories.

For detailed information about fishing the South Umpqua River, contact Phil Delaney, Owner, Phil’s Fly Shop, 135 NW Pleasant St, Myrtle Creek, OR 97457, tel #541-863-5938. Phil was born and raised here and has done his fair share of fishing. He might even share some of his “secret” fishing spots with you!

More tourist information forthcoming!