North Umpqua River

The North Umpqua is a legendary fishery, known world-wide for its large run of native steelhead in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The emerald green water flows through bedrock runs and pools that are as classic as the river itself. There is even a section of the upper river with a series of named pools reminiscent of an Atlantic Salmon river - but without the rod fees!

In 1988, Congress designated 33.8 miles of the North Umpqua as a Wild and Scenic River with a "recreation" classification beginning at the confluence of Rock Creek (river mile 35.5) and ending at Soda Springs Dam (river mile 69.3). This section is also restricted to fly fishing only with no angling from a boat and during the summer season, no weights or weighted flies are allowed. Needless to say, check the regulations carefully before fishing but these restrictions protect a unique and fabulous fishery. Below Rock Creek there are boatable sections and the river is open to all types of gear.

The Fish

Summer steelhead are the star of the show here and fish begin to arrive by the end of June with fresh fish continuing to arrive through September. Six to eight pound fish are common and fish in the teens are not unusual. These steelhead will often explode on the surface for skated dry flies or subsurface flies swung on a floating line especially early and late in the day. Although strong numbers of fish return, the fishing is anything but easy. In fact, the North Umpqua is often referred to as a "graduate school" of steelhead fishing.

There are resident rainbow, cutthroat and even a few brown trout in the North Umpqua. Trout aren't often targeted here, but caught incidentally by steelhead anglers.

The winter steelhead receive less attention from fly fishermen, but the gear fishermen sure take notice. Here and on the South Umpqua fish are taken each year in the 15-20 pound plus class. The South Umpqua particularly has some spots that are good for winter steelhead fly fishing when the water levels are right.

Coho and Chinook salmon spawn in the upper river, but if you want to catch them please head downstream where they are in better condition, and bring a stout rod!

Going Fishing

Roseburg is a good sized town near the confluence of the North and South Umpqua rivers. You can find all services here and plenty of hotels. If you want to stay closer to the action, there are a number of nice campgrounds right along the river and the historic Steamboat Inn built very near one of Zane Grey's old fishing camps from the 1930s. River access is great with Hwy. 138 paralleling the river and most of the shoreline is public property. Except for the lowest portions, this river is only floatable by whitewater enthusiasts and there is no fishing from a boat anyway. Just find the pullouts, park and follow the trails, both easy and very steep down to the well-known spots.

Even though the access is great, this is a river where I highly recommend a guide for your first trip and maybe even beyond. The fishing is always great, but the catching is often difficult. The top local guides will help get you into spots and can show you the techniques to help you have a much better shot at one of those explosive takes.

Guides We Know And Trust

Scott Howell Guide Service - Scott has been a professional fly fishing guide for more than 20 years. His guiding mission is: To help guests succeed and have a great time, whether helping them land the steelhead of a lifetime, working to improve their Spey casting, or by simply giving them a favorite fly.

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Don't Miss in the Area

This is one of the most scenic areas in Oregon. There are numerous spectacular waterfalls all along the North Umpqua River and its tributaries. Bring your camera for these and the many gorgeous rock formations and river vistas along the way.

You also absolutely must head up Steamboat Creek. This creek is closed to all fishing to protect spawning grounds. Steelhead stack up in the crystal clear lower pools by the dozens or even hundreds waiting for fall rains to allow them to move further upstream. It is an amazing sight to see so many huge fish in such small, clear water.

The lower Umpqua Valley near Roseburg is well known for outstanding wines. If you appreciate good wine, schedule a day to visit and sample at the many craft wineries in the area, you may be very surprised at the number of fine wines you will enjoy.

Learn more about the Land of the Umpqua Wine.

More Information

Steamboaters link
Steamboat Inn
Land of the Umpqua Wine
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