Chinook Salmon

Gold Beach offers anglers a unique opportunity to target Chinook salmon in both the Rogue River and the Pacific Ocean. Fall is prime time, as mature Chinook return to the Rogue to spawn. The estuary where the river meets the ocean is a particularly productive area, with fish staging before their final push upstream. Focus on matching your presentation to the prevalent forage – herring imitations are often effective. Trolling with downriggers is a popular technique in the ocean, allowing you to precisely control your depth. In the river, drift fishing with roe or casting spinners can be deadly. A local tip: pay close attention to the tide charts, as the tidal flow significantly impacts fish behavior and access to certain areas. Be aware that the Rogue can be silty after heavy rains, so check river conditions before heading out.