It’s an early Christmas for anglers as one of the top fishing destinations in the country, the North Umpqua River, opens back up on December 1.
Historically low numbers of summer steelhead passing through Winchester Dam prompted state fishery managers to close the river and its tributaries to all angling from the mouth to the marker below Soda Springs Dam earlier this summer.
The North Umpqua’s fly-fishing-only stretch is known as "the finishing school for steelheaders.” The 33.8-mile section just east of Roseburg is sacred to local fishermen and a fast favorite for visitors. Winter steelhead begin trickling in throughout November and December, with a larger push making their way after the new year.
Want to make a morning of it? After a cool and often secluded morning on the scenic North Umpqua, grab some hot coffee and breakfast at The Steamboat Inn.
For more seasonal fishing opportunities in Douglas County, check out experienceroseburg.com/outdoors/fishing. For information on regulations and recreational reports, visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at myodfw.com.
