Steelhead fishing has been a struggle on the Chetco, but there are a few fish around reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Nearly half of the fish caught in the last week were down runners, an indication of a big spawning escapement during the high water in January,” said Martin. “Fishing has been better on the Upper Chetco compared to the lower river. Guides are getting one to three fish a day. Plunking has slowed, but will likely improve with rain the second half of this week. 
Steelhead fishing is also on the slow side on the Elk, Sixes and Rogue. Plunkers did well in the lower Rogue a week ago, and will likely see a fresh batch of fish with rain this weekend. The rain also should bring in new late-season fish in the Elk and Sixes. Still early for spring salmon on the Rogue, but the first fish of the year is usually caught by a steelhead angler the end of February or early March. Peak season isn’t until late April and early May.”