Gear Needed
SNK guide service is fully equipped to supply you with everything necessary for a successful trip, however we do suggest you bring a certain amount of personal gear for your time with us. Most importantly you are required to have and Oregon State fishing license and tag on your person while on the river
Summer Gear
During Late June through Early September our summer Steelhead start making their way up river to spawn. This time of year we experience temperatures ranging from 50° to 100 ° plus in a single day. We recommend: sun protective clothing/sunscreen, polarized sun glasses, proper closed toe shoes or sandals, a bathing suit, and a hat.
It is also important to remember that summer nights on the Rogue can be cold. With the evening river breeze being quite chilly at times, having a long sleeve shirt, light jacket and a light weight rain jacket isn’t a terrible idea, just in case we get surprised with a thunderstorm in the Rogue Valley’s sensitive micro climate.
Spring/Fall Gear
Late March to June and September to Late November are the spring and fall Steelhead run season’s in the Rogue Valley. Through this time of year we can experience harsher weather, with temperatures ranging from 30° to 90°. We recommend multiple sets of cloths suitable for our environment. It is important to have options so you have the most comfortable trip possible. On warmer days we can get away with using the same protective clothing/gear we use in the summer (see Summer Gear for this info.) And as always, bring a pair of polarized glasses.
For the colder days we recommend a breathable base layer for your legs and upper body along with a pair of wool socks. A medium weight vest or long sleeve shirt paired with a heavy sweat shirt to keep your core warm. You should bring a pair of Gortex waders paired with wading boots, along with a light and heavy rain jacket.
If you do not have these items don’t be concerned! We are prepared to supply you with waders, boots, and rain jackets. PLEASE let us know about any gear you do not have. We always have a good stock of all these items so we are prepared to supply you with anything you may need. Remember it is always best to have your layers available and take them off if necessary. Its never fun to need the and Not have them.
Winter Gear
In early December to early March, Winter Run Steelhead are traveling up our nearby and coastal rivers. This time of year can bring quite harsh conditions on the river, however it does come with some of the greatest reward.
With highs into the 60s and lows that can be well into the freezing range, layers are key. You will need a breathable base layer for your legs and upper body, a heavy long sleeve/sweater, a medium heavy vest, a pair of heavy sweat pants, and maybe even a second layer of sweat pants. One to two pairs of heavy wool socks with liner socks underneath make wading in sometimes frigid waters more comfortable. You may also want a down jacket paired with a heavy rain jacket or snow jacket. As always Polarized glasses are a must have! A warm hat or beanie or a combination of both will greatly benefit you in these conditions, (some people also bring neck, hand and foot warmers). Finally, a nice pair of finger-less gloves can help make or break your ability to function while being on the river.
It is also important to remember to bring multiple sets of all the necessary clothing when on multi-day trips. We are fishing and your under-wader cloths can get pretty funky. Most people don’t like smelling worse than the fish they are catching!