F.A.Q.
Welcome to Far West Fishing! We want to equip you with everything you need for your trip. And hopefully answer any questions you have about your experience!
But please don’t hesitate to ask about anything that isn’t answered here.
What do you need to bring?
Your fishing license. You may also like to bring:
- A hat
- Sunscreen
- Video camera
- Bluetooth speaker
- Swimming clothes
- Dry clothes
- Lunch, snacks and favorite beverages
There is plenty of room on the boat!
What do you need to wear? Do I need waders?
Rain gear, layered clothing, and shoes or boots that you don’t mind getting wet.
You won’t need waders on most trips but you may wear them to stay warm and dry. However, most of our fishing is from the comfort of the heated drift boat.
How long is the trip?
Each trip lasts anywhere from 4 to 8 hours.
How many people can fit in a drift boat?
Drift boats are made for two guests and a guide, but can be altered slightly to fit three guests and a guide.
Is a guided fishing trip appropriate for kids or beginners?
Yes. Your guide will provide specialized instructions and fishing techniques based on age and ability.
When do you fish?
We fish multiple different rivers year round to ensure the best success rate. But if you have a specfic river on your bucket list, we can check that off.
What species of fish are you targeting?
We target 3 main species in Southern Oregon, Redband Trout, Steelhead, and our personal favorite, Chinook Salmon.
Chinook, also known as King Salmon, are the largest Pacific salmon species averaging approximately 15 to 30 pounds.
Steelhead are ocean run rainbows trout weighing on average 5 to 10 pounds.
Redband trout are landlocked steelhead that cannot return to the ocean after spawning due to dams. These fish still fight pound for pound like a steelhead ranging from 5 to 10 pounds.
When and where are we going to meet?
We typically start early, around sunrise and sometimes a little before. If you prefer a later start time, just let your guide know. Your guide will call you the day before your fishing trip to arrange an exact meeting time and place. Your guide will most likely meet you at the destination boat ramp or at a nearby hotel.
What are the closest airports to Southern Oregon?
The closest airport is the Rogue Valley International Airport in Medford, Oregon.
Can I travel with fish?
At the end of your fishing trip, your guide will fillet and bag your fish and advise you on storage and preparation. Salmon and steelhead should be put promptly on ice to preserve their quality.
If you are flying home with your fish, it can be checked as baggage. Check with your airline for more details.
Here are the basic guidelines for most airlines: Fish must be placed in a hard plastic cooler with dry ice, taped shut, and labeled “fresh fish.” Airport/airline staff may ask you to open the cooler for inspection (bring extra tape to be able to reseal).
What are the benefits of taking a guided trip and hiring a fishing guide?
It’s a great way to see the river floating downstream in the comfort of a heated drift boat while fishing for the Pacific Northwest’s most prized fish. Drifting through endless miles of evergreens, spotting wildlife, and taking in all Southern Oregon has to offer, all while your guide takes care of the details.
You don’t need your own gear or to buy a boat.
Your fishing guide provides everything you will need to enjoy your day out on the river, including:
- A heated boat
- Safety equipment
- Fishing gear
- Rods
- Tackle
- Bait and weights
- Personalized instruction
- Clean filleted
- Bagged fish
- And a shuttle back to your car at the end of the trip.
Yes, guided trips are a bit of an investment, but when you consider the time and supplies needed to do it yourself, it can be very cost affective.
Your fishing guide does all the hard work. The guide is responsible for:
- Preparing your fishing trip
- Rigging the terminal tackle
- Tying the leaders
- Wrapping and cleaning plugs
- Curing bait
- Checking river conditions
- Driving to the river
- Baiting your hook
- Entertaining your friends and family for an enjoyable day
- Guide you to the best holes on the river
- Teach you everything he knows
- Clean and package your fish at the end of your trip
Fishing with an experienced, knowledgeable local guide will speed up the learning process. Hiring a fishing guide will allow you to be more successful in a shorter amount of time.
Whether you’re on a business trip, on a vacation, or trying to master your local home river, our guides are happy to answer any questions and share their secrets.
After your trip, your guide will point you in the right direction, including favorite local fishing holes, bank access spots, or other local fisheries.
Will we actually catch fish?
We work hard to provide you with the best and most successful fishing trip. So, we offer year-round fishing adventures to ensure you have the best chance at catching the fish you want.