The Applegate River is the second largest tributary to the Rogue River, and provides a substantial fishery below Applegate Dam for winter steelhead. It is stocked with thousands of hatchery smolts annually and also supports a healthy native run. Anglers catch winter steelhead on the Applegate on traditional drift fishing gear and lures. Flyfishers also stand a decent chance of hooking large, bright winter steelhead on a small, intimate river by dead-drifting nymphs or egg patterns. Public access on the Applegate is limited but the Forest Service administers several campgrounds and small inholdings below Applegate Dam. Above the dam is mostly public land, and the Applegate River tributaries provide quality angling opportunities for wild rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout.

Basic Directions