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The River - Umpaqua
Hook Sportfishing and the Kesterson Family warmly invite you to share in the quiet, serene, natural beauty of the Big K Ranch. The Big K is perfect for a relaxed, world-class fishing trip, turkey hunt or a family vacation. Located in the hill country about 30 miles from the coast, in Elkton Oregon, the Big K is a working cattle and sheep ranch with 2500 pristine acres adjoining the Umpqua River.
The Lodge
The 12,000 square foot lodge surrounded by 20 individual cabins overlooking a meadow and the river. Often, you can see Elk grazing in the meadows on the hillside across the river or wild turkeys strutting through the property.
The Cabins
"The individual cabins are well appointed and roomy and that they had the most comfortable beds they had ever slept on while traveling", stated the crew from Hook Sportfishing on a recent trip to the Ranch.
Dining
The home-style breakfast is to die for and the evening meal, which can include Duck, Quail, Tri-Tip, Rib-eye and Salmon, is served in front of a large fireplace adding to the unique country atmosphere.
The Fish
The professional guides at the Big K will give you the fishing experience of your life!
Small Mouth Bass
These fish are extremely aggressive feeders and equally aggressive fighters. Our portion of the Umpqua River is recognized as one of the premier smallmouth spots in the country.
Season: April-End of September Peak Time: End of June-End of August
Technique: We practice catch and release and use only artificial baits on these bass. We use ultralight rods, 6lb. test, plastic worms, top-water lures, spinner and buzz baits, ect. Our fly-fishing gear includes 4-6 wt. rods, floating line, and various flies like ugly bugs, wody bug, and minnow patterns.Winter Steelhead are plentiful during the peak time. Their migration up the river can make the number of fish caught, vary from day to day.
Shad
These fish are extremely strong and acrobatic with frequent runs and aerial displays that are sought after by many anglers.
Season: April-June
Peak Time: Early May-Mid June
Technique:
Conventional gear: Spinning and casting rods, 7½'-8½', 8-12lb test, side drifting, back trolling, bouncing bait, bobbers, ect.
Fly fishing gear: Varies due to weather, 7-9 wt., floating and sinking line, some weighted flies
Average Size: 18"-19" 2-2½lbs. Some 5-6lbs.!
We usually do bass and shad combo trips when the shad are in. We can catch 40-50 shad a day with a bunch of bass during the peak.
Silver Salmon
These fish are very similar to steelhead, but seem to be more acrobatic. They often spend moretime cartwheeling across the top of the water than they do underthe water.
Season: MidAugust-November Peak Time: Varies Depending on Weather (best to call)
Average Size: 15-20lbs.Some over 40lbs.!
Winter Steel Head
These fish are one of the most sought after in the Northwest. They are extremely hard fighting and very acrobatic.
Season: December-April
Peak Time: January-March
Technique:
Conventional gear: Spinning and casting rods, 7½'-8½', 8-12lb test, side drifting, back trolling, bouncing bait, bobbers, ect.
Fly fishing gear: Varies due to weather, 7-9 wt., floating and sinking line, some weighted flies.
Winter Steelhead are plentiful during the peak time. Their migration up the river can make the number of fish caught, vary from day to day.
Summer Steel Head
Steelhead are an extremely hard fighting fish. They will do anything to get away. They take long runs, jump frequently, and try to break your line on rocks or brush that may be in the river.
Season: June-September Peak Time: End of July-September:
These fish migrate up the river to spawn, so numbers of fish are much more unpredictable. We usually boat a couple of them a day.
Technique:
Conventional gear: 8' rods, 8-12lb test, side drifting, plugs, ect.
Fly fishing gear: 6-8 wt., floating and sinking line, weighted flies.
Average Size: 8-10lbs. Some over 20lbs.!
Winter Steelhead are plentiful during the peak time. Their migration up the river can make the number of fish caught, vary from day to day.
Other Activities
Turkeys
This hunting editor would strongly urge any turkey hunter who did not bag a tom this past season to consider heading up to the Big K Guest Ranch for a late season spring turkey hunt in May for a good gobbler hunt around Elkton or Roseburg. In just one day of hunting around the ranch, this huntersay more turkey in the field, then I have seen in five years of combined spring turkey hunting in California. When you think about all the birds that are in this region your odds have to be very high of being successful in killing a long beard.
In Oregon, a shotgun or hand-held bow are the only legal weapons for taking wild turkeys. Shotguns no larger than 10 gauge and no smaller than 20 gauge using shot sizes no larger than BB nor smaller than 6 are allowed. Best shot sizes are 4, 5, or 6 depending which gives the best pattern from your gun. Recurve, long and compound bows may be used. Consult current turkey hunting regulations for additional details.
Retreats
Hospitality" -A word defined by our heritage - Seasoned over many years - A feeling...A place of roots...A family... The Big K will customize a group package - We understand the language of organizational development.
- 20 Luxury Cabins
- Fine Dining
- Conference Facilities
- Private Setting
- Wheelchair Accessible
Join us on trail rides, scenic and relaxing float trips, bicycling, or hiking treks at the ranch.
Location
How to find our ranch
I-5 Southbound: Take I-5 south to exit 162. Follow Umpqua Hwy. 99 South to Drain. Keep on the Main St. through the town and straight through the light at the Texaco intersection. Follow Hwy. 38 southwest approximately 14 miles to Elkton. Turn left at flashing light just before you enter Elkton, Hwy 138. Travel just over 5 miles to the Big K Ranch turnoff. The entrance is at the top of the hill just past mile marker #5.
I-5 Northbound: Take I-5 to Sutherlin exit 136. Travel west on Hwy. 138W towards Elkton approx. 18 miles. Approximately 17 miles out, you will cross the Umpqua River at Kellogg. At the top of the hill turn right at the ranch entrance.
Eastbound from Reedsport: Head east on Hwy. 38 to Elkton. Go through the town and turn right at the flashing light onto Hwy. 138. Travel just over 5 miles to the ranch entrance at the top of the hill past the bridge.
Portland International Airport ~ 175 miles
Eugene Airport ~ 65 miles
Medford ~ 130 miles
Bend ~ 180 miles
Oregon Coast ~ 40 miles
California Border ~ 154 miles
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