John Day River 

Pacific Northwest

In addition to being the second longest free flowing river in the United States, the John Day River is arguably the finest smallmouth bass fishery west of the Mississippi. Here anglers of all skill levels can enjoy high catch rates and action packed early summer fly fishing for feisty smallmouth bass while experiencing one of the West’s most interesting and least traveled wilderness float trips.

For families and private parties keen on fly fishing success, these multi-day rafting trips provide a high level of adventure and creature comforts. The spectacular canyons of the lower John Day are dominated by towering rock walls and rolling hills dotted with sagebrush and juniper. While the fish average 8-12 inches, there are strong and willing and specimens of over 20 inches are available.

For the hearty steelhead angler, the John Day also provides exceptional late season sport. Through private access agreements with local ranchers, outfitter Marty Sheppard offers an utterly private angling experience that is unique in the West. Prime months are November and December. Anglers enjoy day trips into this choice water after spending warm nights in the neighboring town of Condon. Please call for available dates and details.

Location:
The John Day river flows north through central Oregon, eventually draining into the Columbia River.

Fishing Program:
The John Day River offers some of the best Smallmouth Bass fishing in the country. In 1971, approximately 75 Smallmouth Bass were introduced to the river and since then they have flourished! Bass season is at its peak from mid-June to the end of August. It is not uncommon to hook in excess of 75 fish per rod per day. These fish average from 8”-12”, with larger fish in the 18”-20” range. The big fish for 2004 was a 21¼” monster that weighed 6.4 lbs!! This is the perfect river to introduce new flycasters to the sport, as the fish are typically aggressive and plentiful. The majority of the fishing is done from the boat and from the banks looking for feeding fish. When the shade is on the water we fish with poppers and surface bugs, sun on the water flies are typically muddlers and woolly buggers.

This river was also home to huge runs of Steelhead and the famous Columbia River Chinook Salmon. At present, the system has one of the last all-wild runs of adronomous fish east of the Cascade Mountains. All steelhead fly fishing is done while wading. Spey rods are useful tools for delivering your fly. Steelhead in the John Day River average five pounds, though steelhead up to twelve pounds are caught each year.

Fisheries:
Running over 500 miles, the John Day is the second longest free-flowing stream in the United States. It is protected as a “Wild and Scenic” river under Oregon Scenic Waterways Act. The country is characterized by steep basalt canyon walls, juniper, and sagebrush dotted hills, abandoned homesteads, and petroglyphs. This is one of the most culturally rich river corridors in the state. Human presence in this system spans more than 10,000 years. For thousands of years the Northern Paiute lived on this river they called the Mah-Hah. In 1805 these canyon dwellers met their first Europeans, the Lewis and Clark expedition. In 1812, the river was renamed the John Day after one of the members of the Astor-Hunt overland party. It was the discovery of gold in 1860 that advanced pioneer settlement. The John Day River is truly the Grand Canyon of Oregon. The river’s serpentine course through vertical basalt cliffs has, at times, an almost haunting feel.

Accommodations and Meals:
Your tent for the night will be set-up and your baggage will be waiting for you. You will be provided with a cot and “paco” pad for your comfort. Please be sure and bring a pillow and sleeping bags.

All meals are skillfully prepared streamside by Little Creek Outfitters staff. They take a lot of pride in the meals, a sample dinner menu might range from Lamb brochettes with black olives and mint vinaigrette, Moroccan-spiced chicken with rosemary oil, to good old dutch oven lasagna. They provide hammocks, a unique luxury in the field, for afternoon siestas. Little Creek Outfitters also provide all of camping gear with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow. They carry all drinking water, however, they do not provide alcohol, you are welcome to bring your own if you desire. Please pack liquids in plastic containers only. Except good wines!!

The Hotel Condon: In Condon we recommend staying at the Hotel Condon – 541.384.4624; www.hotelcondon.com.
Please be sure and make your arrangements early in order to secure a room. We also encourage you to make dinner reservations at the Hotel Condon for that evening.

The Hotel Condon is a charming historical hotel located in downtown Condon. They have a variety of rooms each with one queen bed and private bath. Roll Away beds also are also available upon request. Each room includes an alarm clock, hair dryer, and TV. Guests share a common area as well as the restaurant and bar located downstairs.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Portland, OR and drive to Condon.
Days 2 – 5: Full days of guided fishing, moving camp each day.
Day 6: Fish in the morning. Float to the takeout and drive back to Portland, overnight.
Day 7: Depart Portland for home.

“Thanks for another wonderful fishing expedition on the John Day River! Kate and I had a lot of fun and she definitely caught the fishing bug. I loved being able to camp on the river and thought that Little Creek Outfitters, Marty and Mia Sheppard et. al, were terrific." S.B., CA

Complete Trip Details