The best kept secret in Oregon for fly-fishing is the Grande Ronde River. The Grande Ronde is a forested and desert oasis rich with wild big rainbows and bull trout and sea-run steelhead, abundant wildlife and stunning scenery that all anglers will enjoy. It is also a river that Marty and Mia have been guiding on for 2 decades from the Minum to Troy section. This section of river is 45 miles long and can be fished from the boat or you can walk and wade the runs.
Marty and Mia create exceptional fishing experiences for anglers by providing the most comfortable camps and preparing the tastiest meals using fresh produce and meats and utilize Dutch ovens when permitted.
The Sheppards run multi-day float trips for both trout and steelhead. Trout trips focus on the Minumto Troy section for both trout and steelhead. Typically the camp crew will hustle downstream to secure and set up camp while the anglers work their way downstream in rafts fishing from the boat or getting out to wade fish at prime locations. In addition to having earned a reputation for great camps and cooking, the Sheppards are well known for providing great instruction and making their guests better anglers. Whether you want to work on your overhand or spey cast, dry fly presentations or become a better wader, the Sheppards have what it takes to improve your game.
When: June/July
Days: 3
Anglers: 4-6
Price per: 3 Day Trip $2100 4 Day Trip $2800
Your trip starts at the boat launch in Minam, Oregon where the Wallowa and Minam Rivers meet. This puts you at the beginning of quite possibly the most beautiful Trout water you have ever seen. We will arrange your shuttle so you will have your car at the take out. The shuttles cost $100 per automobile.
On the water:
35+ miles of water will be covered in 3 days by fishing the entire way while a designated gear boat with 2 staff members packs and moves camp approximately 10+ miles per day. For every 2 anglers, there will be 1 guide. Flies are provided.
At the camps:
The dining room sits under a wall tent along with the kitchen. All meals are provided except breakfast the first morning and dinner the last evening. We do not provide alcohol. All meals are warm, hearty, and skillfully made. We utilize Dutch ovens and propane stoves. Your provided camping accommodations are four-season tents. These double occupancy tents are supplied with cots, pads, and a heater. Our evening stories are told around the campfire that sits on top of a fire pan. We set up at camp a toilet and its own privacy tent. The handwashing station is always available and warm.
We take out at the Powatka Bridge 7 miles above the town of Troy.
We practice no-trace camping and pack everything out with us.
You may choose to overnight in La Grande or Minam and here are a few options:
Minam Motel (541) 437-4475.
www.bestwesternoregon.com (541) 963-3100
www.royalmotorinnlagrande.com (541) 963-4154
Your vehicle will need to be shuttled to the take out. This will be an extra cost of around $100 to you. We will make the arrangements for you on the morning of the trip when you arrive.
Pack list:
We provide you with two dry bags. One is a duffel size bag that goes down to camp ahead of you and the other is a smaller dry bag to carry things (like a change of clothes in case you get wet) on your guide boat.
Clothes:
- Fleece
- Polypropylene
- Warm socks
- Camp shoes
- Stocking cap
- Baseball cap
- Polarized sunglasses
- Wading boots
- Waders (high quality)
- 0* sleeping bag and a packable pillow
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Biodegradable soap
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Medications
Fishing:
- 5 or 6 weight fly rod
- Nippers
- Forceps
- Trout flies
- Tippet 5x
- Leaders
- Camera
- Tackle bag
We will meet at 8 am at the Minam boat launch. It is easy to find and here are the directions from Portland:
1. From Portland take I-84 to La Grande 258.8 miles
2. Take OR-82 exit Exit 261 toward La grande/Elgin .2 mi
3. Turn RIGHT onto ISLAND AVE/OR-82/WALLOWA LAKE HWY. Continue to follow OR-82/WALLOWA LAKE HWY 1.6 mile
4. Turn LEFT onto N MCALISTER RD/WALLOWA LAKE HWY/N B ST/OR-82. Continue to follow WALLOWA LAKE HWY/OR-82 17.7 miles
5. Turn RIGHT onto ALBANY ST/OR-82/WALLOWA LAKE HWY. Continue to follow OR-82/WALLOWA LAKE HWY. 13.2miles
6. Welcome to Minam. The boat launch is on the left before the Bridge.
You may choose to overnight in La Grande or Minam and here are a few options:
www.minammotel.com (541) 437-4475
www.bestwesternoregon.com (541) 963-3100
www.royalmotorinnlagrande.com (541) 963-4154
Your vehicle will need to be shuttled to the take out. This will be an extra cost of around $100 to you. We will make the arrangements for you on the morning of the trip when you arrive.
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/7eiGioqaL7q