Running more than 500 miles, the John Day is the third longest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States. It is protected as a “Wild and Scenic” river under Oregon Scenic Waterways Act. The river’s serpentine course meanders along steep basalt canyon walls, juniper- and sagebrush-dotted hills, abandoned homesteads, and petroglyphs. This is one of the most culturally rich river corridors in Oregon. 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. The John Day River is truly the Grand Canyon of Oregon.
The John Day is also arguably the finest smallmouth bass fishery west of the Mississippi. Anglers of all skill levels can enjoy insanely high rates of feisty smallmouth bass while experiencing one of the West’s most interesting and least traveled wilderness float trips.
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. 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 targeting 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.
For families and private parties keen on fly fishing success, these multi-day rafting trips provide a high level of adventure without sacrificing comfort.
John Day River Steelhead Drift CAMP Fishing Trip
When: Late October through mid-December
Days: 3-5
Anglers: 4-6
Price per: 3 Day Trip $2025.00 4 Day, $2700.00, 5 day $3,375
Your trip starts out by meeting in Condon, Oregon. This puts you at the beginning of an adventure of one of the great wild Steelhead Rivers of the West. When conditions are mild this can be one of the best dry line and skating fly opportunities to be found!
On the water:
8+ miles of water will be covered per day in the 3 to 5 days by fishing the entire way. A designated gear boat packs and moves camp approximately 8+ 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 (in season) and propane stoves. Your sleeping accommodations are quality 4-season, 4-person tents. These double occupancy tents are supplied with cots and sleeping pads. A portable toilet and its own privacy tent are set up and available at each campsite. The handwashing station is always near.
We practice no-trace camping and pack everything out with us.
Extra costs:
We will arrange your shuttle so you will have your car at the take out. The shuttles cost is $75-$100 per automobile depending on the float. We sometimes utilize a private property boat launch. If this is the case, a $25 per person fee is also required. Fishing license, gratuities, and first day breakfast/last night dinner are not included.
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
- Poly layers
- Warm socks
- Camp shoes
- Stocking cap
- Baseball cap
- Polarized sunglasses
- Wading boots felt or cleats
- Waders (high quality)
- Sleeping bag and a packable pillow -20 degrees
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Biodegradable soap
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Medications
Fishing:
- 6 or 7 weight fly rod
- Interchangeable tip fly line (Skagit) and dry line (Scandi)
- Leaders (mono and poly)
- Sink tips (clear intermediate is the most productive)
- Nippers
- Forceps
- Steelhead flies
- Tippet 0x
- Camera
- Tackle bag
- Water Bottle
John Day Steelhead Drift DAY Fishing Trip
When: Late October through mid-December
Days: 1
Anglers: 2 per boat
Price Per Boat: $750.00
Your trip starts out by meeting in Condon, Oregon. This puts you at the beginning of an adventure of one of the great wild Steelhead Rivers of the West. When conditions are mild this can be one of the best dry line and skating fly opportunities to be found!
On the water:
10+ miles of water will be covered in 1 day of fishing. For every 2 anglers, there will be 1 guide. Flies are provided.
Trip Details and costs:
Stay in Maupin
Flies and lunch are provided.
Extra costs:
Fishing licenses – With Columbia Basin Endorsements
Gratuity
Shuttle
Pack list:
- Clothes:
- Fleece
- Poly layers
- Warm socks
- Camp shoes
- Stocking cap
- Baseball cap
- Polarized sunglasses
- Wading boots felt or cleat
- Waders (high quality)
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Medications
Fishing:
- 6 or 7 weight fly rod
- Interchangeable tip fly line (Skagit) and dry line (Scandi)
- Leaders (mono and poly)
- Sink tips (clear intermediate is the most productive)
- Nippers
- Forceps
- Steelhead flies
- Tippet 0x
- Camera
- Tackle bag
Directions from Portland International Airport to Condon:
Take I-205 South 1.8 miles
Take exit 22 for I-84 E drive 96 miles
Take exit 104 onto US-97 turn right drive 8.5 miles
Right turn onto OR-206, turn left at the stop sign onto 206
Turn right onto Clark St, Turn left onto Highway 206
Drive 41 miles, turn right on Main Street – The Round-Up Grill is on your right
In Condon we recommend staying at the Hotel Condon – 541.384.4624; www.hotelcondon.com. or http://traveloregon.com/places-to-stay/lodging/hotel-motel/condon-motel/