John Day River Steelhead

The John Day River, located in the north central part of Oregon, is
 the second-longest free-flowing river in the continental United States.  Beginning in the Blue Mountains and flowing north to the Columbia, the John
Day is managed exclusively for wild anadromous fish, and is protected as a “Wild and Scenic”

My introduction to the John Day River was a sizzling story: that November day Bill Bakke, Director of Native Fish Society,  hooked and released 47 steelhead….

The fall rains pounding the Oregon coast had blown-out the west slope Oregon rivers.  Mike Owens and I packed up our camp and fly fishing gear, we drove east on I-84 to the Blalock Canyon exit:  we continued on Blalock Canyon Road taking a right turn on Rock Creek Road, and then a second right on Lower Rock Creek Lane to the east shore of the John Day River.  Mike slipped on his Simms waders, rigged his Thomas and Thomas 1307 spey rod, and headed down river.  The basalt formations and bluffs are impressive with cliffs, Indian petroglyphs, and palisades high above the river.  The afternoon was gray and cold, and the wind was quiet for the moment.  I reached into my gear bag for my mid-weight capilene, polartec pants, and Simms vest and jacket to prepare for the harsh elements.  Stuffing my pockets with a couple Wheatley fly boxes, I was off, and quickly reached Mike who was already firing off single speys down a small “run”.  As I walked along the river I noticed a steelhead flashing just upstream from Mike.  Before I could step in the river, suddenly, Mike yells:  “I’ve hooked one.”  Mike begins working the steelhead to the shallows and then hands me the camera.  We are both grinning as I tail and photograph Mike’s first John Day River steelhead.  These are summer run fish that have been holding in the Columbia River all summer, waiting for the water temperate to drop so they can enter the John Day River to hold over the winter and spawn in the spring.  We returned back to camp as dusk begins to close in.  I started a campfire to warm us as we discussed tomorrow’s fishing plan over dinner.

Steelheading on the John Day River has limited access: Rock Creek, Cottonwood Canyon on Hwy 206, Clarno on Hwy 218, and Service Creek on Hwy 19 all provide the fly fisher with a starting point. For walk in access you would need to stay below the high water mark..  The John Day River is a navigable and tidal waterway that fly fishers have the right to float, wade, and walk up to the ordinary high watermark of the river.  The courteous angler should respect the farms and ranch lands of the John Day valley, only walking along the river below the high water mark.   Dry lines and classic steelhead flies work great in November, December, and January.   Some of my favorite patterns are Gold Demon, Prism, Comet, Boss, Big Black Bunny, and Conehead String leeches.  Don’t overlook fishing those big, slow moving pools. Travis Johnson's recent John Day river Steelhead is pictured below.

December and January steelheading on the John Day River can be cold, windy, and a physical challenge (make sure you go prepared with the right clothing for the conditions).  Mike and I both agreed that this was our last cold weather camp-out for the season, but not our last trip to the John Day River this winter. We are planning our next John Day steelhead trip with Little Creek Outfitters and staying at the Condon Hotel, which has been recently renovated into a gorgeous 18 room hotel with modern amenities, and provides the best place to eat in town.  Nothing beats a warm room and a hot meal after spending the day out in the weather fly fishing for steelhead.  The Condon Hotel provides a  warm comfortable area for sipping  drinks and relaxing  while discussing the day’s fishing events.