JOHN DAY RIVER FISHING
The Longest Free Flowing River in the Pacific Northwest
Whether you are a seasoned angler or a family on your first fishing adventure, get ready to experience the ultimate fishing trip! Our guides will show you the nooks and crannies where the big fish hide along this river.
GENERAL INFORMATION
We offer 3 to 6 day smallmouth bass John Day River fishing trips starting in May and running through mid-July. During the summer months most of the river flow is used for irrigation. As agricultural water demands decrease in the Fall, the river starts to climb to floatable levels and steelhead start entering the system. Starting in October steelhead can be caught with flies and conventional tackle. This time of year also presents the opportunity for a cast-n-blast trip for the elusive chukar partridge.
HOW TO GET THERE
Driving to Clarno via Interstate 84 to Biggs Junction takes about 1.5 hours. From Biggs, travel Highway 97 south to Shaniko. Go south on Highway 218 through the small community Antelope. Clarno Bridge is 14.8 miles from the community of Antelope on Highway 218.
JOHN DAY EQUIPMENT LIST
Suggested Personal Equipment John Day River
- Water Repellent Duffel Bag
- Warm Coat & Sun Hat
- Personal Toilet Articles & Towel
- Light Hiking Boots, Sandals, or Tennis Shoes
- Sleeping Bag (Sleeping Pad & Cot Furnished)
- A small pillow
- Rain Suit (2 Piece Mandatory)
- Two Changes of Light Clothing
- Swim Suit and Shorts
- Small Flashlight
- Dark Glasses and Sunscreen
- Camera (Check Batteries)
- Binoculars Optional
- Water Bottle
- Social Beverages and Mix
- Fishing License
- 3-5 Weight Fly Rod if you are bringing your own
- Insect Repellent
- Total Weight not to exceed 30 Lbs per person
- Pack a small waterproof day pack for your boat. Each boat carries water and cold drinks
We Provide:
- Fishing Tackle Furnished
- Folding Chairs and eating tables
- Deluxe tents, cots, and sleeping pads are furnished
DO NOT BRING
- Waders, hip boots, firearms, electronics, fireworks, or expensive jewelry
Gratuities average 15%.
CAMPING & LODGING RESOURCES
- Hotel Condon – Surrounded by entertaining attractions such as great golf and the Fossil Beds.
- Wilson Ranches Retreat – An Oregon Bed and Breakfast that takes you off the beaten track to a rustic hideout.
- Cottonwood Canyon State Park
- Mayville Flat Hunting
FISHING REGS & LICENSE
- Fishing regulations are available from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- Buy a Fishing License Online
RATES
Middle Fork 2017
Hi Aaron, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for organizing and executing such an awesome trip for all of us! Your team was incredible, and I am still dreaming about the food (big fan of the cornbread…MORE »
Middle Fork 2017
Dear new friends, A little time has passed, which makes it seem even more important to thank you for the profound experience of drifting the middle fork of the Salmon river. It touched me on many levels - for beauty,…MORE »
A Helfrich Outfitter, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and a permitted outfitter under the United States Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. 1950 Yolanda Avenue Springfield OR 97477 |