John Day Offers World-Class Bass Fishing Trips

Nice JD Smallie

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 petro glyphs. This is one of the most culturally rich river corridors in the state.

This 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 to an estimated 2000 – 3000 fish per mile! Join Marty Sheppard and Little Creek Outfitters for an unforgettable trip through this breathtaking landscape.

Bass season is at its peak from early June to the end of July. 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. This is the perfect river to introduce new fly casters 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 they fish with poppers and surface bugs. When the sun is on the water, flies are typically muddlers and woolly buggers.

Cuban?

The John Day bass trips are multi-day rafting, camping, and fishing trips. For the day float trips they fish from Twinkingham to Priest Hole, or the Service Creek to Twinkingham sections of the river. For multi day camping trips they do 4 or 5 days. Little Creek Outfitters has a private ranch access ($40.00 P.P. fee) put-in at 30 Mile Creek, that has the most wild and scenic segment of the river to Cottonwood Bridge.

Camps are set-up each day by the baggage crew, so when you arrive in camp, you can sit back and relax, have a cocktail, or fish the camp water. Your tent for the night will be set-up and your bags awaiting your arrival. All meals are skillfully prepared streamside by their staff. They do take a lot of pride in the meals; a sample dinner menu might range from Pasta Putenescca to Moroccan-spiced chicken with rosemary oil. They provide all of camping gear with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow.

Home sweet home

One guide per two clients is our standard ratio on fly fishing excursions. Camp size averages 6 to 8 guests. They can accommodate larger private groups by request.

2012 rates: 4 day camping trip $1500.00
Day float or walk and wade trip 2 anglers $450.00
Shuttles fees, ranch access fees, and gratuity not included.

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