John Day Steelhead with Marty and Mia Sheppard

Swing Water Corner

John Day River Steelhead
Chances are, if you are a die-hard steelheader, you have heard about the John Day River and you know that the John Day River has the largest run of wild steelhead in the lower 48. On average 10 thousand summer steelhead return to the John Day to spawn each year. These aggressive critters have been crushing our flies every year since we started guiding there in 2001.

What is unique about the John Day is, there is no hatchery and no dam. This makes the fishery even more special. Except for the occasional stray hatchery, most the steelhead we see are wild.

The Waters
The John Day is a small river in comparison to some of the other great big rivers of the West. The river is low gradient and can be quite wide in many places. These are spots where it takes a solid cast to reach the prime holding spots but there are many runs were a short cast works. This is why beginners have success here and good casters have splendid success!

Trips
We offer day trips and multi day camp trips with a drift boat or raft. On our trips we will cover about 9 miles a day. As we float you down river you will be surrounded by sun-drenched canyons lined with basalt rock faces and sagebrush-dotted hillsides on one of the third longest free flowing rivers in the United States.

We will stop at runs and walk and wade. On camp trips a designated gear boat will pack, move camp and have it set up when you arrive in the evening.

All meals with be prepared with fresh ingredients and we utilize Dutch ovens. Our camp trips have been described as “glamping.” These overnight journeys provide magical wilderness adventure and campground comforts.

Prices
We charge $600.00 for a day trip (1 guide for 2 anglers) We provide transportation to and from your hotel, permit fee, lunch, coffee, rods and flies and professional guides.

Our camp trips range from 3-5 days, the rate is $550 per a day. Shuttle fee is an additional $100.00.

We are currently taking bookings for day trips and we have openings on a camp trip November 11-13th and 15th -17th .

Contact Marty and Mia Sheppard at littlecreekoutfitters@gmail.com to book today!