John Day River Steelhead

The John Day River possibly has the best run of true wild steelhead in the lower 48 and the occasional hatchery stray that has consistently been taking our flies every year since I started guiding on it. There is no hatchery and no dam on the John Day River, thankfully there never has been. This fishery is the most reliable producer I have found to take a steelhead by the swung fly anywhere!

Our Steelhead Day trips are walk and wade access on a huge private ranch or a day float to access some wonderful fly water. Rates are $500.00 per day for two anglers. We are now offering 4 day camp trips! $400 per angler per day.
If you fly in, schedule your flight for Portland, Oregon on the day before the launch date. Once in Portland you will need to rent a vehicle and meet us in Condon Oregon. We have two options for accommodations; Motel Condon: 541-384-2181, or the Hotel Condon: 800-201-6706

The run on the John Day doesn't really even start to be fishable until the last week of October. The irrigation makes the water flow on the river get very low by mid October. Irrigation shut off is the 15th of Oct. It takes about a week for the flow to pick up and that brings in a good push of fish. We get very fresh (bright) fish all the way through Feb. November and December are the prime time to fish.

Call us about upland game bird hunting too!

GRANDE RONDE RIVER
There is a "wild and scenic" designated river, which twists and turns over wild terrain. It is home to red-hot summer run Steelhead and feisty Rainbows and Bull Trout. Its rapids are lively, but not intimidating, as it courses alongside woodlands and deep canyons. Join us for a wilderness float through this primitive river canyon that is inaccessible by vehicle.
"I've taken Steelhead on flies in forty rivers from southern Oregon to northern British Columbia, and the Grande Ronde is the top of the list for joys in surface steelhead." -Bill McMillan, fly caster, writer, Steelhead guru.
The Grande Ronde River, in the extreme Northeast corner of Oregon, is "Wild and Scenic" designated. It affords a rare opportunity to experience a nearly pristine river corridor. The section we utilize is from Minam, Oregon to Troy, Oregon (40 miles) This is a road-less section, and we access them on a five day/four night multi-day camping/float trips. The river canyon encompasses a variety of terrain types: from forested peaks to semi-arid lands as it nears the Snake River. Those who drive will arrive at Minam, Oregon on the morning of the launch. Those who fly, book to Lewiston, Idaho.
The Grande Ronde River offers anglers a rare angling opportunity with summer run steelhead aggressively rising to surface flies. We fish for steelhead from mid October to the mid November. Experiencing Northeast Oregon during our fall fishery is a treat, sunny warm days and crisp frosty mornings, with the fresh scent of autumn in the air. The run of fish ranges from "A" salt fish in the 4-6 lb class, and "B" salt fish in the 7-14 lb class. The take can be as light as a small rainbow sipping mayflies or as voracious as a 30lb Peacock Bass slamming a popper. The Grande Ronde has one of the highest populations of wintering Bald Eagles in the state.
Fishing for Bull Trout and Rainbows is also exceptional this time of year on the Grande Ronde. The average size will run from 10" 14" with some fish in the 20" class.
The cost is $350 per a day per angler this includes guide, (guides have the latest gear to demo and dozens of flies to use), three hardy meals a day, gear boater sets up camp and has appetizers waiting when you arrive.

John Day River Smallmouth
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 petroglyphs. This is one of the most culturally rich river corridors in the state. Human presence in this system spans more than 10,000 years. 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. It was the discovery of gold in 1860 that advanced pioneer settlement. The John Day River is truly the Grand Canyon of Oregon. The river’s serpentine course through vertical basalt cliffs has, at times, an almost haunting feel.

The John Day 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! Bass season is at its peak from June to the end of July. It is not uncommon to hook in excess of 50+ fish per rod per day. These fish average from 8”-12”, with larger fish in the 18”-20” range. The big fish for 2008 was a 21¼” monster that weighed 6.4 lbs!! 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 looking for feeding fish. When the shade is on the water we fish with poppers and surface bugs, sun on the water flys are typically muddlers and woolly buggers.

If you fly in, schedule your flight for Portland, Oregon on the day before the launch date. Once in Portland you will need to rent a vehicle and meet us in Condon Oregon. Be sure to have your fishing license before arriving in Condon. You will find them online:

http://www.blogger.com/www.dfw.state.or.us/online_license_sales/index.asp

We have two options for accommodations; Motel Condon: 541-384-2181, or the Hotel Condon: 800-201-6706.

Our John Day bass trips are multi-day rafting, camping, fishing trips. For our day float trips we use the Twinkingham to Priest Hole portion of the river, or Service Creek to Twinkingham. For our multi day camping trips we use different segments depending on the length of stay. Priest Hole to Clarno stretch is our two night three day float and camp. Twickingham Bridge to Clarno is the perfect 4 day late season (July) adventure. We have a private ranch access($40.00 P.P. fee)
put in at 30 Mile Creek that gives us the opportunity to take you down the most wild and scenic segment of the river to Cottonwood Bridge. This trip is 4 days in June and 5 days in July. Our longest tip is a 70 mile float from 6 to 7 days from Clarno to Cottonwood. Camps are set-up each day by our baggage crew as we progress down the river. When you arrive in camp, sit back and relax, have a cocktail, or fish the camp water. Your tent for the night will be set-up and your baggage will be waiting for you. All meals are skillfully prepared streamside by our staff. We also provide all of camping gear with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow. We carry all drinking water, however, we don not provide alcohol, you are welcome to bring your own if you desire. Please pack liquids in plastic containers only. Except good wines!!

Rivers and water are the soul of all life on our planet, so please join us in enjoying, marveling at, and protecting the river as we travel its length. With that in mind, we practice no trace camping. Footprints should be the only clue to our presence after we leave.

One guide per two clients is our standard ratio on flyfishing excursions. Our guides have both CPR training and basic first air certification. Additionally, we generally have at least one EMT on each trip. We carry a very complete series of first aid kits on each boat, as well as a cell phone for emergencies only. If you have any preexisting medical condition, please let us know in advance (bee sting or food allergies, diabetes, heart conditions, etc.). It is advised that you have a current tetanus vaccination before arrival. When you arrive at the river we will have a boat and river safety discussion. You will be issued a life jacket to be used for the trip. Camp size averages 6 to 8 guests. We can accommodate larger groups by request.

2009 rates: $350/day per angler

We look forward to showing you the John Day River canyon and fishing with you…and if you have any further questions please feel free to call or email us at any time

(503)-944-9165.
http://www.littlecreekoutfitters.net/
littlecreekjd@earthlink.net

Marty Sheppard Profile

Marty Sheppard

Marty has been a professional guide for nine years, his passion for fly fishing has lead him to building a business based on his enthusiasm for the sport and conservation of wild Steelhead and Salmon. He thrives on teaching people and sharing his experience of the river with others.Born and raised in Oregon Marty grew up on the banks of the Sandy River and landed his first Steelhead at the age of 5 in 1976. His dad had the greatest influence by taking him fishing it seemed everyday and teaching him the techniques of catching Steelhead. Much of his fly fishing inspiration came from reading books as a kid. Roderick Haig-Brown and Bill McMillan were huge contributors through their writing. As a teenager in the late 80’s Steve Kruse taught him the art of speycasting. Marty has spent a majority of his life chasing Steelhead throughout the Pacific Northwest.Marty met his wife Mia as a sponsored snowboarder in Oregon. They traveled a lot together to competitions and had really fun times. In the late 90’s she moved to Alaska and worked on commercial fishing boats and spent her off time fishing for Trout and Salmon. On a trip to Alaska, they once again connected and this was the first time she witnessed him speycasting. Seeing him cast prompted her to say, “now that’s sexy!” He likes to think that speycasting finally won her heart. They married five years later on the banks of the Deschutes River. On December 7, 2007 they had their first child! Her name is Tegan. When Marty and Mia aren’t working they can be found traveling to a river in pursuit of their next adventure.Marty guides year round catering exclusively to fly-fishing on the Sandy, John Day, Grande Ronde, Clackamas, and Klickitat rivers. Marty is a supporter of the Native Fish Society and a Board Member of Waterwatch of Oregon. He practices a strict policy of catching and releasing wild fish. Marty has completely dedicated his life to fly-fishing and his family. He truly is an asset to the fly fishing community in years to come.