This is one of the most spectacular river corridors in the state and home to a wild run of summer Steelhead. They are one of the last true wild runs in the lower 48. November and December are prime times to fly-fish for these incredible fish. Small and intimate with little pressure from other anglers, the river feels like you have it to yourself. It is fun to fish switch rods and smaller spey rods here. The gradient and river speed is slower than most other steelhead rivers. Smaller flies are the norm, with floating line, skating fly and wet fly techniques. This truly is a unique Steelhead experience. The Steelhead run on the John Day doesn't really pick-up until the last week of October. Irrigation makes the water flow on the river very low. When the irrigation shut off is October 1st, it takes about two weeks for the flow to pick up and bring in a good push of fish. There are fresh fish entering the river all the way through February.

Running over 280 miles, the John Day River is the second longest free-flowing river 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.
Marty and Mia Shepard know the John Day River better than anyone. Their skills as guides, outfitters and anglers make for some memorable days on the water chasing steelhead. The two options are either a single day trip with local B&B accommodations or a multi-day wilderness float covering 45 miles of river in five days. Other length of trips can be arranged depending on scheduling and availability.