John Day still kicking out fish

[Wally]

If you don't have anywhere else to go the JD is still kicking out some nice steelies. Hooked 3 and landed 1 last Sunday morning. Turned back a nice 12lb native. Troll plugs below the park. Chrome/chartreuse worked best. The water from the park on up is colder, so from the park down to the mouth is your best bet.

Did you go with a guide, or on your own? I'm a relatively 'new' eastern Oregonian and am making the trip to the JD this weekend. I've talked with a few 'old-timers' (retired) who have access to fishing on private property down low - they've done very well this season with a few days double digit fish mark per person. No lie.... They've found that many hatchery strays (more than typical) have made their way into the system. If I divulged anymore information, I'd be flogged....

I own a driftboat, but have yet to make a float on the JD because of lacking education of the place. Where do you typically float?

Here is a good website for eastern Oregonians: www.blumtn-anglers-flyshop.com

click on the fishing reports icon and scroll down until you see the good-looking guy holding the summer steelhead from the Deschutes - that's me! My buddy is next to me with a great looking 35 pound salmon he got with me.

[Wally]

Lately I've been taking my big boat and trolling from the mouth up to the boat-in park. It's pretty easy water, there was a guy there last week in a 16' drift boat with a kicker. The wind is the only thing that would be a problem.
The last 300-400 yards before the park on the East side in about 40' of water has been the best spot for me.
There is a park with a nice ramp right off of 84 at the mouth.
The only stretch I have done in may drift boat is Service Creek to Twickenham for smallmouth bass in June. I think it's 16 river miles. That's a pretty nice stretch and only one tricky spot. If you want to you can even walk your boat past it on the right side. I did it in my little 14' Clackacraft with no trouble. Great smally fishing and fabulous scenery.

[lippee]

Wally
I to live over here and new to the area, Also own drift boat. curious of where the area that you fish . Maybe you could email me

[Spooled]

Wally, glad to see you doing well on the John Day. I remember seeing you out there this fall.

[Wally]

Spooled,
I have had pretty good luck out there - thanks for the previous tips! Have you had that new drift boat out yet? I've had mine over on the Wilson only once. Let's hook up some time!

[tadpolly]

The only fish in the J.D are carp.There has not been a steelie caught there since the Nixon administration!With that out of the way Eastside,torture your "buddy" until you get the private scoop out of him.Even if it takes several drinks to get him to talk.(JK)I've heard this from 3 sources now so it definately is there.Dave and Lip,while the Service creek drift seems easy, it is long and the river is lower than low.Because of this I wouldn't reccomend drifting it unless you plan to sleep overnite on the bank in a tent(BRRRRRRRR).Hence the crisis on access.The lower river should still carry more fish per acre than upper sections cuz it's been real low all year long.Water levels are critical to a good day.450-650 cfs is the magic number.Be very careful of this as levels ping pong all the time.Dave, heard that the Ronde was good from a couple folks, any word on it?For what it's worth,the Deschutes is still kicking out Summers.What an awesome year for them!!Have Fun.Mark

[Spooled]

Hey Wally, sorry I didn't respond sooner, but I have been pretty sick. I have had my boat out a few times and done well each time. We went down to the Nestucca a little while back and got 4 in about 2 hours. I am planning on the Clackamas this weekend if I am feeling up to it. Let me know when you can go.
Troy