Minam Steelhead Train

[30aught6]

Any one on here fish the train out of Minam? I'll be heading over and was hoping someone could pass along some pointers.

Good place for a morning meal, or an evening beer?
Somewhere to replace gear I forget on my kitchen table (it's bound to happen)?
Good/bad lodging?
Effective patters/colors?
Honey holes?
Next week's winning lottery numbers?
The meaning of life?

PMs welcome.

Thanks

[ATao]

i have never been on the train but i fish the wallowa river every spring i would suggest double checking your gear before you leave because the closest place to get some decent gear is la grande or joseph as for lodging it sure beats a tent. i would use basic steelhead nymphs under an indicator that seems to be the most productive way to fish the wallowa

[flyin chrome]

I will be launching a raft at Minam on Friday. If you are there and on the train on Friday say hi. This will be a gray raft with a frame and I will have my wife and daughter with me. PM me with any other questions.
Gil

[ChelsiaAnn]

My extended family owns the Minam Motel and I've spent a number of summers retreating there and one summer running the place.
A good place to get a breakfast is the Lostine Tavern. Generous portions, a hearty breakfast, about 15-20 minutes east of Minam. A very popular place for people in the valley. Nothing fancy, just good old fashioned affordable breakfast in a historic tavern.
I'd recommend a beer at Terminal Gravity brewery, which is beyond Lostine and Wallowa in Joseph. Though it's a bit of a drive depending on where you are staying. I prefer to grab a beer at the motel and sit by the river, myself.
There is some gear available for purchase in the motel market, including some fly rigs that are hand tied by some local guy. I'm sorry I'm not of better help, but I know there are some other vendors in Joseph.
With that, it's likely the motel is full, but it's worth checking out in case there are still rooms available. $68/$78 night. On the river. Close to the train. Close to beer for that matter, and spare equipment if needed. Again, nothing fancy - just a decent place to stay in proximity to the river.
There is a map in the motel store as well that designates a few holes, in particular "Chuck's Hole" (my uncle) who lived on the Minam a number of years (like, 20) before he passed in 2008.
Other than that, I'm no angler, but I'm an advocate for the river, for Minam, for the fish train, and for the river culture of the area. If I can help you in any way (or anyone else) feel free to contact me.

Lottery numbers: 15, 3, 24, 11, 8, 30
Meaning of Life: It's just a ride. Put your hands up and scream.

[Worm Jedi]

If you are heading through La Grande stop in at Benchwarmers... I get a lot of the up dates on the Wallowa and the Grande Ronde. If I am not there then I am probably on the river... Plus we have great food and beer! Good luck!