We just returned from a John Day River steelhead outing. Conditons were horrid, but we had reservations and a deposit down. We were up near the town of Condon. Air temps hovered between 15 and 25 degrees, and water was at 35 degrees F. We had bank ice, some AM floating patties, and frozen snake guides to deal with. We did about 7 hours and floated 6 miles of river.

Somehow, one of our party of 3 (not me) managed to hook up and land a single fish. About a 26 inch 8 pounder that could barely move. No pics, as no one would expose his hands to wet surfaces. We passed on putting in a second day with even colder conditons and wind.

Don't go there until they've had a few days of weather making it into the 50's. Tight lines, 1Minute

But you're back where you can get coffee and bacon, so life's good again- and sweeter.


(Sorry about the bummer trip.)
(Ready to give up Steelheading yet?)

1minute,

Sounds like another dream trip to me ... I guess it's just a matter of perspective.

I grew up in LaGrande and have fished the John Day River with my dad and brother back in the late 50's, early 60's. I'd love to do it again no matter what the temperature.

Guys: I'd call it more of an exercise in survival than fishing. Still it was a day out though. Given that, it must be some sort of testimony on my intellect. Still, I'd rather be reefing in a summer steelhead in September than breaking ice to get midriver in December.

I think we are going to shoot for an early November trip next year.