Thought I would ask your advice. I will be out of Dayville on the S. Fork of the John Day in August. I will be running a spotting scope for my buddy who has a Murderer's Cr Antelope tag most of the time but he says he would like another fly fishing lesson. So, I am bringing a couple of 5wt's and my 3wt Winston. What can I expect and what should I bring for flies. Any tips on the antelope is always welcome to.

Thanks in advance,

Mark

MarlinMark: I can't help much on the John Day, as I mostly go after steelhead in November there. The John Day does support some excellent smallmouth fishing, but I think most of that is further down the river in the stretches around Fossil and Condon.

I was over a week ago to Kimberly, and the river had about 20% more flow than average and still had some color. It did look quite fishable, but I was there for some U-pick exercise in the orchard with the wife.

Given my lack of summer experience there, I'd suggest a few hare's ears and maybe some sofa pillows or muddlers that might attract trout.

Poppers are good in the AM and PM on shaded water on bass. Some wolly buggers or near any streamer should work on bass too. Given the higher than average flows, a little lead or beadheading might help get the wet flys down.

I've been out scouting pronghorn with a buddy, but we're working the Whitehorse unit. As to the intricacies on Murder's Creek pronghorn, I'd suggest calling bios at:

Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area
45403 Hwy 26, PO Box 93
Dayville, OR. 97825
Office 541-987-2171
Fax 541-987-2172

or the JohnDay ODF&W Office,

John Day Field Office
PO Box 9
John Day, OR 97845
Tel: 541-575-1167 Fax: 541-575-0948

One will likely have to deal with securing permission on private holdings for pronghorn, so getting there a bit early might be a plus. If one comes up into the Seneca region after pronghorn, there is some good angling for rainbow and bull trout in the headwaters of the Malheur drainage east of Seneca. More traditional trout patterns like hoppers, caddis, and mayfly imitations are on order there.

Wish I could be of more help, but that is an issue with Oregon. Too many places to go, and not enough time.

Good luck on both the shooting and casting,

Thanks for your input. My buddy has been over and has talked to some of the land owners. Right now he is looking hard at the public land and we will be in contact with the bio that you listed.

Good luck in Whitehorse.

Mark