John Day River
John Day River fishing in Oregon is built around smallmouth bass, float trips and wide open desert canyons.
- 402 miRiver length
- 4Game fish
- 78Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout the John Day
The John Day River is a long, free-flowing river in eastern Oregon. It runs about 402 miles through dry canyon country and has no dams on the main stem. The lower river is the best known section for floating, with put-ins and take-outs at places like Service Creek, Twickenham and Clarno.
Smallmouth bass are the main draw for most fly anglers. They are abundant, and they eat poppers and streamers from late spring into early fall. The river also holds westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout and common carp, and the upper river has its own trout water.
Most anglers float the lower river over several days with camping along the way. A limited permit is required for popular sections during the spring and early summer season, so check with the BLM before you plan a trip. Summer can be hot and water temperature drives the bass bite.
River flow matters. Anglers talk about low to moderate flows as better for bass and a float. Check conditions before you commit. Mind ticks, heat and sun, and carry plenty of water.
John Day River at Service Creek, OR
Is the John Day fishing today?
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Nearby gages
- Bridge Creek above Coyote Canyon near Mitchell, OR22.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 14046778
- Middle Fork John Day River at Ritter, OR38.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 14044000
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
Fish you'll catch
Tap a fish to see every Oregon river that holds it.
Hatching in November
What's on the water in the John Day watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 10 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing the John Day
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Get your permit early
A limited number of permits cover popular float sections in spring and early summer. Check the BLM for dates and rules.
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Pack for the desert
Bring sun protection, extra water and a tick check. There is little shade in the canyon.
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Float with a partner
Longer floats are better with two boats. Help is far away if something goes wrong.
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Watch the weather and flow
High water and high heat both change how and where fish eat. Plan around both.
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Use the app for conditions
The FlyFishFinder app shows live gage data on the John Day so you can see flow before you drive out.
Every access point on the John Day, in your pocket.
- 78 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near the John Day
John Day River FAQ
When is the best time to fish the John Day River?
Spring, summer and fall all have fishing. Smallmouth are best known from late spring into early fall.
Where can I fish the John Day River in Oregon?
Service Creek, Twickenham, Clarno and Cottonwood are well known float access areas on the lower river.
Can you wade the John Day River?
Wading is possible in places, but most anglers float to cover the long stretches between access points.
What flies work on the John Day River?
Poppers and Clouser Minnows are classic smallmouth flies here. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is working today.
What fish are in the John Day River?
Smallmouth bass, westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout and common carp.
Do you need a permit to float the John Day River?
A limited permit is required for popular sections during parts of the season. Check with the BLM and the current Oregon regulations before you go.
