Little Creek Outfitters

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Fresh Water
Season
June - July
The 2025 multi day float trip rate $600 per person per day, with the standard 4 day June trip being $2400 per person. July trips are 5 days, $3000.
Number of guests
The trips are typically booked in groups of 2 anglers per guide. The maximum is 3 boats for 6 anglers.
Species:
- Smallmouth Bass

United States >> Oregon >> Condon

Fishing and Species

Floating through the scenic and isolated John Day Canyon, fly rod in hand, covering miles of water that is thick with bass, is really fun. Fishing is done with dry flies, poppers, nymphs or streamers. All of these methods to catch them work at one time or another. It is summer and the days are long so you can fish your brains out or hang back a little. Bass range from 1 to 5 lbs, with some larger ones caught. There is time for some wade fishing too.

Arrivals and Departures

There are usually set launch dates for multi-day trips. There are some private intact groups and some are put together in groups of 2 anglers to make a total of 4 to 6.

Accomodations

Muti-day trips feature deluxe camps with all the details figured out. They furnish tents, chairs, cots, solar showers, etc. It is warm so not much of a sleeping bag is needed.

Non Anglers / Activities

Non-anglers are welcome on the trip, but they need to think that floating the river and watching the world go by is fun. Occasionally, the group will stop and hike up a canyon to look at petroglyphs but that is as entertaining as it gets.

Airport / Logistics

Anglers from outside the region usually fly into Portland, Oregon and rent a car. Plan on arriving the night before and staying at Hotel Condon.

Climate

Temperatures on the river can range from the 40's to the 90's. It is dry and arid but always come prepared for rain and a thunder shower.

Included

Multi-day trips include - all meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, tackle if needed, camping gear.

Not Included

Multi-day trips - license, alcoholic beverages, sleeping bag, pillow, vehicle shuttle to the take out, overnight accommodations in Condon , meals before the trip and gratuities.

Currency/Credit Cards

The guides do not take credit cards for gratuities. The local B &B, motel and hotel do take credit cards.

Gratuities

Suggested gratuities are 15-20% of the trip cost.

Medical Facilities

The nearest hospital is The Dalles.

Documentation

None needed

Beverages

Beverages are furnished. You are encouraged to bring your own wine, beer and spirits.

Laundry

There is no laundry service except the rocks on the river.

Phone, Internet, Power

Phone: no phone

Internet: no internet

Power: no power

John Day River Bass floats

The John Day River offers some of the best Smallmouth Bass fishing in the country. In 1971, approximately 75 Smallmouth Bass were introduced to the river and since then they have flourished! Bass season is at its peak from mid-June to the end of August. It is not uncommon to hook in 20 to 75 fish per rod per day. These fish average from 8-12", with larger fish in the 18-20" range. The big fish for 2004 was a monster that weighed 6.4 lbs! It is a pleasure to float on this river with no bridges for 90 miles. It winds through vast ranches and BLM land with hardly any access except by floating. The John Day River offers some of the best Smallmouth Bass fishing in the country. Bass season is at its peak from mid-June to mid August, depending on river flows. It is not uncommon to hook in 20 to 75 fish per rod per day. These fish average from 8-12", with larger fish in the 18-20" range. It is a pleasure to float on this river with no bridges for 90 miles. It winds through vast ranches and BLM land with hardly any access except by floating.

This is the perfect river to introduce new flycasters to the sport, as the fish are typically aggressive and plentiful. Like all bass, their activity level is affected by water temperatures. The majority of the fishing is done from the boat while floating between camps. There is also time for wade fishing during the day and around camp. When the shade is on the water, it is a good time to fish with poppers and surface bugs. With high sun, flies of choice are typically muddlers, small leeches, woolly buggers and nymphs. Typically anglers spend the night before the trip in Condon, Oregon, then launch in the morning.

Running over 500 miles, the John Day is the second longest free-flowing stream in the United States. It is protected as a “Wild and Scenic” river under Oregon Scenic Waterways Act. The country is characterized by steep basalt canyon walls, juniper, and sagebrush dotted hills, abandoned homesteads, and petroglyphs. This is one of the most culturally rich river corridors in the state.

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Little Creek Outfitters