Getting There: From I-84 take the Hwy 19 exit and take Hwy 19 south to Service Creek. From Hwy 26 turn north on Hwy 19 to Kimberly.

The John Day River -Photo by Jessica Sall-

Fisheries: Fish for abundant smallmouth bass from late spring through fall. Steelhead are also in this section of the river from late February through mid-April. Drift boats and large rafts are commonly used in spring before stream flows drop, although small inflatable rafts are becoming increasingly popular, particularly during summer months. Bank access is limited unless anglers have permission from private landowners. Primitive boat ramps are found at Kimberly, Pine Tree, Shady Grove (BLM), the ODOT gravel pit, Spray, Muleshoe Campground and Service Creek. The river is open to angling year-round. Bag limit on smallmouth is 5 per day, no more than 3 over 15 inches.

Useful Information: Only marked hatchery steelhead may be kept. There are no hatchery steelhead released into the John Day River so those that are caught have strayed into the John Day River from other river systems. Bag limit is three per day. The most common method of angling is to drift a nightcrawler with a small buoyant lure, although a feathered jig suspended by a float has become increasingly popular.

Justin Botefuhr - steelhead caught on the lower John Day -Photo by Rick Hargrave-

Tackle & Techniques: The most popular smallmouth bass angling method is to cast rubber grubs threaded onto lead-headed jigs or top-water lures.

Facilities: Two campgrounds, day-use area, toilets, primitive boat ramps.

Fees: Yes, camping fees

Additional Activities: Recreation opportunities include hunting, sightseeing, horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, camping and whitewater rafting.

For More Information:
ODFW John Day Field Office (541) 575-1167