John Day Float

Went to the John Day and floated from Priest Hole to the Clarno ETO.  River levels dropped to 650 cfm on Sunday and continued to drop to 550 cfm when we took out on Tuesday.  Even with the low levels we did not have a problem.  The drift boat (supply boat) was a bit heavy for some riffles but the kayaks had no problem.

Fishing was I have to say the best I have experienced on this river.  On past trips I caught fare numbers, but smaller fish.  This trip they were on the popper as soon as it hit the water in most cases.  The size difference is what I noticed most.  Fifteen to eighteen inch fish were the norm instead of just once in a while.
Was using a 4 wt. fly rod and poppers 99% of the time.  I just like the explosion on the water when they hit it. 

Have to say was the best JD trip I have had so far.  Can't wait to do it again next year.

Here are some pictures. 

Elliot

Thought you might like to see a fish since this is Kayak FISHING forum.

Nice! The John Day is a place I'd like to spend more time. Caught my first fish from a kayak there at the mouth last year. Hoping to head back again for a weekend this summer. Next spring I'd also like to do a top-bottom run. Saw some of the upper areas on a road trip earlier this year, beautiful area.

Brian

I got to make it out there one of these years.  Nice trip underwood.

Top to bottom, huh Alkasazi?  Sounds like a plan.

-Allen

Would like to do Clarno to Cottonwood next.  Just haven't had the time to do that float in the past. 

I think there is a problem floating top to bottom on the JD.  Might have some obstacle's below Rock Creek unless there is a portage.

Elliot

plenty of research still to do, but next spring is the tentative plan. hopefully not as early as we did the Columbia trip this year. thanks for the heads-up on Rock Creek, will make sure to check that out.

Tumwater Falls is a big obstacle, it is below the Cottonwood Bridge takeout on the Clarno to Cottonwood run.  Nasty drop into a steep basalt canyon.  Can portage, but it is a bit of a pain.



Honestly, the most scenic section of the John Day is Clarno to Cottonwood.  Service Creek to Clarno is nice for a short trip, but not nearly the visual and Wilderness experience.  There is a run above Service Creek that is less scenic (more ranches/roads).  I think there are some much steeper runs on the North Fork, but they are more Class IV, skilled kayaker kind of things.

After 5 days of fishing and floating on the John Day, I'm usually sick of smallmouth bass.

hmm, that spices things up a bit. didn't know there were any sizable drops on the John Day. from reading the writeup that goes with the picture, there is a portage trail, about 1/3 mile long on river right. Still a lot of research & planning before this becomes a reality, so we'll see. I'm thinking this will be an IK trip versus a sit on top. After all the time on the Columbia, I've become a bit more tolerant of human intrusion, so the ranches roads aren't too much of a concern. The main goal is just to be in my boat for a week & see new stuff.