Peter Maunsell will be hosting this multi-day float on Oregon’s John Day River for bass fishing. Expect to catch dozens of fish each day. This is one of Oregon’s most spectacular rivers. The second longest undammed river in the United States.

The fee will cover food and the permit. The cost of shuttles ($200 to $250 per vehicle) will be in addition. Contact Peter for shuttle information. Carpooling is a good option

The plan is to leave Seattle on Monday June 23rd and drive to Condon, OR.  On Tuesday June 24th , the group will drive to the Clarno Bridge to put-in. Shuttles are expensive and limited so carpooling is a good option. We will set up all of the boats and gear and push off once we all are ready.  After spending 4 nights on the river the group will take out on Saturday June 28th at the Cottonwood Bridge.

This is a 69 mile float. The group will be required to stay together until after we are through the Clarno rapid (eight miles from the put in). There is a good portage there for those who don't want to run a class three rapid. Each day we will be covering around 15 miles. The river flow is forecast to be around 1,200 cfs. We will be getting up with the sun and trying to get on the river as early as we can so that miles can be covered and fishing enjoyed early before the (sometimes) afternoon winds come up. I will be trying to arrive in our camp each day in the early afternoon.

You will want bass flies and lots of them: poppers, pretty ones, ugly ones, and even uglier ones.  You will be casting into the foam lines and against the cliff faces.  Hundred plus fish days are going to tear those flies apart. 

You should pack very lightly. While it is important to have a warm (preferably stuff-able) jacket and a good rain jacket because it can get cold in the desert nights the days will usually be hot. In addition to the river clothes and wading shoes that I wear I bring my foul weather gear, one extra shirt, one extra pants, one extra underwear, camp sandals, a quick dry towel and my hygiene kit. I am usually swimming every day and rinse out my cloths when I do. My camp gear includes a lightweight cot, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, heavy duty space blanket (doubles as something to keep my feet clean getting in and out of bed and a rain shelter), a folding chair and a headlight. Everything is packed into three very small dry bags.

What to Bring for Fishing & Rafting:

• Oregon state fishing license
• Sun screen, a hat, and sun glasses
• 4-5 weight rods. Everyone uses floating lines with 1x and 2x leaders
• Lots of Bass Flies, especially poppers
• Water bottle and water
• Bring your own water (at least 2 gallons). No small plastic disposable bottles. There will be no room for extra trash!
• An acceptable PFD
• An acceptable boat

What to Bring for Camping:

• Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
• Clothes for warmish daytime temperatures and chilly nights
• Rain gear
• Sun screen, hat, and sun glasses
• Flashlight(s)
• Folding Chair
• Camera

Food & Beverages:

• The outing fee covers all the dinners and lunches after the first day on the river
• We will not be cooking breakfast on this trip. Lunches will be assembled the night before and coffee will be made the night before.
• I will bring three additional gallons of water per person on my boat.
• Bring your own wine, beer, or hard stuff. You will have to carry it on your own boat.
• Bring your own water (at least 2 gallons). No small plastic disposable bottles. There will be no room for extra trash!
• You do not need to bring any cookware or eating utensils.

Put-in & Take-out Logistics & Fees:

Put in:  The group will meet in Condon, OR. on 6/23 at 5:00 p.m. at the Condon Motel parking lot to discuss the shuttle and put-in logistics.  Lodging on 6/23 is available at the Condon Motel or the Condon Hotel.  You need to make your own reservations.  Camping is also available in the area.

Take-out:  The take-out on June 28th will be at the Cottonwood Campground.  All of the equipment and boats, including the gear boats, will need to be cleaned and packed before anyone departs.  Plan on being on the road at 4:30 p.m. and getting back to Seattle at 10:00 p.m.

FEES:  The fee will cover food while on the river.  It will not cover meals while driving to and from Oregon nor dinner while in Condon.  

Getting There:  

• I-90 east to Ellensberg
• US-97 South, I-82 E. to Yakima
• US-97 South to Goldendale, WA. & Bend, OR.
• US-97 to Biggs, OR. & Bend, OR.
• A few miles south of Biggs, near Wasco go E. on OR-206 to Condon

Cancellation Deadline:  2 weeks before the outing.  If you need to cancel, please contact the Outing Host(s). There will be no refunds after the cancellation deadline Unless there is another member on the waitlist who can attend.

The group will meet in Condon, OR on 6/23 at 5:00 at the Condon Motel parking lot to discuss the shuttle and put-in logistics.  Lodging on 6/23 is available at the Condon Motel or the Condon Hotel.  You need to make your own reservations.  Camping is also available in the area.

Take out will be at the Cottonwood Campground.  All of the equipment and boats, including the gear boats, will need to be cleaned and packed before anyone departs. Plan on being on the road ~3:00 pm and getting back to Seattle ~10:00 pm.

Here are pictures from a previous outing.