North Fork John Day River

Fish the North Fork of the John Day River, part of one of the best smallmouth bass fisheries in the USA. The John Day's warm, free-flowing waters have created ideal conditions for aggressive, hard-fighting smallmouth. Bass season peaks from mid-June through the end of August, with excellent topwater action throughout the summer months. Trophy hunters should note that 85 percent of the really big bass are caught between March and mid-May when cooler water keeps smaller fish inactive. This is low-pressure water with easy bank access—a great spot to target one of Oregon's most exciting gamefish.

The John Day Basin supports exceptional fish diversity. Beyond smallmouth bass, the river holds channel catfish, carp, and various warmwater species throughout the main stem. The North Fork is particularly important for anadromous fish production, including wild summer steelhead, spring Chinook salmon, bull trout, and redband trout. The river's undammed, free-flowing character creates varied habitat—from slow pools ideal for bass to faster riffles that support migrating steelhead. The surrounding canyon provides a scenic backdrop of basalt cliffs, sagebrush, and juniper, with eagles and ospreys often visible working the water.