John Day River - McDonald's Ferry - Oregon
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
John Day River – McDonald’s Ferry - Water Flow Chart
John Day River – McDonald’s Ferry - Weather report & radar
John Day River – McDonald’s Ferry - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | No significant hatches | All day | 6 – 10 | Woolly Bugger, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| February | No significant hatches | All day | 6 – 10 | Woolly Bugger, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| March | Midges, BWOs | Afternoon | 18 – 22 | Midge Pupa, Parachute Adams |
| April | Midges, BWOs | Afternoon | 18 – 22 | Midge Pupa, Parachute Adams |
| Caddis | Evening | 14 – 18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| May | BWOs, Caddis | Afternoon, Evening | 14 – 22 | Parachute BWO, Elk Hair Caddis |
| Stoneflies | Afternoon | 6 – 10 | Stimulator | |
| June | BWOs, Caddis | Afternoon, Evening | 14 – 22 | Parachute BWO, Elk Hair Caddis |
| Stoneflies | Afternoon | 6 – 10 | Stimulator | |
| Midges | Morning, Evening | 18 – 24 | Zebra Midge | |
| July | Caddis, Stoneflies | Afternoon, Evening | 6 – 18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator |
| Midges | Morning, Evening | 18 – 24 | Zebra Midge | |
| August | Tiny Blue-Winged Olives | Early Afternoon | 20 – 24 | Parachute Adams |
| September | Tiny Blue-Winged Olives | Early Afternoon | 20 – 24 | Parachute Adams |
| October | No significant hatches | All day | 6 – 10 | Woolly Bugger, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| November | No significant hatches | All day | 6 – 10 | Woolly Bugger, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| December | No significant hatches | All day | 6 – 10 | Woolly Bugger, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
John Day River – McDonald’s Ferry Access Points
The John Day River – McDonald’s Ferry hosts some of the best access points for fly fishing.
- McDonald’s Ferry: This is the most popular access point as it’s located at the lower end of the river, allowing fishermen ample opportunity to explore the rich waters.
- Narrows Bridge: This spot is located north of ⟨ b>Spray, offering upstream and downstream access.
- Service Creek: This is a great point of access for fishing, located 50 miles upstream from McDonald’s Ferry.
- Mitchell Bridge: This spot is located just above the town of Mitchell, offering excellent access and several great fishing holes.
- Clarno Bridge: Located further upstream, Clarno Bridge provides excellent access to the Upper John Day River.
Ensure you have the necessary permits and observe all fishing regulations to protect this amazing angler’s resource.
John Day River – McDonald’s Ferry Fishing Spots
The John Day River – McDonald’s Ferry presents a selection of superior spots for fly fishing, each boasting its array of aquatic life and exceptional surroundings. Here are some of the top sites:
- Service Creek: This is the most navigable area in the river. You can reel in Rainbow trout, Smallmouth bass, and Steelhead trout.
- Cottonwood Canyon State Park: This park brings together stunning scenery and a healthy population of fish. It’s an ideal spot for every fly fishing enthusiast.
- Clarno: The river stretch past Clarno is well-known for its Smallmouth bass. Don’t hesitate to cast your line here!
- Kimbrel Bridge to McDonald’s Ferry: This stretch, despite being challenging, rewards with robust Steelhead and Smallmouth bass.
- Twickenham Bridge: Fly fishing at Twickenham Bridge provides a rich Smallmouth bass experience. It’s a popular spot during the warm months.
John Day River – McDonald’s Ferry Local Fish Species
- Steelhead Trout: This species is a primary target for fishermen, especially fly fishers, due to its elusive nature and exciting fight. Adult steelheads spent most of their life in the ocean but migrate to the John Day River for spawning.
- Chinook Salmon: The Chinook Salmon, also known as the King Salmon, is another popular species targeted by fly fishing enthusiasts. They are known for their size and tenacity.
- Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth bass are a catch and release species in the John Day River that are common to catch and are highly sought after because of their aggression and ability to fight.
- Rainbow Trout: Known for their beautiful coloration and as a good fighting fish, Rainbow trout are flown for in almost all stretches of the John Day River.
- White Sturgeon: This species is often targeted for its size and the challenge it represents. It’s released night after catching due to conservation rules.
- Brown Trout: Brown Trout is another favorite species due to their ability to grow to large sizes and their tenacious fighting behavior.
- Mountain Whitefish: Mountain Whitefish are abundant in the John Day River and offer fly fishers who target them a fun and productive fishing experience.
- Channel Catfish: Channel Catfish provide a unique fly fishing challenge in the John Day River, known for their strength and ability to put up a good fight.
About the John Day River – McDonald’s Ferry
The John Day River in Oregon is rich in historical intrigue and natural beauty – a fact that’s clear when you discover McDonald’s Ferry. In the 1860s, Hugh McDonald created this ferry service across the river for miners and land-seekers, following the Gold Rush. The ferry held between two and three wagons, and it was driven by the river’s current. Here are some key points about this historical gem:
- McDonald’s Ferry connected two major overland routes – the Oregon Trail and the Dalles Military Road.
- Despite the ferry’s long-standing service, a hostile native attack in 1878 led McDonald to temporarily close the ferry operations.
- The ferry was replaced by a modern bridge in 1928, and its remnants still lie at the bottom of the river.
Community Contributions
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No updates submitted for this river.
