Fly Fishing the Grande Ronde
September 2005


October is Rainbow and Steelhead surface action on the Grande Ronde River.

There is a "wild and scenic" designated river, called the GRANDE RONDE, which twists and turns over wild terrain. It is home to red-hot summer run steelhead and feisty rainbows. Its rapids are lively, but not intimidating, as it courses alongside woodlands and deep canyons.
Join us for a wilderness float through this primitive river canyon that is inaccessible by vehicle. "I've taken stellhead on flies in forty rivers from southern Oregon to northern British Columbia, and the Grande Ronde is the top of the list for joys in surface steelhead."
-Bill McMillan, flycaster, writer, Steelhead guru.

The Grande Ronde River, in the extreme Northeast corner of Oregon, is "Wild and Scenic" designated. It affords a rare opportunity to experience a nearly pristine river corridor.

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Little Creek Outfitters
PO BOX 99
Appleton, Washington 98602


Phone: (509) 365-0085
Email:


WEB:
www.littlecreekoutfitters.net

The section we utilize is from Minam, Oregon to Troy, Oregon (40 miles) This is a road-less section, and we access them on a five day/four night multi-day camping/float trips.The river canyon encompasses a variety of terrain types: from forested peaks to semi-arid lands as it nears the Snake River. Those who drive, will arrive at Minam, Oregon on the morning of the launch. Those who fly, book to Lewiston, Idaho.

The Grande Ronde River offers anglers a rare angling opportunity. Its summer run steelhead are aggressive to the surface fly. We fish for steelhead from mid October to the end of November. Experiencing NE Oregon during our fall fishery is a treat, sunny warm days and crisp frosty mornings, with the fresh scent of autumn in the air. The run of fish ranges from "A" salt fish in the 4-6 lb class, and "B" salt fish in the 7-14 lb class. The take can be as light as a small rainbow sipping mayflies or as voracious as a 30lb Peacock Bass slamming a popper. The Grande Ronde has one of the highest populations of wintering Bald Eagles in the state. Trout fishing on the Grande Ronde runs from late June to Mid September. We will typically average 20-40 fish per rod. The average size will run from 10" 14" with some fish in the 20" class. This is a fantastic family camping/learn to flyfish trip.
Sandy River-Steelhead • January - May

John Day River-Smallmouth Bass • June - August

Grande Ronde-Rainbow Trout and Steelhead • October

John Day River-Steelhead • November - December
Little Creek Outfitters - Fly Fishing Guide, Oregon • USA