What flies are hatching on the John Day River right now?

Current and seasonal hatches on the John Day River include Caddis. Use the AI Hatch Advisor on this page for a live, temperature-aware recommendation.

What's the current flow on the John Day River?

The John Day River is running at 65.7 CFS at the John Day at McDonald Ferry gauge. Readings update every 15 minutes from the USGS Water Services API.

Is the John Day River fishable today?

John Day River is outside its fishable window right now. Flow is 65.7 CFS at the John Day at McDonald Ferry gauge. Check back when conditions return to the normal range.

John Day River Fly Fishing Conditions

Live Conditions

John Day River — John Day at McDonald Ferry

Unfishable

65.7CFS

Discharge

1.77ft

Gauge Height

67.6°F

Water Temp

Updated 55 min agoView on USGS ↗

7-Day Flow

↓ Falling

RisingFallingStable

24-Hr Pressure

29.54 inHg · → High/stable

Falling (good)RisingHigh/stable

Voluntary Catch-and-Release Advisory

Water temperature is at or above 65°F. At these temperatures trout are physiologically stressed and have a higher post-release mortality rate. Consider waiting for cooler conditions — early morning or evening — or choosing a tailwater with regulated temperatures.

Local Weather

60°FClear sky

Wind 3 mph29.54 inHg Low & stable

Tough conditions — fish deep

Today

☀️

Clear sky

89° / 62°

Tomorrow

☀️

Clear sky

92° / 60°

Sun

☁️

Overcast

98° / 64°

Mon

☁️

Overcast

95° / 72°

Cold front incoming — go deep with nymphs, surface activity likely slow.

Weather by Open-Meteo · No API key · Updated every 30 min

What should I fish today?

⚡ AI

AI-powered recommendation using today's live flow, temperature, and hatch data.

2

Time of Day

Using: 65.7 CFS · 67.6°F · PMDs continue. Caddis. Hopper season opening. Hot desert water — early starts on remote canyon water.

What should I pack?

Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's John Day River conditions.

🪰 Hatch Calendar

John Day River · July · Summer

Full calendar →

🟢 Active now at 67.6°F water

Caddis

🟡 Approaching — within 5°F of trigger range

Pale Morning Dun

Select month

JanDec

PMDs continue. Caddis. Hopper season opening. Hot desert water — early starts on remote canyon water.

PMDCaddis

🟢 Active · 🟡 Approaching · ⚪ Seasonal only

River Map

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USGS Gauge (click for site ID)Fishing Access / SectionScroll to zoom disabled — use map controls

About John Day River

Longest free-flowing river in Oregon — wild redband rainbows in a remote high desert canyon, with minimal angling pressure. Most quality water is reached by float trip; the John Day is a multi-day backcountry river with a strong summer steelhead run on the lower river.

SalmonflyGolden StoneCaddisPale Morning DunBlue-Winged OliveOctober Caddis

Regulations

Wild fish release encouraged. Remote access — most water reached by float trip. Check ODFW for current steelhead seasons.

Learn More

Guides to help you fish John Day River with more confidence.