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

Current and seasonal hatches on the John Day River include Salmonfly, Golden Stone, 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 17.2 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 17.2 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

17.2CFS

Discharge

1.42ft

Gauge Height

75.7°F

Water Temp

Updated 38 min agoView on USGS ↗

7-Day Flow

↓ Falling

RisingFallingStable

24-Hr Pressure

29.31 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

86°FClear sky

Wind 10 mph29.31 inHg Low & stable

Tough conditions — fish deep

Today

☀️

Clear sky

81° / 50°

Tomorrow

☁️

Overcast

88° / 51°

Tue

☁️

Overcast

83° / 65°

Wed

🌦️

Drizzle

77° / 55°

0.05"

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: 17.2 CFS · 75.7°F · SUMMER STEELHEAD continuing in lower river. BWOs returning. Mahogany Duns. Cool nights.

What should I pack?

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

🪰 Hatch Calendar

John Day River · September · Early Fall

Full calendar →

⚪ No tracked hatches in active range at 75.7°F — browse the calendar below for seasonal activity

Select month

JanDec

SUMMER STEELHEAD continuing in lower river. BWOs returning. Mahogany Duns. Cool nights.

Blue-Winged Olive

🟢 Active · 🟡 Approaching · ⚪ Seasonal only

River Map

Loading map…

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.