I have fished the John Day and at times had good luck. I have not fished it this year yet and I am wondering if anyone has?

Please tell us more about John Day Steelheading! Where have you fished it? Any size to the fish? What's the best time of year? I've been curious about that river for a long time.

Ok so I made it to the John Day today.

weather: up 30's and sunny and windier then a mother!
River: 440 cfs 40 degrees and clear (pretty good shape for this time of year.)
Success: hooked and lost 1 at my feet in 8 1/2 hours of fishing and 6 miles of walking for two of us (can you say slow). I can't seem to put a good trip together this year. I am hoping that things turn around for me soon for I will taking up golf next year

bdk_wa: At least you found a fish. The only time I fished the John Day was about this time of year a couple years ago, and I fished from dawn to dusk without so much as a nibble--not even from a trout or smolt. I now know that I was likely too high up river (I fished from Spray to Kimberly and also a tiny bit on the North and Middle forks). Roughly where were you? Iwas considering hitting the arm by boat--are there still fish to be had?

E-mann

I was fishing just up from the arm in an area near a place called rock creek.. That is the only area that I have ever fished the JD this time of year can be good and the arm should still be good as well. Where I fish is only about 10 miles from the arm. One fish on is pretty then none but that place has produced some good multi-fish days. really I am just ready to put together a good multi-fish day anywhere.