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John Day River

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Oregon, United States

4.6·430 catches

Top fish species at John Day River

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John Day River fishing reports

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Smallmouth bass

length · weight

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Smallmouth bass

16 in · 2 lb

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recently logged catches
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Smallmouth bass

16 in · 2 lb

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recently logged catches
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Smallmouth bass

16 in · 2 lb

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recently logged catches
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Smallmouth bass

16 in · 2 lb

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recently logged catches
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Smallmouth bass

8 in · 3 oz

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General info

John Day River is a stream located in Wasco County, Oregon, United States. It is also intersecting with Gilliam County, Oregon. It is most popular for fishing Smallmouth bass, Channel catfish, and Largemouth bass.

Location

44°59′48″N 120°28′57.7″W
Directions

Amenities

When are Largemouth Bass biting on John Day River?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at John Day River. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at John Day River, OR

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Oregon can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

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Local laws and licenses

Oregon fishing license

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Reviews of John Day River

4.6
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7 ratings

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Cities nearby

Maupin

31.9 miles away

Moro

35.8 miles away

Madras

40.2 miles away

Wasco

42.4 miles away

Warm Springs

42.6 miles away

Pine Grove

43.3 miles away

Metolius

44.2 miles away

Dufur

44.5 miles away

Sportsmans Park

47.0 miles away

Biggs Junction

49.2 miles away

Maryhill

50.6 miles away

Wishram

51.7 miles away

The Dalles

54.1 miles away

Dallesport

55.3 miles away

Centerville

56.2 miles away

Lyle

61.9 miles away

Parkdale

64.7 miles away

Mosier

65.0 miles away

Government Camp

65.4 miles away

Klickitat

65.6 miles away

Bingen

68.9 miles away

White Salmon

70.2 miles away

Hood River

70.6 miles away

Rhododendron

71.9 miles away

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FAQ about John Day River fishing

📍 Where is the John Day River located?
the John Day River is a stream located in Wasco County, Oregon, United States. It is also intersecting with Gilliam County, Oregon. Its coordinates are:
44°59′48″N 120°28′57.7″W
.
🎣 Where on the John Day River is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on the John Day River by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in the John Day River?
The most common species in the John Day River are:
📢 What are the latest John Day River fishing reports?
The latest John Day River fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at the John Day River right now?
According to fishing regulations at the John Day River, some of the species in season this June include: Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Brook trout, Steelhead, and Lake char. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at the John Day River?

Fishing in Oregon requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Licenses include resident and non-resident, annual, short-term, and combination permits, available online or at licensed vendors.

In Oregon, no fishing license is required for anglers under 12. Residents 70 and older qualify for a discounted license. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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