There is a secret kept in the canyons of the Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers. That secret is a blue-ribbon trout fishery that few realize is there and even fewer fly fishing guides know the seasons, hatches, and tactics to entice trophy-sized rainbows to the fly. One reason this fishery is relatively unknown is the fact that it exists in a 40-mile roadless canyon federally designated as a wild and scenic river. Accessing this special place requires a commitment of 3-5 days but the rewards are great with exceptional trout fishing and arguably the best river camping to be had. A guided fly fishing trip on the roadless Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers is what a trout fly fishing trip should be: Clean air filled with the smell of confifers, cottonwood, and wildflowers. A haven from the abrasive sounds of roads and cities allowing you to hear the rifflling sound of the water, birds singing on the banks, and the wings of ducks, geese, and eagles as they cut through the clean mountain air. And big, feisty wild rainbows leaping on the end of your line with a basalt rimmed canyon as the backdrop. It does not get any better than this my friend.
For those unable to commit to the multi-day wild and scenic guided fly fishing trip, we also offer guided day trips on the Wallowa Highway Section. You might think since the highway section is ... well, besides the highway, it w. . . Continue Reading >
There is a secret kept in the canyons of the Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers. That secret is a blue-ribbon trout fishery that few realize is there and even fewer fly fishing guides know the seasons, hatches, and tactics to entice trophy-sized rainbows to the fly. One reason this fishery is relatively unknown is the fact that it exists in a 40-mile roadless canyon federally designated as a wild and scenic river. Accessing this special place requires a commitment of 3-5 days but the rewards are great with exceptional trout fishing and arguably the best river camping to be had. A guided fly fishing trip on the roadless Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers is what a trout fly fishing trip should be: Clean air filled with the smell of confifers, cottonwood, and wildflowers. A haven from the abrasive sounds of roads and cities allowing you to hear the rifflling sound of the water, birds singing on the banks, and the wings of ducks, geese, and eagles as they cut through the clean mountain air. And big, feisty wild rainbows leaping on the end of your line with a basalt rimmed canyon as the backdrop. It does not get any better than this my friend.
For those unable to commit to the multi-day wild and scenic guided fly fishing trip, we also offer guided day trips on the Wallowa Highway Section. You might think since the highway section is ... well, besides the highway, it would get heavy fishing traffic. Although it does see more pressure than the roadless section, the Wallowa highway section sees relatively low fishing pressure during trout season. If you only have one day or half a day to get away, join one of our knowledgeable fly fishing guides to make your day by the highway into a spectacular Wallowa trout fishing experience.
Trout Season
Beginning in early May with the Mother’s Day Caddis hatch along the Wallowa River, good trout fishing can be had throughout the spring, summer, and fall as river flows cooperate. Our first pre-planned trips of the year target the stonefly hatch beginning in early to mid-June continuing into early July.
The canyon is fully green this time of year and each week new wildflowers decorate the river banks and cliff walls. Mock orange fills the banks with white flowers and the air with a sweet aroma. Simply put, spring is a gorgeous time to be on the river and our Grande Ronde fly fishing guides are well acquainted with the best runs, flies, and tactics for spring trips whether the river flows are high, low, or somewhere in between.
The stonefly hatch can be the best time of year for fishing big dry flies. We provide anglers the opportunity to experience this exciting dry fly hatch by doing a one-day Wallowa River float, or by doing a multi-day float where you get to see the hatch evolve as we float from the Wallowa River into the Grande Ronde through the course of the trip. During the summer months of July and August, the Grande Ronde and Wallowa can become too low to float. Fortunately there are ten miles of road access along the Wallowa River that can provide an exciting day of fly fishing for anyone from the first timer, to the veteran angler all summer long.
During September is when we see the LARGEST rainbows of the year. In both the Grande Ronde and Wallowa, the fall produces an excellent time to fish for large trout among the beauty of the changing season. Warm but not hot days are the norm with refreshingly brisk mornings and evenings. Elk are on the river bottom bugling, otter are out playing, black bears are fattening up for winter, and there are normally NO other people on the river. September is a magical time to be on a guided fly fishing trip on the Grande Ronde River.
Equipment and Techniques
When targeting trout, we utilize a wide array of fly rods and techniques to best suit the situation. While four and five weights may be used to throw dry flies, there is likely a six or seven weight rod ready to go for heavier streamer and nymph setups. The larger weight rods can often be necessary to handle the obese rainbows that latch on to your fly.
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