Grande Ronde river

Though I pursue them on many rivers, the steelhead of the Grande Ronde rivet my attention during the fall. By October the Ronde's sea-run rainbow have negotiated the Columbia and the Snake to begin their run up home waters. Whether wild or hatchery bred, these seven-pound-average steelhead nab dry flies on top or "greased-line" flies fished in the surface film. But don't forget your nymphs! One day last year my client hooked five steelies high-sticking with a Kaufmann stone.

The fish, the fishing, and its scenic remoteness make the Ronde a superb setting for steelheading. A mid-sized western steelhead river flowing less than a thousand cfs in October, the Ronde drains Oregon's Blue, Wallowa and Elkhorn Mountains, enters Washington State some thirty miles from its juncture with the Snake, and winds through a rugged canyon whose steep walls rise three to four thousand feet above the river.

Drifting: I use a professional flyfishing dory, fitted for guide and two anglers, to drift the river. We get out to wade and fish the steelhead holding water. The river and access at Boggans offers three daylong floats: two between the Oregon state line and Boggans, the other from Boggans downstream to Schumacher—each some six to eleven miles long.

Arrangements: We gather for breakfast at 6:30 am at Boggans and are on the water soon after seven. While lunch is enjoyed streamside, we return to Boggans for an evening dinner. Lodging is double occupancy. To reach Boggans Oasis, 509.256.3372, follow Highway 129 south from Clarkston WA, through Asotin and Anatone, a distance of about 40 miles. Boggans is right on the river at the foot of the Rattlesnake grade.

Climate: Fall days in the canyon of the Grande Ronde start and end cool in the shadows, but by mid-day you are shedding your jacket or sweater in the sun and the temperature may reach into the seventies. October on the Ronde is Indian Summer.

Tackle and Gear:

Rods: A nine to ten foot graphite fly rod casting a #7 or #8 weight line best suit the fishery. Double-handed Spey rods for the same line weights are a favored alternative.

Reel: A good winch holds a minimum of 100 yds. backing and has a sound drag.

Lines: A weight-forward floater allows you to skate dries or fish "gresed line" style just under the surface—the favored methods when temperature and water conditions permit. Also have a sink-tip line (type 3 or 4 sink rate) as an alternative.

Leaders: Carry Makima spools in the following sizes: 06X-20#, 04X-15#, 02X-12#, 0X-10#, 1X-8#, 2X- 6#. We will construct a long leader (9'-12') for your floater and a short (4'-6'). We vary the tippet size in proportion to the fly.

Flies: Several dozen barbless flies in size #2, #4, #6, and #8

Dry Flies, size #4 to #8: Waller Waker, Bomber, Greased Liner, Royal Wulff, Sputter Kicker

Wet Flies, size #2 to #8: Mack's Canyon, Green Butt Skunk, Brad"s Brat, Spade, Purpil Peril, Muddler Minnow, Silver Hilton, Fall Favorite

Laundry List:

  • Valid license/steelhead punch card
  • Waders: chest-high breathable or neoprene
  • Wading brogues (with studs or cleats, mandatory for traction)
  • Wading staff, belt, gravel guards, stream cleats
  • Wader patch kit (Aquaseal, Cotel speed cure, duct tape)
  • Fishing vest
  • Rainjacket/windbreaker (critical! make it short)
  • Hat/cap
  • Gloves
  • Scarf
  • Kerchief
  • Forceps
  • Hook hone
  • Nippers
  • Tie-Fast knot tier
  • Pliers
  • Knife
  • Polarized sunglasses with neck keeper
  • First Aid kit
  • Medicine
  • Kleenex
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Contacts
  • Camera
  • Film
  • Batteries
  • Flashlight
  • Leader wallet/tippet dispenser
  • Tippet spools
  • Line cleaner/dressing
  • Flask
  • Thermos
  • Water bottle
  • Candy
  • Gum
  • Cigars
  • Pipe
  • Waterproof duffel
  • Tackle bag
  • Fly boxes with flies
  • Rods
  • Reels
  • Line

Provisions: I endorse purveyors who know me, steelhead, and the Pacific Northwest. Patrick's Fly Shop, the oldest fly shop on the West Coast, fits the ticket. The staff there can help outfit you with a wide selection of tackle and flies. Call them for mail orders or visit their tackle counter. Patrick's Fly Shop, 2237 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle WA 98102. Phone 206.325.8988 or 800.398.7693. Tell them John sent you.