River flows have dropped once again, which makes boating more difficult. Drift boats and rafts are able to float safely when flows are above 400 CFS, and current flows have been hovering in the 300 CFS range.

Steelhead are moving into the lower river, but we’re seeing more ice build-up in sections as flows remain low with cold weather and inversions settling into the region. Fishing in the lower river around Cottonwood Canyon State Park will be the best bet during this early season, and while you may find some steelhead higher up, the low flows and ice build-up are making fishing tough.

Please note BLM has a new boater permit system in place for the John Day, and there are now limited overnight fall permits in Segment 1 from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30. Segment 1 is from Cottonwood Bridge to Tumwater Falls. Find BLM permit information.