Grande Ronde River Success and Creel Report
Key Takeaways
- Steelhead fishing on the Grande Ronde River has started off slow this season, with only a few catches despite favorable water temperatures in the upper 50s.
- Persistence pays off — even beginners, like one first-time fly angler, successfully landed multiple Steelhead with guidance from experienced river guides.
- Guided trips remain productive, especially near Troy, where anglers are seeing a mix of Steelhead and Bull Trout activity.
- Single-day and support trips are still available for booking, offering a great chance to experience Steelhead fishing before the season’s end.
- Stay informed with the latest ODFW fish count reports to track current Steelhead movement and optimize your fishing plans on the Grande Ronde River.
We had a great trip last week on the Lower Grande Ronde River from Boggans Oasis to Heller Bar. It is not very often that you can wet wade while fishing for Steelhead. We did not have great catch rates only landing 4 Steelhead for the trip. Water Temps were in the upper 50’s throughout the trip and we fished hard. Just not a lot of action.
Cam Scott one of our guides had a great day down on the Grande Ronde River near Troy yesterday however. He had 2 clients who have never fished for Steelhead before and one who had never held a fly rod before. The total beginner landed 3 beautiful Grande Ronde River Steelhead including the one in the image above. The other angler landed 1 Steelhead a few nice Bull Trout. Way to go Cam. This proves that Steelhead are in the river we just have to work to find them and have a little good Karma to spare.
There is still space available for single day trips as well as on our Support trips launching on October 24th. Contact us today to reserve your seats.
Open link below to view the latest fish count report from our friends at the ODFW.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about the Grande Ronde River Steelhead fishing conditions and trip updates from the October 2014 Creel Report.
How was the Steelhead fishing on the Grande Ronde River in early October 2014?
Fishing on the Lower Grande Ronde River from Boggans Oasis to Heller Bar was steady but not fast. The group landed four Steelhead during the trip. While catch rates weren’t high, the conditions were pleasant, with water temperatures in the upper 50s allowing for comfortable wet wading.
What were the water conditions like during the trip?
Water temperatures stayed in the upper 50s throughout the trip, which made for comfortable fishing conditions. Despite the mild temperatures, Steelhead activity was somewhat slow, requiring persistence and patience from anglers.
Where did the best fishing take place?
The most successful fishing occurred near Troy, Oregon, where guide Cam Scott took two clients on a productive day trip. This stretch of the Grande Ronde River produced several Steelhead and a few Bull Trout, making it a highlight of the recent outings.
Did beginners have success fishing for Steelhead?
Yes, even beginners had success! One first-time angler, who had never held a fly rod before, landed three beautiful Steelhead during the trip near Troy. This shows that with the right guidance—and a bit of good luck—new anglers can have great experiences on the Grande Ronde River.
What other species were caught besides Steelhead?
In addition to Steelhead, anglers also caught several Bull Trout during the trip. These native fish are often found alongside Steelhead in the Grande Ronde River and add an exciting variety to the catch.
What are the current fishing opportunities on the Grande Ronde River?
At the time of the report, there was still space available for single-day trips and supported multi-day float trips launching later in October. Anglers were encouraged to book early to secure spots during the active Steelhead season.
How can I get the latest Grande Ronde River fish counts?
You can view the most recent fish count data through reports provided by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). These updates include current Steelhead migration numbers and river conditions to help anglers plan successful trips.
What’s the best way to book a Grande Ronde River trip?
To reserve a guided Steelhead fishing or river expedition trip, you can contact Winding Waters River Expeditions directly. They offer both single-day and multi-day guided float trips, complete with experienced guides and support staff.
When is the best time to fish for Steelhead on the Grande Ronde River?
The fall season, particularly late September through October, is one of the best times to target Steelhead on the Grande Ronde River. Cooler nights, moderate water temperatures, and active fish make for excellent angling conditions during this period.
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