The Steelhead Express

March 8, 2010
Jon Rombach

Key Takeaways

  • Steelhead fishing on the Wallowa River can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially aboard the slow-rolling Steelhead Express, which offers unique river access and incredible catch rates.

  • The train-based fishing adventure provides convenient drop-offs along prime stretches of water, turning what’s usually a cold, patience-testing sport into an efficient, action-packed day.

  • Expert guidance from professionals like Tom Farnum of Winding Waters River Expeditions can make all the difference, helping anglers find productive runs and maximize their time on the river.

  • Seasonal conditions on the Wallowa shift quickly—from icy mornings to warm afternoons—so layering and preparation are key for comfort and performance.

  • With limited seasonal runs each March, booking early ensures a spot on this one-of-a-kind Oregon steelhead trip, blending scenic train travel with world-class fishing.

Reeeeeeeediculous. Steelhead fishing is supposed to require long hours of cold perseverance for a brief but spectacular payoff. Six hours of angling per fish is an average I’ve heard bandied about this season. But not on Sunday. Mercy no. Not during that magic hour when I was averaging, say, sixteen minutes between fish. And this is me we’re talking about. As a rule, I don’t catch fish. Certainly not big beautiful steelhead. But I sure did Sunday, after riding down Minam Canyon on the steelhead train and walking into the best day of fishing I’ve had since Alaskan salmon took numbers for the privilege of getting on my line years ago.

This fish train runs . . . well, it goes ten miles an hour, I don’t know if that’s ‘running’ exactly . . . but it chugs nine miles downstream along the Wallowa River, stopping to drop passengers wherever they spy a likely patch of river. You get a lunch and further mobility to new fishing grounds when the train makes a mid-day traverse up and down the tracks. I wasn’t interested in new water. Tom Farnum, our Winding Waters fishing guide, stopped the train for me and pointed to a run nobody else was on. ‘If I were you,’ he said. ‘I’d just stay there all day.’

I would have moved if Tom hadn’t given me that tip. I would have moved just for the sake of getting feeling back in my feet. It was powerful cold early on. The guides on my rod iced over completely. I tried to make a cast but no line shot through. I tried a few more times, because in my style of fly casting, line does not always move through the guides. That style is known as ‘bad.’ But this time it was ice. And frozen feet. And no fish. Ah yes, I thought. Now this is steelheading.

Fast forward two hours. I had just landed my second steelhead. Sun was up, I’d taken off my coat and gloves, even thought about getting down to a t-shirt. Made six more casts and hooked up again. Just got all my line on the reel when the fish decided it had better things to do upstream, ripping a crease in the water while taking line right back off my reel. Another steelhead came up and rolled fifteen feet to my left. And I laughed. Just laughed. Sunny. Warm. A March day that went from freezing to sunscreen weather and I was in the right place at the right time. For anglers and rafters alike, nearby rivers like the Grande Ronde River offer equally scenic multi-day adventures.

The mood on the train was buoyant riding back to Minam. To signal the train to stop, the ‘elephant wave’ is conducted by wagging your arm back and forth as you hold it down. Like an elephant wagging its trunk. And the last group of fisherman made this signal as the train approached, except two steelhead on a stringer were doing the wagging, not their arm.

The steelhead express will make three more runs this season, this coming Friday and Saturday, March 12th and 13th, then the following Saturday on March 20th. For reservations, contact the Minam Motel at (877) 888-8130, or click here for a link to their train info. If you want the inside track from a steelhead professional, I can personally recommend Tom Farnum, who put me into the best day of steelheading I’ve had. Ever. If you’d rather trade the rod for a paddle, a Hells Canyon rafting trip delivers that same mix of wild scenery and adrenaline. Looking for more time on the water? Our Grande Ronde 5-Day Rafting Adventure combines incredible fishing, wildlife, and river camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about the Steelhead Express — a unique train-to-river fishing adventure along Oregon’s Wallowa River.

  • What is the Steelhead Express?

    The Steelhead Express is a slow-moving train that travels along the Wallowa River in northeastern Oregon, offering anglers access to remote and productive steelhead fishing spots. It stops wherever passengers spot promising water, allowing them to fish stretches that are otherwise hard to reach.


  • How does the Steelhead Express fishing trip work?

    The train travels about nine miles downstream at roughly ten miles per hour, dropping anglers off at selected fishing runs. Midday, it makes another pass up and down the tracks so passengers can move to new fishing areas before returning to Minam in the afternoon.

  • Where does the Steelhead Express operate?

    The Steelhead Express runs through Minam Canyon in northeastern Oregon, following the scenic Wallowa River. This area is known for its wild beauty and excellent steelhead fishing opportunities.


  • What can you expect when fishing on the Steelhead Express?

    Expect a mix of classic steelhead challenges — cold mornings, icy rod guides, and long casts — balanced by incredible fishing when conditions are right. Some anglers have experienced multiple hookups in an hour, making it an unforgettable day on the river.


  • Who operates the Steelhead Express?

    The train is coordinated through the Minam Motel, which handles reservations and scheduling. Guided fishing support, such as that from Winding Waters River Expeditions or local guides like Tom Farnum, can enhance the experience for beginners or seasoned anglers.


  • How do you book a trip on the Steelhead Express?

    Reservations can be made by contacting the Minam Motel at (877) 888-8130 or visiting their website for up-to-date train schedules and booking details.


  • When does the Steelhead Express run?

    Trips typically run during steelhead season in March. For example, in 2010, the train made several runs mid-month, offering both Friday and Saturday options for anglers looking to catch prime conditions.


  • What should you bring for a Steelhead Express trip?

    Dress for changing weather — mornings can be freezing, while afternoons may turn warm and sunny. Bring layered clothing, gloves, waders, and sun protection. Your fishing gear, lunch, and enthusiasm for adventure are all part of the day’s essentials.


  • What makes fishing from the Steelhead Express special?

    It combines the nostalgia of a vintage rail trip with world-class steelhead fishing in a stunning canyon setting. The train provides easy river access, camaraderie with fellow anglers, and the thrill of hooking into powerful fish in remote, scenic waters.


  • Can you hire a fishing guide for the Steelhead Express?

    Yes. Many anglers choose to fish with professional guides such as Tom Farnum, who know the Wallowa River intimately and can put you in the best water for success — making your steelhead trip even more productive and memorable.