PO Box 638, Parma, ID 83660
208-861-2853 or 206-930-5012
Dreams on the Fly are the premier guides on the Owyhee River 50 miles from Boise, Idaho and the Grande Ronde River in Oregon and Washington. Your fly fishing adventures are conducted by EXPERIENCED guides that provide you the trip of a lifetime. We are Insured, Licensed & Permitted by BLM as well as other state entities. We all hold Red Cross CPR & First Aid Certifications
Steelhead on the Grande Ronde
The Grande Ronde River, which drains much of northeast Oregon's Union and Wallowa Counties, is fed by snow pack in the Elkhorn Mountains. The Wallowa River, a major tributary to the Grande Ronde, headwaters in the Wallowa Mountains mostly within the Eagle Cap Wilderness. 1 hour North to Lewiston, Idaho or 1 hour East to Enterprise, Oregon
The steelhead in the Grande Ronde average 6-10 pounds, with 15-pound fish possible. The fight they offer is unbelievable. When they jump & have you running for the tailout the thrill begins as your knees shake. Known for spectacular acrobatics and vicious runs, steelhead send pulses racing.
Daily Guiding
and
3-5 day Float Trips for Steelhead and Smallmouth Bass
(Guide Ratio 1:2 clients)
We provide:
- All fly fishing fishing tackle, leaders, flies rods and reels
- Scrumptious meals, yes all 3, plus snacks, water and pop anytime
- Tents with heaters (for fall) & Comfortable Roll a Cots
- Guided fishing
- Rafts & Lifejackets
- Photos of your trip
- Our guides assemble a new camp in a new river location every day of your float
Our guides cook your meals, share their vast knowledge of the fishery and surrounding areas, guide you down the river, offer instruction on casting, knot tying, entomology, technique for success, reading the water and wildlife education. For more information about our daily and multi day guided fly fishing trips (including rates) please see our Rates page.
September 15 through November 15
& again for winter fishing
February 10 through winter run-off approximately March 5
Smallmouth Bass on the Grande Ronde
July 15 through September 15
The smallmouth bass in river systems are without a doubt a structure oriented fish. Any structure that is in slow moving water usually holds fish, log jams, logs, and rocks, always seem to have smallies near.
The three biggest things about smallmouth bass are that they love slower moving water, structure, and bright sunshine. Mid day to evening is one of the best times to fish them.
The best technique we've found for smallmouth is to float these rivers with either a single person pontoon boat or raft. This technique is important because you will need to follow the shoreline closely and try to present your fly to any fishy looking structure you may pass.
Any given day during smallmouth bass season, the "Ronde" is host to 50-100 fish per day with some going as large as 20 inches. Top water flies (popping bugs or poppers) work very well during the hottest days of the year.
Google Map, just click on the World
Geographically the Grande Ronde is right where Washington, Oregon and Idaho meet.
The river is surrounded by steep, rugged canyon walls that rise from 3000 to 4000 feet above the river level. Dense conifer forests blend into grassy slopes set off by scattered conifer "stringers".
Called the "land of Winding Waters" by Native Americans, the river is home to Rainbow and Dolly Varden trout, whitefish, squaw fish, suckers, bass and steelhead. Rocky mountain elk, mule deer, whit-tail deer, bighorn sheep, bear, bald eagles and a variety of smaller animals can be seen on a daily basis. Providing, of course, you haven't picked a day they all decided to stay hidden. And, "YES" there are RATTLESNAKES!!! Click on the world map on the left.
Guided Fly Fishing on the Grande Ronde River
