Umatilla National Forest

Umatilla National Forest
2517 S.W. Hailey Avenue
Pendleton, OR 97801

541-278-3716

Fishing on the North Fork John Day Ranger District

OLIVE LAKE

Access:

From Ukiah, go south 14 miles on Highway 395 to the junction with Forest Road 55 (Texas Bar Road). Turn left onto the 55 road and go 1 mile to the junction of the 55 road and the 10 road. Turn right onto the 10 road and go approximately 26 miles. Turn right onto the 480 spur.

Attractions:

Olive Lake Campground, a developed campground with 21 tent or trailer sites, 2 tent sites, and 2 group sites is located on the north/northeast side of the lake on this spur. A hiking trail circles the entire lake, a distance of approximately 2.5 miles, and provides access to more secluded portions of the lake. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and kokanee. There are 2 boat docks adjacent to the campground, and a boat ramp. Motorized boats (gas and electric motors) are allowed on the lake. No water skiing is allowed at the lake.

There are opportunities for viewing wildlife such as deer, elk, bear, river otters, and osprey. The area around Olive Lake is rich in history. The dam and gates on the north side of the lake were constructed to support gold mining activities around the town of Granite. Historically, water from the lake flowed through a wooden pipeline to the Fremont Power House, where it was used to produce electricity for mines in the area. Fremont Power House is located approximately 8 miles east of Olive Lake along Forest Road 10.

Access:

From Ukiah, travel 14 miles south on Highway 395 to the junction with Forest Road 55 (Texas Bar Road). Turn left onto the 55 road and go 1 mile to the junction of the 55 road and the 10 road. Turn right onto the 10 road and go approximately 20 miles to the junction of the 45 road and the 10 road. Turn right onto the 45 road and go approximately .5 miles. Turn left onto the 020 spur and drive approximately .4 miles to the junction of the 020 spur and the 030 spur. Park at the gate on the 020 road on the right. From the gate, the lake is approximately a 2.5 mile walk or bike ride. The road up to the lake is uphill most if not all of the way, so carry water and pack a lunch.

Attractions:

A primitive, unmaintained trail circles the lake and provides access for fishermen. The best bet for success here is fly fishing or using a spinner, although bait will also work. The lake is stocked with catchable sized fish in most years and also carries larger fish over through the winter. The area around the lake has some spectacular scenery and interesting geology. Wildlife can also be observed along the 020 spur and at the lake. Osprey can often be seen hunting at the lake.

JUMP OFF JOE LAKE

Access:

From Ukiah, travel 14 miles south on Highway 395 to the junction with Forest Road 55 (Texas Bar Road). Turn left onto the 55 road and go 1 mile to the junction of the 55 road and the 10 road. Turn right onto the 10 road and go approximately 20 miles to the junction of the 45 road and the 10 road. Turn right onto the 45 road and go approximately 3.5 miles. The trailhead is located on a sharp switchback. Follow the trail approximately .35 miles to the lake. There is no trail around the perimeter of the lake to aid access. Brush at the lakeshore and downed wood in the lake can make fishing difficult.

Attractions:

Cutthroat trout are the only species in the lake. Your best bet here is fly fishing from a float tube or throwing spinners from the shore. Be careful of downed wood in the lake. It looks like a good way to get to where the fish are, but it is unstable and can shift at any time. There’s a great view of the Desolation Creek watershed from the lake. Rock formations on the southwest side of the lake make for great pictures.

NORTH FORK JOHN DAY RIVER

Access:

The North Fork John Day (NFJD) River is open to steelhead fishing downstream of the highway 395 bridge north of the town of Dale. The area downstream of the bridge is a mix of Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and private land, so be sure you check ownership before you fish. The upper reaches of the NFJD River (upstream of Big Creek) are entirely within wilderness, so no motorized equipment is allowed in these areas. Three developed campgrounds and numerous unimproved campsites are present upstream of the Highway 395 bridge.

Attractions and Considerations:

Only adipose fin clipped steelhead (hatchery fish) can be kept on the NFJD River. The best time to fish for steelhead is in the spring, just prior to April 15th when the season closes. Be sure and promptly release native steelhead and other species of fish that are caught while steelhead angling. Spring Chinook salmon and bull trout may occasionally be caught while angling for steelhead. There are no open seasons for these species in the area described. Small mouth bass are also present downstream of the 395 bridge. The further downstream you go, the more bass you’ll find. The best angling for bass is in the early summer when water temperatures begin to warm up. Upstream of the 395 bridge, special restrictions on gear and open seasons are in place. Consult state fishing regulations to determine restrictions and open seasons. Upstream of the 395 bridge, rainbow/redband trout and mountain whitefish are the target species for anglers.

DESOLATION CREEK

Access:

Desolation Creek is located in the southern portion of the district. From Ukiah, travel 14 miles south on Highway 395 to the junction with Forest Road 55 (Texas Bar Road). Turn left onto the 55 road and go 1 mile to the junction of the 55 road and the 10 road. Turn right onto the 10 road. The 10 road parallels Desolation Creek for nearly the entire length of the stream. Access to the stream can be difficult due to steep hillslopes and downed wood between the road and the stream.

Attractions and Considerations:

Rainbow/redband trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and mountain whitefish can be caught in Desolation Creek. Steelhead and Chinook salmon are also present in Desolation Creek, but angling is closed year round for these species. Fishing is especially good upstream of the Forest boundary (approximately located at Bruin Creek) where there are more slow water pools.

CAMAS CREEK

Access:

Camas Creek flows through Ukiah on its way to the North Fork John Day (NFJD) River. Highway 395 parallels the last 12 miles of Camas Creek before it enters the NFJD. This stretch of the creek is almost entirely on state owned land. Upstream of Ukiah, there is a mix of private and National Forest land along the creek. State Highway 244 parallels the stream almost its entire length from Ukiah upstream. The forest boundary is located approximately .5 miles downstream of Lane Creek Campground. There is also a block of private land from the 54 road (south) crossing to the Lehman Hot Springs Road. Access can be difficult in the lower portion of the stream due to large boulders and high flows in the early summer. The upper portion of the stream can be accessed easily from Highway 244.

Attractions and Considerations:

Fishing is best early in the summer before stream temperatures become too high. Generally, fly fishing is the most effective technique, although all methods will work well, particularly where there is more water and higher flows. Rainbow/redband trout and steelhead are present in Camas Creek. Fishing for adult steelhead is prohibited in Camas Creek all year long.

BROOK TROUT

The Oregon Department of Fisheries and Wildlife stocked Brook Trout in streams throughout the district in the past. Brook trout are native to the northeast portion of the United States. Brook trout compete with native fish for resources and interbreed with native bull trout, contributing to declines in these populations. Maps and help distinguishing between brook trout and bull trout are available at the District office in Ukiah. Some areas to catch brook trout are as follows:

BIG CREEK

Access:

This stream is located approximately 20 miles southeast of Ukiah on Forest Road 52.

Attractions and Considerations:

Rainbow/redband trout are present in Big Creek in addition to brook trout. Brook trout are generally small, with large fish in the 10-12 inch range. Fishing is generally good upstream and downstream of the 52 road. Fly fishing is the preferred method here due to the size of the stream, but all methods will work prior to late summer low flows when the fish are very skittish. A developed campground downstream of the 52 road and dispersed, unimproved sites upstream of the 52 road along Forest Road 5226 provide an opportunity to camp out. The Tower Fire of 1996 burned much of the area surrounding Big Creek. The fire area can be viewed from the 52 road on the way to Big Creek.

TROUT CREEK

Access:

This stream is located approximately 32 miles southeast of Ukiah. That portion of Trout Creek upstream of the 52 road is privately owned. Downstream of the 52 road, the stream is on National Forest land. Good fishing is available throughout the meadow portion of the stream, which begins approximately .7 miles downstream of the 52 road. The West Fork of Trout Creek can also be fished in the early summer, although the lower portion of the stream is on private land.

Attractions and Considerations:

Fly fishing is the best method of angling in Trout Creek, although all methods will catch fish early in the season. Brook trout are generally small due to overpopulation in the stream. However, fish as large as 13-14 inches have been caught. Rainbow/redband trout are also present in this stream. There are unimproved campsites and flat areas adjacent to the stream for those who wish to camp out.

SOUTH FORK CABLE CREEK

Access:

Forest Road 52 crosses this stream approximately 16 miles outside of Ukiah.

Attractions and Considerations:

The best fishing is approximately ½ mile below the 52 road in Round Meadow. Fish can also be caught upstream of the 52 road, but only early in the summer. Fly fishing is again your best bet for catching these fish. Rainbow/redband trout are also present in this stream.

HIDAWAY CREEK

Access:

The upper portion of Hidaway Creek also has a population of brook trout. To get there from Ukiah, drive east on highway 244 approximately 14 miles to the junction with the 54 road. Turn right onto the 54 road (heading south) and follow it approximately 1 mile to the junction with the 5440. Turn left onto the 5440 and follow it to the junction with the 075 spur. Turn right onto the 075 spur and follow it to the end of the road. At the end of the road, hike down the Chimney Rock ATV trail to the Hidaway Creek. From this point, the best fishing is downstream where there is more water.

Attractions and Considerations:

Fishing is best in the early summer using fly fishing gear. The lower portion of the stream from the 54 road stream crossing upstream also has good angling for rainbow/redband trout. Fly fishing is the most effective angling technique in this portion of the stream.

WINOM CREEK

Access:

This stream is located approximately 18 miles southeast of Ukiah. Forest Road 52 is the access to this stream. Fishing for brook trout is good downstream of the 52 road in the slow moving, low gradient portion of the stream. Winom Creek Campground is located approximately 2/3 mile downstream of the 52 road on the 440 spur. Fishing is also good downstream of the campground.

Attractions and Considerations:

Brook trout, redband trout, and bull trout are present in Winom Creek. Anglers should be careful when harvesting fish from this stream due to difficulties in distinguishing between brook trout and bull trout. Be sure and stop by the District office for help distinguishing between the 2 before you go. Fly fishing is the most effective method for catching fish in this stream.

PONDS

A number of Ponds on the district are stocked each spring by the Oregon Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. These ponds are rock quarries that filled with water when they were no longer used. Stocking of catchable trout in these ponds usually takes place before the fishing season opens in May. Maps with the locations of these ponds and stocking information are available at the District office in Ukiah. Directions to the larger ponds are as follows:

South/East End of the District

TWIN PONDS

Access:

From Ukiah, Twin Ponds is located approximately 6 miles outside of town off the 013 spur, which is south of the 52 road.

Attractions and Considerations:

These ponds are the site of the annual Ukiah Kids Fishing Derby. The ponds are stocked with catchable and trophy sized rainbow trout prior to the event. Children age 0-16 years fish on the day of the derby, and compete in a biggest fish contest and casting contest. Prizes are awarded in several age classes for the winners of these events. This year’s (2004) fishing derby will be held on June 12th, so plan ahead. An unimproved campground and other flat areas are located adjacent to the ponds and provide areas where visitors can camp out. Drift Fence Campground is situated within 2 miles of Twin Ponds. All methods of fishing are effective at these ponds, particularly early in the season. Rainbow trout and largemouth bass can be caught in the Twin Ponds, with the majority of bass being in the southernmost pond. Late in the summer water temperatures are high and the fish are less likely to be actively feeding, making angling difficult. The ponds are located adjacent to the Bridge Creek Wildlife Management Area, where thousands of elk and deer spend the winter. A viewing area located approximately 4.5 miles from Ukiah along the 52 road provides an opportunity to view elk in the spring.

DRIFT FENCE POND

Access:

This pond is located approximately 8 miles from Ukiah off Forest Road 52. The pond is located on the north side of the 52 road on the 440 spur.

Attractions and Considerations:

This pond is stocked with catchable rainbow trout in the spring prior to the opening day of fishing season. There are also largemouth bass in this pond. Drift Fence Campground is located just up the road for those who wish to camp.

PEARSON RIDGE POND

Access:

From Ukiah, take Forest Road 52. The pond is located approximately 14 miles outside of town on the 270 spur. This spur is on the north side of the 52 road.

Attractions and Considerations:

Rainbow trout are the only species of fish present in this pond. Fly fishing and using bait are the most effective methods to use in this pond. Occasionally, large carry-over rainbow trout are caught in this pond. Flat areas are available near the ponds for camping.

West End of the District

5318 ROCK PIT POND

Access:

From Ukiah, take Highway 244 west to the junction with Highway 395. Go straight at the intersection towards Heppner on Forest Road 53. Follow the 53 road approximately 12 miles to the intersection with the 5316 road. Turn left onto the 5316, and go approximately 1 mile to the 5318 road. Turn left onto the 5318, and go approximately 1.5 miles. The pond is located on the south side of the 5318 road between the 020 and 030 spurs. A dirt road exits the 5318 at the pond.

Attractions and Considerations:

Rainbow trout and black bullhead catfish are present in the pond. All methods of fishing work well here, especially early in the summer. Flat areas are available for camping adjacent to the pond. The pond is also a great place to take a swim during the summer.

ELLIS POND

Access:

To get to this pond, take Forest Road 53 from the junction with Highway 395. The pond is located approximately 15 miles from the 395 junction. The pond is located on the south side of the 53 road approximately .6 miles east of the 53-140 spur junction.

Attractions and Considerations:

This pond is stocked with rainbow trout in the spring. All methods of angling work in this pond.

SUGARBOWL 030 POND

Access:

To get to the Sugarbowl 030 pond, take Forest Road 53 to the junction with the 5309 road. Turn onto the 5309 and drive until you reach the 030 spur (on the right). Turn onto the 030 spur, and the pond is approximately .2 miles on the north side of the road.

Attractions and Considerations:

This pond is stocked with rainbow trout in the spring.

DIVIDE WELL POND

Access:

To get to this pond, take the 53 road from the junction with Highway 395. Turn left onto the 5312 and follow it until it ends at a “T”. Turn right at the “T” onto the 5320 road. Go approximately 1.5 miles on the 5320 to the intersection of the 5327 and the 5320. The pond is located north of the 5320 and west of the 5327 road. An access road on the 5327 allows visitors to park at the edge of the pond.

Attractions and Considerations:

Rainbow trout and black bullhead catfish are present in this pond. All methods of fishing work well in this pond, particularly in the early summer. Divide Well Campground is located approximately .7 miles from the pond along the 5327 road. This pond is also close to Potamus Point. Potamus Point is located at the end of the 5316 road southwest of the pond. There is a spectacular view of the Potamus Creek and North Fork John Day River Canyons from several different overlooks in the area.

North End of the District

5411-020 POND

Access:

From Ukiah, take Highway 244 east approximately 14 miles to the intersection with the 54 road. Turn left onto the 54 road (north), and follow it until you reach the 5411 road. Turn left onto the 5411 and follow it for ½ mile. Turn left onto the 015 spur. The pond will be on the left approximately .1 miles from the 5411-015 junction. A dirt road accesses the pond.

Attractions and Considerations:

The pond is stocked every year with catchable rainbow trout. There are also wild goldfish in the pond that are occasionally caught by anglers. There are areas near this pond where visitors could camp out.

YELLOW JACKET POND

Access:

From Ukiah, take Highway 244 east approximately 14 miles to the intersection with the 54 road. Turn left onto the 54 road (north) and follow it to the 5412 junction. Turn left onto the 5412, and go approximately 6.5 miles. The pond is located on the south side of the 5412 road between the 150 and 160 spurs.

Attractions and Considerations:

Rainbow trout are stocked in this pond every spring. There are also largemouth bass in this pond.

5415-050 POND

Access:

From Ukiah, take Highway 244 east approximately 14 miles to the intersection with the 54 road. Turn left onto the 54 road (north) and follow it to the 5412 junction. Turn left onto the 5412, and go to the 050 spur junction, a distance of approximately 3.25 miles. The pond is located on the east side of the 050 spur.

Attractions and Considerations:

Rainbow trout are stocked in this pond every spring.

For more information on fishing opportunities on the North Fork John Day Ranger District contact:

North Fork John Day Ranger District
PO Box 158
Ukiah, OR 97880
(541) 427-2321