JOHN DAY RIVER SMALLMOUTH BASS FISHING REPORT

Bruce Holt, Executive Director of G-Loomis Rods introduced three representatives of Cabelas to the excellent bass fishing to be found on the John Day River. We were targeting early season small mouth bass and channel catfish. The smallmouth bass were very cooperative and on their spawning beds. All anglers averaged 75-100 fish per day, even with the higher water of 3400-3700 CFS. Fish were chewing plastic, especially Root Beer colored grubs. We also found good fishing on spinner baits, top water plugs and jerk baits. Chernobyl Ants were the hot flies for the fly fisherman in the group. Biggest fish was a 18 inch smallie on a Root Beer Grub caught by Jim Lebson also from G-Loomis Rods and a 17 1/2 inch small mouth bass on a spinner bait caught by Bruce Holt. Numerous smallmouth bass in the 11 inch to 16 inch size were caught and released. Enjoy the pic's. More will follow.