Any reports on the Grande Ronde? I'm heading down this weekend. Shoemaker's or By the hatchery (WA). The recent cold and lack of precip should have this river in decent shape. I hope.

Thanks

Denali 1,

I would fish aound Boggan's and work your way up to the hatchery and even above it. Stop by Boggans or call them at 509 256-3372 and ask them how the fishing has been. If it has been slow, then try Schumacher. There is a lot of nice water there but depending on snow/rain, you might need a 4 x 4 to get back out. Just my .02 I am taking a three day trip there in February. Should be lot's of fish to catch as the Cottonwood fish start to show up.

Sambo

last friday it as a little high and dirty, about 3 ft vis. Shold be down by now, you might even see a little snow.

Thanks guys. I've never been down to schumacher's in any weather. It's steep enough when it's dry out! I assumed the folks at the bottom of the hill mangage to get in and out though. Is it doable in a 4x4 most of the time to your knowledge?

Denali 1,

I would ask the people at Boggan's how the road is and tell them what you drive and ask them for their opinion as to whether or not you should fish it. Ask if anyone else has been driving down fishing it. I don't think you would have a problem with four wheel drives but it would be worth it to find out how the road is before you take off there.

Sambo

Thanks Sambo. I'll post Monday on how we did.

Denali, if there's any snow and you are the least bit squeemish about driving some seriously nasty roads don't bother with shoemaker grade as it claims a vehicle now and then. It can get really bad. But usually if there hasn't been any snow for a while the road isn't all that bad. Make sure you have good tires because it's rocky and steep. Iv'e personally had to fix a couple flat tires down there.
As far as fish go, the whole Rhonde should be loaded with fish so cottonwood might be just as good. Definately call boggan's to get the update on the water clarity. They are right on the river for first hand info. Also, don't forget to stop in and grab a pop or coffee for the road.

Good Luck,

Duke

Dlani, I grew up on the Ronde from Troy in Oregon, down to the state line, it would be worth your while to get a three day temp license to fish all the way up to Troy, where it meets the Whenaha at the Troy bridge, and even further up river, lots and lots of pull off spots for the truck. My pops is underforeman for Wallowa County road department and I get the weekly newspaper from the county that has a section on fishing the river. Most of the guys that post on here have a better angle on it than I do but I did spend 18 years fishing/hunting the area and can tell you that any section of the river from the Waloopy grade, above Troy, all the way down to Boggan's and beyond is great. Fly, drift, anything you want. The river historically runs low in winter, but mostly gin clear. Take your shotgun and upland bird license, you will probably run into chuckers or grouse on the way down from Lewiston. (Hopefully you won't run over any elk or deer on the way down, but you will see them too.) An 0-6 would be nice as you could dump a coyote in the area too. Man you are lucky, I would love to go down there right now. But I am stuck playing Army in Kosovo. Take the truck with 4 wheel drive and you should be fine. I will ask my pops how the roads are right now and try to get back to you on here before you take off. Good luck and any questions on the Rhonde, I know every rock, bend and bump there, at least on the Oregon side, gimme an e mail and be sure to post your results on here, with a pic or two of the fish on Monday, good luck!