Tucked away in eastern Oregon, not far from Boise, Idaho, Oregon’s finest trophy brown trout river flows discreetly through desert rim rock and sage. It is a relatively small river but its’ honey-colored browns are anything but small, averaging 14 to 18 inches with considerably larger fish present. The Owyhee has a long season and a rich progression of vibrant insect hatches. The seasonal highlights are the skwalla stonefly hatch of March and early April along with the terrestrial season occurring midAugust through September. If big browns on dries are something you want to experience, this is the very best Oregon has to offer.

The Owyhee is a unique fishery in the scope of Oregon waterways. It is one of the few places in the state where dry fly opportunties for trophy brown trout abound. To experience this river, we have teamed up with Cory Godell, owner and operator of Deschutes River Anglers. Central Oregon born and raised, Cory began fishing the rivers of the state at a young age and has now spent over two decades guiding them. A self-described "dry fly nut," it is no wonder Cory fell in love with the Owyhee at a young age and has centered part of his outfitting calendar around this special place.

The Owyhee is a small desert river where all fishing is done on foot. A Forest Service road follows the river for many miles, allowing access to some of the best dry fly water in all of Oregon. Large brown trout are the quarry, but don’t be surprised if you run into a super charged rainbow trout or two. The river is blessed with an incredible amount of bug life. The trout have a continuous conveyor belt of food headed their way almost the entire year. During the late summer the Owyhee is one of the best hopper fisheries west of the Rocky Mountains. For anglers that enjoy fishing streamers, the Owyhee is also a great place to practice your craft. Pods of rising fish are common during many months of the season and during the best mayfly hatches, you may not move for an hour as you cast to risers.

The outfitter has partnered with the Owyhee River Ranch, a comfortable and simple lodging option along on the banks of the river only a 10-minute drive from the prime fishing area. Guests will sleep in the Ranch’s yurts a stone’s throw from river. The yurts are double occupancy room with XL twin beds. The yurts are clean and comfortable but do not have power or running water. They are equipped with solar powered lights, flashlights, and propane heaters. Guests will have a short walk to the common space for meals and will have access to the kitchen.

Meals at the Owyhee Ranch are hearty and warm to keep you fueled for long days on the water. Clients will awake each morning to a hot pot of coffee to kick off the day. From there, breakfasts typically consist of breakfast burritos or other hot grab n' go options to ensure you are on the water in a timely manner. Lunches are a delicious riverside bbq to keep you on the water for the second half of your day. Upon arrival in ranch each evening, guests can expect appetizers followed by dinner. Dinners consist of salads, vegetables, a protein and desert. Vegetarian options are also available upon request with advance notice. While alcoholic beverages are not included in the package price, please feel free to bring any beer, wine or liquor of your choosing to enjoy. The outfitter will have plenty of water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages available.

Day 1: Arrive Boise, Idaho and if arriving late, overnight at your independently arranged accommodations (not included).

Day 2: Rent a car (not included) and drive (approximately one and a half hours) to the river where you will meet your guide for a full day of fishing, then overnight.

Day 3: Full day of guided fishing. Overnight.

Day 4: Half day of guided fishing. Depart for Boise and home or points beyond.

2024 Rate: Per person based on double occupancy 

2 night/2½ day package: $1,550

Included:  Accommodations and meals, non-alcoholic beverages, guided fishing, tackle, fly rods, and flies.

Not Included:  Round trip airfare to Boise, Idaho, accommodations in Boise, transportation between Boise and the ranch, fishing license (available online), alcohol, personal items, guide gratuities, waders, boots with studs.

Species:  Brown trout and rainbow trout

Season:  March to October

Capacity:  4 anglers

What are the top reasons to go?

• Fish a unique Pacific Northwest river providing consistent opportunities at trophy brown trout on dry flies
• Increase your skills at presenting dry flies to large, feeding fish in a small-medium sized river
• Break out the trout tackle in March or April for some spectacular dry fly fishing
• Fish with Cory Godell, a guide with over 20 years of outfitting experience and many years spent fishing this system
• Enjoy easy access from the Boise, Idaho airport

Who is best suited to this destination? Those who possess the mobility to wade in a medium sized river with slippery rocks and off-colored water will feel most comfortable on the Owyhee. Guests stay in a simple bunkhouse room or yurt as part of the Owyhee River Ranch – both options access one of two shared bathrooms.  Fly anglers of all skill-levels are welcome as the guide emphasizes education and instruction on all trips. That being said, those with some experience targeting finicky trout with dry flies will most quickly understand what is expected to fool these exceptional fish. For those travelling to the Owyhee River in March or April, “springtime” in Oregon can take on many forms. We recommend being prepared for everything from cold and wet to sunny and mild. Expect August and September to be hot in this arid environment with temperatures in the 90s and wet wading commonplace.

Where is the lodge? The ranch is located approximately 10 miles downstream of the Owyhee Lake Dam complex. The ranch offers a quiet feel and comfortable accommodations while still being near the best of the Owyhee trout waters.

How do I get there? The easiest way to reach the Owyhee River is by arranging flights to/from the Boise, Idaho airport (BOI). From there, guests will rent a car and drive west approximately 1.5 hours to the camp.

When should I go? The Owyhee is a viable option from March through October; However, the outfitter tries to condense his season on the Owyhee to the prime windows of March-early April and August-September. March and April marks the Skwalla hatch on the Owyhee, with August and September presenting great opportunities to fish big, terrestrial dry flies for hungry browns.

How will I fish? The river is blessed with an incredible amount of bug life and good numbers of fish. The trout have opportunities to feed during the many hatches that occur throughout the year making it a dry fly fisherman’s paradise for matching the hatch. During the late summer the Owyhee is one of the best hopper fisheries west of the Rocky Mountains and allows for a more aggressive dry fly approach. For anglers that enjoy fishing streamers, the Owyhee is also a great place to practice your craft as brown trout are a predatory species that occasionally will turn to larger fare to satisfy their hunger, especially in low light conditions. If you encounter a picky fish who has refused multiple dry fly drifts, often times a small midge or mayfly dropper can seal the deal. All these options makes for a great place for any trout obsessed angler.

Is there wade fishing? All of the fishing on the Owyhee is done while wading. You will use the guide’s vehicle to move between spots on the river.

Where will I fish? The best fishing on the Owyhee is in the 10 miles of river downstream of the Owyhee Dam. A Forest Service road follows the river along this stretch, where you and the guide will drive up and downstream to access prime water.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? The ranch is situated approximately 5-10 minutes from the section of river you will be fishing.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? Anglers will catch brown and rainbow trout throughout their trip.

How many fish will I catch? A double digit day is a fantastic day of angling on the Owyhee River.

Will I see other anglers? Yes, it is very likely that you will be sharing the river with other anglers due to the Owyhee’s close proximity to Boise.

What are the guides like? Cory is an avid angler who spends his days off fly fishing and exploring himself. He is an enthusiastic instructor and a professional guide, bringing over 20 years of outfitting experience to the table. On the water he has an easy-going and fun personality, but is also seriously committed to putting his clients in best possible position for success. Four groups o 3 or 4 he brings in a trusted partner from his hometown in Bend.

What are the physical demands? The primary physical demand is standing and walking for full days. The rocks in this river can be slick and some care is needed while wading. There are well defined trails along most of the river and the crossings are typically knee deep at the deepest point.

Are there any special skills required? The Owyhee is a fantastic venue for anglers of all skill levels.

Does the lodge provide equipment? Tackle and fly rods are included in the package price. Feel free to bring any of your own equipment along but Cory will have a full quiver of rods, reels, lines, leaders and tippet to use. Guests will need to bring their own waders and boots. Cory will also have a wide selection of flies on hand. However, always feel free to bring your boxes along.

What is your favorite setup for the trip? 4- to 6-weight rods in 8.5- to 9-feet all have their place on the Owyhee. The go-to rod on this river is a medium-fast action 9 ft 5 weight rod.

What are the top flies? In the springtime midges, skwalas and a variety of nymphs are effective. In the summertime terrestrials are very effective and an assortment of grasshoppers, ants and crickets do well. For a more date-specific list please call Fly Water Travel.

What are the options if water conditions become challenging? During both seasons anglers may see lovely, comfortable weather during their fishing days, but they may also need to fish through rain, wind, or snow particularly in springtime, or very hot temperatures in the summer time. If the conditions become too challenging anglers may take a drive to view the canyon and the reservoir, or enjoy some quiet time at the ranch.

What is a typical day like? Anglers will be up and ready for breakfast by 7:00 AM in the ranch kitchen. Cory will have you out on the river by 8:30. A lunch will be served riverside, and most anglers will be back at the ranch by 5:00 to shower and relax before dinner. Cory usually starts preparing dinner to be ready around 6:30, and folks tend to relax in the kitchen lounge while waiting.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge? The atmosphere around the ranch is laid-back, casual and comfortable. Anglers can expect to fish long hours and move around a lot in the guide’s vehicle up and downstream while on the river. 

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? The ranch owners live on site and are in and out throughout the day, but Cory is your main point of contact if you need assistance with anything.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Meals are hearty and plentiful. Breakfasts typically consist of breakfast burritos or other hot grab n’ go options to ensure you are on the water in a timely manner. Lunches are a standard riverside lunch to keep you on the water for the second half of your day. Upon arrival in camp each evening, guests can expect appetizers followed by dinner which often consists of salads, vegetables, a protein and desert. Vegetarian options are also available upon request.

What is the alcohol policy? While alcoholic beverages are not included in the package price, please feel free to bring any beer, wine or liquor of your choosing to enjoy. The outfitter will have plenty of water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages available.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? The outfitter has partnered with Owyhee River Ranch, a small property along the Owyhee River. Guests will stay in one of three yurts which sleeps 4 anglers with a shared bathroom in the kitchen. The yurts are clean and comfortable, but there is no running water or electricity. They are equipped with solar lights, flashlights, and propane heaters.

Is there internet and/or cell service? There is limited to no cell service in the canyon. The ranch has Wifi that you can use during your stay.

Are there other activities? This is an operation that caters to guests wanting to spend their time on the water fishing.

Are there any other expenses? Fishing licenses, rental car (if flying into Boise), gratuity, alcoholic beverages.

Do I need a visa? No additional documentation is needed for this trip.

Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? Throughout the season there may be some mosquitos or lightening storms but there are no major concerns. We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center For Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.