Deschutes River Alliance 2026 Auction and Gathering
Horseshoe Bar Ranch - DRA LIve Auction Donation Guided Trip - December 4th-6th, 2026
We are proud to support the Deschutes River Alliance Annual Auction and Gathering on February 21, 2026 at 2:00PM at The Redd on Salmon Street in Portland, OR. The Horseshoe Bar Ranch and renowned guide, Alex Gonsiewski, have donated a guided steelhead trip at the ranch on the John Day River – December 4th – 6th, 2026. Package includes two nights lodging and one and a half days of fishing for the fixed dates of December 4th-6th, 2026. Guide gratuity and fishing license are not included. Here is a link to the Live Auction Preview 2026 Auction & Gathering.
John day river steelhead fishing
John Day River Steelhead
Wild Steelhead run through the Horseshoe Bar Ranch October through January
John Day River
The John Day River, flowing through the ranch, is designated a National Wild and Scenic River in Oregon. It is undammed through its entire 281 miles, from the headwaters in the Strawberry and Blue Mountains to the Columbia River. The river was known as the Mah-Hah River by the Cayuse People. It was named afer John Day, a hunter and fur trapper, with the Pacific Fur Company. The Lewis and Clark Expedition identified the mouth of the river on October 21, 1805. John Day River (north-central Oregon)
Guided Steelhead Fishing & Upland Hunts
Since the flow of the river and steelhead runs are so unpredictable, we offer combination steelhead and upland bird hunting trips. Clients can adjust their trip depending on river flow and weather conditions. This is a great way to truly enjoy all that the ranch has to offer. If interested in only fishing for steelhead, please contact us. The steehead run from late October through January.
Client Testimonials
John Day River Sunrise - January 2026 taken by guest, Craig Johannesen
The Horseshoe Bar Ranch offers exclusive access to over 12 miles of the John Day River for a limited number of guests. Why fight the crowds when you can come to the Horseshoe Bar and not see another fisherman all day?
Testimonials
Thanks so much for letting me experience your ranch! I went out there with Alex Gonsiewski and had a fantastic time.
You have an unbelievable piece of property and river. I really hope I have an opportunity to go out there again in the future.
Thanks,
David Bagwell
Testimonials
Just a short note to thank you for one of the more enjoyable and relaxing places to visit on this earth.
The cabin was awesome and the weather co-operated nicely. The big guy upstairs put on an amazing display for us all morning and into the evening on Sunday.
Catching a nice Steelhead on the swing is always incredible as well!
Thanks and hopefully we can get a chance to do it again sometime.
Sincerely,
Craig Johannesen
Wild steelhead of the john day river
Wild Steelhead
The John Day River, located in Oregon, is home to a remarkable population of wild summer steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). These fish are unique because they are not supplemented by hatchery programs, making them a truly wild population. The river supports one of the largest runs of wild steelhead in the lower 48 states, with annual returns averaging around 7,200 individuals, though peak years can see up to 15,000. The Science Behind John Day Steelhead Migration | Wild Steelheaders United
John Day Steelhead Project
The John Day Steelheaders Project was started in 2020 by Wild Steelheaders United to study wild steelhead of the John Day with the goal of the project to track and identify migratory routes of steelhead returning to spawn. They are using acoustic tags, along with PIT tags, to better understand migratory routes and their relationship to survial and spawning success. We are working to improve riparian habitats along the mainstem of the John Day and historic spawing steams of Sorefoot Creek and PIne Hallow Creek.
Contact Us
To inquire about steelhead fishing, please email us.
