Day Trip: John Day River (with Optional Camping)

  • Sat, July 25, 2026
  • 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Registration

  • Free to CSF Members
  • When registering for this event, an annual membership is included.
Register

Join Us for the Day or Camp for the Weekend

Day Trip: Saturday, July 25 | Cottonwood Canyon State Park (Meet @ 8:00am)

Camping: July 24 - 26, 2026 | Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Join Fishmaster Mark Meyer for a day outing on the beautiful John Day River. You can make it a full weekend camping trip from Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26, or simply join us for the Saturday day trip on July 25.

Either way, come ready to fish, learn, explore, and enjoy time together on the water.

Two Ways to Join the Outing

Option 1: Saturday Day Trip

Come for the day on Saturday, July 25. We’ll meet in the morning at Cottonwood Canyon State Park Campground, set up rods, go over safety and fishing plans, then head out for a day of exploring the river. There is no fee for day use at the park.

Option 2: Weekend Camping

Turn the outing into a full weekend adventure by reserving a tent campsite, or primitive RV site at Cottonwood State Park for July 24 - 26.

Cottonwood Canyon State Park Campground sites are reservable online through Recreation.gov. 

Mark Meyer, your Fishmaster, will meet you near the park facilities restroom. A CSF sign will be posted.

Saturday Tentative Itinerary

Main gathering location: Near the park facilities restroom.


Time Activity
8:00 AM Meet near park facilities restroom. CSF sign will be placed here
8:30 AM Fishing orientation and safety meeting
Morning Fish and explore the river
1:00 PM Group lunch (optional) — bring your own lunch
Afternoon         

More fishing, exploring, and fellowship


Please forward me an RSVP email if interested. There could be updates regarding river flow, hot weather, etc. I'll post updates via Google Groups. If it's a very hot day, an earlier meet-up may be needed. The drive goes by rapidly with a fellow member/passenger. We can coordinate meeting for lunch in the park shelter near where we meet in the morning. 

Fishing Plan

Recommended setup:

  • 4 wt, 5wt fly rod

  • Floating line (sinking line optional)

  • Wade and bank fishing: 

  • Flies with a floating line will be poppers  

  • Favorite flies with sinking line will be wooly buggers or most streamer patterns.

May include: Six colorful fishing flies with various designs. The flies feature combinations of brown, orange, yellow, and green feathers, with black and yellow accents. Each fly has a small hook and is designed for angling.


  • RSVP Required

If you plan to attend, please fill out registration button above (top of this page), or email mdmeyer@comcast.net with the following information:

  1. Your name

  2. Names of anyone coming with you

  3. Your cell phone number

  4. Emergency contact name

  5. Emergency contact phone number

  6. Are you joining the Saturday day trip or camping for the weekend?

  7. If camping, what campsite did you reserve?

RSVPs help us plan, communicate any changes, and keep everyone accounted for during the outing.

Safety

For emergencies, aside from calling 911 when in cell coverage, please take note of the following information:

Nearest Regional Hospitals:

  • Adventist Heath Columbia Gorge (1700 E 19th St, The Dalles, OR ). Open every day all day w/ Emergency Room. Phone: 541-296-1111.

  • Pioneer Memorial Hospital Location: 564 E Pioneer Dr, Heppner, OR

    Open every day all day w/ Emergency Room. Phone: 541-676-9133

Life Flight - 800-982-9299

Nearest Clinics (Limited Hours)
  • Asher Community Health Center: Located at 712 Jay St, Fossil, OR (approx. 16 miles from the park). 541-763-2725
  • South Gilliam Health Center: Located at 422 N Main St, Condon, OR (approx. 30 miles from the park). 541-626-7081

Cheers,
Mark Meyer
Fishmaster,  John Day River Outing