Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort
Conveniently located at the base of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management Area. Also bordering the south end of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge next to the Blitzen River. Located on Oregon's new High Desert Discovery Scenic Byways system, right on the Steens Tour Route, just 3 miles east of Frenchglen.
Outback Report
Hunting Report
Congratulations on all of you that successfully drew tags
Deer numbers appear to be good along with Elk and Antelope. Hoping for the best
Check out "Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife"Big Game Report for more information.
Fishing Report
All trout in the Donner are wild redbands and average 12-14 inches. Larger fish are present and can reach an impressive 20-24 inches. Two fish may be kept per day, none over 20 inches, May 28-October 31. January 1-May 27 and November 1-December 31 the river is catch-and-release only. Fishing is closed from Bridge Creek, two miles downstream from the campground, to Malheur Lake.
The most popular and productive area to fish is upriver from Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort. Here you will find a fairly gentle river composed of deep pools, riffles, runs, and pocket water. The river is lined with tall grasses and overhanging trees, creating perfect habitat for the larger trout. Anglers can walk on a good, but rocky, hiking trail from the campground about four miles upriver to Fish Creek. Be prepared to ford the river in several places. Beyond Fish Creek there are no formal trails, and you'll need to scramble over boulders through the canyon. To avoid crowds, start fishing up higher in the river, about a three-mile walk from the campground. Use caution when hiking in this area as rattlesnakes are present. Waders or at least hip boots can make walking through grass and water more comfortable and lends an element of protection against snakes. Mosquito plague summer so take plenty of insect repellent and wear a long-sleeved, lightweight shirt.
Fishing techniques for this river include nymphs, dry flies, streamers, and lures. Bait fishing is not allowed. Anglers will find the most success fishing small nymphs under an indicator and attractor dry flies in the faster runs, pocket water, and up against the bank under overhanging brush. Streamers such as small Woolly Buggers or Seal Buggers work great when cast under trees or along the bank in broad, deep pools. Don't ignore the use of small Soft Hackles such as a Partridge and orange or yellow Hare's Ear. You can use Soft Hackles as a dropper on streamers or nymphs, letting them swing through the bottom of runs and imparting a slight twitch to the line. Small lures in gold or silver, or Rooster Tails in black or yellow, can be fished in the deeper, slower runs.
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Weather Report
It is beautiful here in Frenchglen...come and enjoy the gorgeous scenery and watch the wildlife, we have plenty of RV sites and lodging. Give us a call at 800-542-3765 to make a reservation.
Here is the evening weather update for all you stargazers. Our area has some of the darkest skies in the USA!
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Road Report
Check out Road Condition report from Harney County Chamber of Commerce Steens Mountain Road Condition for more information.
Oregon Transportation Departments Road Camera...click on ORE205
The Bureau of Land Management does not let us know when the gate up to Steens Mountain/Fish Lake will be opened for the season, please call BLM at 541-573-4400 to find out the status of the gate...Thank You!
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River Report
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Some of the photographs on this site are copyrighted by Phil Kessinger, Burns, Oregon. No photos may be republished in any medium without the express permission of the photographer. You can see Phil's web site at http://emc.rionetworks.com
Some of the photographs on this site are copyrighted by J. Mark Webb, Frenchglen, Oregon. No photos may be republished in any medium without the express permission of the photographer.
