Grande Ronde River, Oregon
Steelhead and Solitude
All images are by Dave McCoy unless otherwise noted and are all under copyright protection.


We will just start this off with what we came here for, chrome.


Marty Sheppard watches as Thatcher Beatty puts the heat on another one.


A few clouds one evening provide just the right amount of contrast to give us a spectacular sunset, what every camping trip needs.


Todd Karn loads my boat for the trip. Now I know why Marty wanted me to have a full sized boat...


Doh!! Don't expect any sympathy from anyone if you leave your car for the shuttle driver with no gas in it. Just hope it is at the take-out when you get there. In short, fill up in La Grande.


Mike McCoy hooks into one temporarily.


In between photographs, I manage to find one as well.


A beautiful evening on the river includes a warm fire as the cobalt sky exposes the stars above.


Why swing an egg sucking leach if you don't have to, be more creative.


Lunch is served.

While not the silver and black of a coastal caught fish, you can't deny these fish their beauty nor their efforts to get here. Impressive.


Banter at the camp fire is always more fun when everyone is catching fish.


Todd Karn warms his hands before stepping in.


Thatcher Beatty with his first ever steelhead, congratulations!


Todd Karn with another fish on, but did he land it? Scroll down and find out.


Don Stephens looking good for his second day with a spey rod in hand.


Todd Karn stressing the tip of his rod, shot in black and white.


Dave McCoy lands a Wenaha fish on his second cast, we haven't even hit the Grande Ronde yet.


Tom Randgaard working the bucket.


Marty stirring up some grub. It was good.


Todd Karn choosing a fly under the light of the full moon and stars. He had to stand as still as possible for 42 seconds for this shot, thanks buddy.


Don Stephens admires his first ever steelhead and a native one at that.


While the weather on this trip was absolutely perfect, it still had its moments. Frozen guides are just a part of winter steelheading.


Marty Sheppard "fixes" Todd Karns' "broken" rod for him.



Todd finally brings one to hand. We were so worried it was going to get off before it was landed, we shot it underwater.


Swinging in the canyon, what a dance.


Marty offers a selection from his personal box.


Tug tug!


Full moon over angler standing in the river skating a few dries.


Last night in camp is always bittersweet.


One of the usual suspects, hatchery buck about 6 pounds. Photo Mike McCoy


Ted Neely eases down to the next fish filled run.


Todd Karn swings his way through a sexy piece of water as the morning sun finally disperses the fog.



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