Testimonials

“As a father of three boys, I am constantly in search for experiences that bring us closer together and that bring them closer to being capable and well-rounded men. In early July of this year [2023] my sons were all at an overnight camp learning to canoe, so I leapt at the opportunity to scout out a new adventure. In this case a friend and guide, John Messenger offered to take a drift boat down 70 miles of the John Day River. This trip was the adventure I was looking for. The John Day country is deep, red and tan canyons, rushing emerald water, starry nights, cackling chukar, timid big horn sheep, and big hungry bass. John’s knowledge of the river, boating, fishing, and knack for instructing turned what could be a great, semi-passive river exposure to an intense and unforgettable hands-on experience. I left with blistered palms, the recent memory of lines tugging against fish and a desperate desire to share this awesome experience with by boys. With luck, we will be back with John on the river next year.”  

-Todd, Military Veteran, 3 deployments

“John Messenger did a fantastic job planning and conducting our two-day John Day river float.  Days were temperate, and the water level conducive to productive fishing and evening were filled with good conversation. John knew each section of the river, pointing out each fish producing pocket and went above and beyond to demonstrate expert-level fly casting, which always produced. John's drift boat was well equipped, maintained and provided a great platform for both waterway navigation and fishing.  Additionally, John provided a varied selection of flies and conventional tackle to tempt the leery prey. John Messenger is an accomplished professional and I would highly recommend spending several fantastic days fishing with him.”

-Robert, Retired Military, 3 deployments

“Our fishing trip was a dream fishing trip. Great dudes, amazing land, perfect weather and more fish than I have ever seen. Messenger had talked about where to find fish in the water and it is magical to watch him call his fish. “There will be one right over behind that rock”, he will cast his fly line and the moment it touches the water he has a fish on the line. After three days of watching this “John Messenger magic”, the boys started to read the water as well…It was not uncommon to look up the river to the lead boat and see the boys sprawled out over the railing of the boat too tired to pull in another fish. But a few minutes of the bubbling John Day river calling them overcomes fatigue…”perhaps on that little ripple of water” they would cast again and again. Thank you John Messenger - you’re the best.”

— Anthony, Retired Military, 10 deployments