I've enjoyed excellent shad fishing immediately below the John Day dam fish ladder. Use a plain 1/8 oz. round lead-head crappie jig with a gold wire hook. Add a split shot if needed for casting distance. Cast slightly upstream and allow to drift. They'll hit it like a freight train. Best time usually falls around Father's Day or the preceeding week. Keep an eye on the fish counts, they usually peak about that time. A wonderful light tackle fishery. Brace yourself for plenty of company.