McKenzie River floats

[elkthumper]

Im not the best oarsmen on the river, but have quite a bit of experience. I was wondering what you McKenzie River fisherman suggest for a decent length float trip just targeting trout,(put in-take out)....and what water obstacles are in those stretches.

thanks in advance...

[541 Native son]

Hello Elkthumper - Before I sold my driftboat, I used to do the stretch from Hayden Bridge down to Armitage park regularly. Unless things have changed dramatically, it was a VERY easy drift. Usually took about 4 hours depending on how much time I spent on the hook. That section is open year round, fly or artificial lure, catch & release only. There are some nice nates!
Another nice drift is from Helfritch down to Leaburg. It was not too difficult, but more so than Hayden to Armitage. You can use bait and bonk 'em. That stretch is planted pretty heavily.
Here is a odfw link to the regs for the area :
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/swwd/mckreg_alt.html
Enjoy, Ken

[flyfishing24]

Take caution above Armatage before the pull-out as there is construction above the park on the I-5 bridge that has created weird hydrolics.

Very doable, but, if you are new to the oars take caution.

Dave

[scottishsetter]

Be careful not to float over downed trees that are near the surface. Hard edged drift boats can 'catch' and flip.

[JigMast]

I learned to row a driftboat on the leaburg dam to greenwood drift. I do not know what the float would be like a 6ft though. I target steelhead on that drift, but I have hooked some nice ridesides through that drift, Good Luck.

[motoxaaron03]

Native Son hit the nail on the head - Hayden Bridge to Armitage is a great float. I always catch tons of trout on that stretch. Do be careful before the pull out as there is work bridge (that my company built btw) in the river - nothing to be scared of, just aware of.

The only thing on that stretch that you should be scared of is what I like to call "Nudie Cove". There's a nudist colony that meets about 1/2 mile upstream from Armitage - eeewwwww.:eek:

[Eagleclaw]

i like the Belinger boat landing to Hayden Bridge. Great float good trout fishing. Greenwood drive to Hendricks park is a great float too.