View Full Version : Float tubing down the Deschutes
Has any of you ever done this? Saw three guys do it last night and it looks like something that I will definately NOT be trying! Do these daredevils need a permit?
[ 08-22-2002, 10:22 PM: Message edited by: Shane S ]
STGRule
08-22-2002, 09:10 PM
I believe you do need the permit. But, more important, Be VERY careful. The jet sleds cannot see you and meeting a big ole sled in the rapids would s u c k big time.
Float tubing is for still water ONLY!!! :hoboy: Please buy a pontoon boat or cataraft if you want to fish moving water. I was fishing the famous Silver Creek in central Idaho several years ago, when a guy died because his foot got caught in some underwater branches while he was floating down stream. Once it broke loose, he flipped and once upside down couldn't get free. Float tubes are very dangerous in moving water.
Portland area fly fisher Jim Teenys father Fred died while trying to cross the upper sandy in a float tube. I hadn't even thought about the sleds........ :shocked:
Paddlefish
08-23-2002, 09:42 AM
Has ********* taken his act inland?
Gorgeherm
08-23-2002, 10:13 AM
The people that usually float are putting in at Blackberry hole and drifting down to stand on some shallow rocks near the cable hole. There is channel there that they like to fish in the middle of the river. They take out above Moody rapids and might do it again.
tag-a-long
08-23-2002, 03:43 PM
I like to float in a 3man raft with the brother in law and nephew on pontoons from about 5 miles above sun river to Heppner (sp) bridge. It is a fun time, but you would never catch me floating in an innertube with my arse in the water...
It is a pleasant ride, and there are several spots to wet a line. A 10 lb pyramid anchor is plenty to hold all three in the current.
[ 08-23-2002, 03:44 PM: Message edited by: tag-a-long ]
Deleted User
08-23-2002, 06:56 PM
I've made the 'float' that Gorgeherm mentioned with my tube several times on the Deschutes and wouldn't consider it dangerous. The gravel ledge is easy to walk down and the sleds can't even make it to that side of the river.
I would, however, tell anyone wanting to tube the Deschutes to go with someone who knows the river, WELL, before deciding to take a float tube.
Yes, you need a float permit to tube the river - $2.00 in the week; $5.00 on the weekends.
Phish_on
08-24-2002, 07:53 AM
tag-a-long -
"Harper" bridge.
I wouldn't even take a float tube in that stretch, get hung on a snag and you're in some trouble. There's a lot more power up there than it looks like.
I can see using a tube to get out to a gravel bar, for the adventurous - white water, uh-uh. Permits absolutely.