Umpqua Smallmouth Report(Pic)

[Damien]

Just thought I would post a pic of a nice 15" smallies I caught with Hooker and another buddy. Good trip but water was high, cool, and stained. Picked up some nice fish but action wasn't typical Umpqua for this time of year. Floated from Opsrey down to Ferguson's. Nice weather on Saturday but Sunday we had some rain. Will have to take another trip in a few weeks.
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/1202UmpquaBass6-121.JPG

[skein]

Thanks for the report.

I wondered about the water levels with all this rain we've had. Still, the water must have been warm enough to keep the smallies active and on the bite. They are a hoot to catch, especially when they get that size. They think they're the toughest kids on the block. :grin:

Did you guys catch or see any shad? I take that same drift every year and target shad with my flyrod, and was thinking about going this Wednesday.

It sure is a neat drift with lots of different types of water to fish, from deep narrow channels to wide flat gravel beds. What a kick.

Skein

[Damien]

Skien
We caught a few shad at yellow creek. As far as the river levels I looked on the web and it has been really going up and down. As you know normally it is pretty low all summer. Didn't even bump one rock(yet). We actually tried for shad and the rapid at Osprey but the current seemed a bit much. It was hard to find the seams in the current were we normally concentrate for smallies. Bite was slower but steady.Should have done drift from James Wood to Osprey. Do you know of a drift down towards Elkton more? We were thinking about doing that stretch around Big K. Don't know the water but I hear it is definatly a 2 day trip with a overnight on the river. Sounds fun just don't wont any surprises.

[skein]

There's a drift above Elkton and down to the RV park that's pretty good fishing and a nice easy float. The put-in is a slide on the west side of the river. If you come in to Elkton from Drain, turn toward Sutherland right before you get to Elkton. Go across Schad Rd bridge and turn left, following the river up on a gravel road. It's two or three miles up there, but pretty easy to find. Bring enough rope to let the boat down.

The folks at the RV park used to do a shuttle, but I usually take my mountain bike and just ride back up to my rig. I have to admit that I usually take the Osprey drift instead because I like it better.

The two-dayer around Big K is one I've never taken. I hear there's some fairly tricky water in that stretch, tight, fast chutes, and I have also heard there's no place to camp legally. Maybe someone else who knows will chime in.

It sure is a pretty river.

Skein

[Nuttinbutnet]

You are correct Skein, It is all private property on the stretch thru Big K Ranch. I have been trying to find a place to camp so I can set up the same two-day drift. Have not had any luck as of yet.
Greg

[Knot in leader]

You have to love those Umpqua river smallmouth this time of year. :smash: :bowdown: :yay: :wave:

[Land Shark]

I have done the drift from Tyee to Yellow creek , Yellow creek to the next bridge and from the Rv park down to just before Sawyers rapids . We caught a ton of fish but if you hit a head wind on either of the last two drifts you may be in for a long day. Second time through from the Rv park I used a small electric trolling motor to get me along in the slack areas, made for a much better drift.

[Hooker]

I had a great time Damien. I think I still owe you a few bucks for that fish :applause:. With all this hot weather the bite should really pick up! I'm game for another trip soon. :smash: Maybe late July/August.

We should still look into the 2 day float. Although it sounds like it is mostly private, I think we have up to the high water mark to camp :shrug:.

Jason