Umpqua

[Grant Betts]

I read that the Smallmouth fishing is Great. Any tips on what they're catching them on? and the average size?

G.B

[EZ Drifter]

Any typical "bass gear" works great. There is no need to use live bait. Black berkely power worms are a favorite standby that always produces lots of fish. If you like topwater action use small floating rapalas.
Topwater action tends to be the best in the evening on the shade breaks with some structure.

There is NO need to overcomplicate the issue. I have fished this river my entire life for smallmouth and laugh everytime I see someone with two tackleboxes heaped full with the newest and best smallmouth gear. Not only is that expensive, it is completely unnecessary. Stick with rubber worms, a couple of small diving crankbaits, a few topwater, and spinners (such as roostertails). You will have nonstop action without the hassle of packing a ridiculous amount of equipment. For the flyfisher stick with weighted streamers and small poppers.

I just made a drift last night and caught and released 60 fish in about 5 hours. The average size of these fish was around 11 inches. The largest was 17 inches. The largest smallmouth I have landed was 5 lbs a couple of years ago.

I wouldn't recommend eating these fish as the water levels are extremely low and the wastewater treatment plant operators in Roseburg always contribute there fair share with accidents every summer. It's your call....I just prefer FRESH fish!

-EZ-

[Williedrifter]

Hey EZ if you don't mind where did you drift from and where didd you take out? I've always wanted to make a smallmouth drift but did'nt ever really have any info. I'm sure its pretty low also so did you have to drag the boat half the way down the river? images/icons/smile.gif

[SeanD]

I went down there about a month ago and dad and i caught and released 60-80 fish each in a day. I had best luck with a small panther martin spinner gold body with black blade and red spots, and with and excalibur fat free shad (fingerling size) shad color. drifted in a canoe around the tyee campground area.
I was going to go down there again yesterday but things didnt work out. Go for it! Its some of the most fun non stop action ive had fishing. The guy that ran the campground said the fishing will be at its best a month from when i was there, so thats about right now.

[ 08-27-2001: Message edited by: SeanD ]

[EZ Drifter]

Jay-

There are many good drifts that you can make.
I would recommend ANY of the drifts between River Forks Park (3 miles west of Roseburg off of Garden Valley Rd) and Yellow Creek (app. 15 miles west of Sutherlin off of Hwy. 138). The majority of drifts in this section of the river are 6-8 miles in length.
I never have to push my boat, but you will rub and even bang a few rocks in places. A nice layer of "coat-it" on the underside of the boat makes things a bit easier.
E-mail me if you want more specific info.

-EZ-

[Williedrifter]

EZ, I wasn't able to email you but was curious about the water through Roseburg as I've only driven by it at 70 miles an hour. It is mainly frog water right, and if so a novice drift boater can run through eh.

[EZ Drifter]

Jay -

I think you are referring to the South Umpqua. It is not very driftable during the summer.

Check your e-mai.

-EZ-