August on the Umpqua???

[2LEYS]

How is the small mouth bite on the umpqua during early August?

Going to be in the area and wondered what the bite would be like. You here a lot about 70+ fish days and wondered if those occured in August.

[nitrobass]

It will be red hot in August. Its awesome now, and will stay that way all summer long. The only change will be lower water which will concentrate the fish even more. 70 fish days are no problem. Try going for 70 fish hours!

The fish in the Umpqua will congregate under your boat, I'm guessing because its the only shade around, but nonetheless there will be a load of them and you can catch them one after another.

[spin33]

You couldn't have picked a better time to be on the Umpqua for smallies. You could sit in an innertube with a blindfold on and probably catch 40 or 50 going down the river backwards. :cool: Sometimes after I have caught enough for one day, I tie on the most improbable looking bait I have and try NOT to catch a fish. :rolleyes: Now that takes skill. :grin:
You will have a great time. :cheers:

[Grantspastor]

Don't fall in the water...they might eat YOU

[skein]

Nitrobass is right, they will congregate under your boat. If not, call 'em in. No kidding. And this works really well for the big boys.

Anchor up and have some fun with those around and under you, then pick your anchor just off the bottom and drop it two or three times. Then watch and wait. The big boys will be along in a very few minutes to investigate. I'm guessing they think it's a rock rolling in the river and figure there must be a crawdad or two exposed.

I have a whole skit I go through if I've got youngsters aboard, bubbling in the water and swishing things around while I secretly bounce the anchor. I tell 'em it's my secret fish call. :grin:

The Umpqua is a GREAT river!

Skein

[Adam]

I would like to try the umpqua but have never gone near the river. Where would you fish the river exactly for smallies? How much water is in that location (what type of boat is needed to handle the water/current). I was just curious if i could fish this from my raft. How would the water flow (in the best fishing area on the river) change from now until august? Also, is there any theft/vandalism i should worry about when parking my rig and fishing? I just think now days that is a pretty valid question before heading into new water to fish :hoboy:

I dont need any tips on the fishing, but just the river itself.

thanks for any help :bowdown:

[Grantspastor]

Adam..do a search. This topic came up about 6 mos ago. There is water that you could easily fish with your raft...and there is water that should only be tackled by experts who are familiar with the rapids. If you go to the RV Park in Elkton, they will shuttle you a few miles up river, and you can take out right at the park. No white water to fret about, and jillions of smallmouth.

[Adam]

hmm... i did do a search and didnt come up with much. Ill have to do it again :grin: Thanks for the quick response graemlins/applause.gif

[nitrobass]

Adam-

Its about the most user friendly river there is. You can put in at the "slide hole" and take out at Elkton, or put in at Elkton and take out above sawyers rapids. Elkton to Sawyers is a great drift but its got a couple miles of frog water that you'll have to row through, or use a motor if you have one. If you do the slide hole to Elkton your rig will be in a secure RV park.

The Umpqua is a special fishery, you'll have a blast

[Adam]

I wouldn't mind having some "frog water" so it is easier to fish and less hassle to maneuver the raft. I have just never really floated a river, so I want something very easy. Also, i want to be able to fish for 6-8 hours (taking my time), so what would you recommend that would be the most "user friendly." Also, how exactly does the shuttle work? I figured i could just drive to the launching point, inflate my raft and load equipment, drive back to shuttle, and then just have them give me a lift back up to the launching point. Can someone give me the address of the rv park or tell me how to get there? I would be going south on I5 through salem...

Along that stretch of river, are there any objects or "markers" that would help me monitor my speed... I want to be able to really take my time and catch fish without worrying about how far it is to the rv park.

feel free to email me or send me a PM!

Also, are there any places to stay around there such as a best western or anything?

Thanks! :cheers:

[ 07-05-2003, 10:20 PM: Message edited by: Adam ]

[nitrobass]

Adam, careful what you wish for. When the west wind picks up that frog water sucks! It will blow you upriver, unless you row or motor.

I'm most familiar with the Elkton to Sawyers drift so if someone can help you with the slide to elkton drift good luck. From what I know of that drift I'd do it.
The shuttle works like this - You go to Arlene's, in Elkton, and tell the guy behind the counter that you're wanting a shuttle. He's a bit on the gruff side usually but oh well. Anyways(if you're doing the elkton to sawyers drift) you drop your boat in at Elkton, beach it, then drive your rig around to Sawyers launch. Park it there, and he picks you up and takes you back to your boat. From I5 you'll just take the highway 38 exit and that takes you right to Elkton.

If he shuttles you just pay good attention on the way back to landmarks for your reference. I've done it enough to know how to time it, but the first couple times I really paid attention to landmarks. The Elkton to Sawyers is like 10 miles and will take you a solid 6 hours if you dont anchor(which you should), and longer depending on how hard you milk out the good spots.

I'd stay in Cottage Grove - lots of hotels and only 40 minutes from Elkton.

[Adam]

what are the hours of the shuttle? How fast is the current in that stretch? Are you able to fish easily when not anchored?

So your saying that that the entire drift (about 10 miles) takes about 6 hours or so, just to drift if you dont stop really at all? are there any other launches between the two places? I was just wanting to make sure that it is obvious when you arrived back at the place. Also, how large is the river in that stretch? Is it like the size of the willamette?

sorry for all the questions... its just i really like to know what to expect before arriving!!!

[Grantspastor]

If you do the slide hole to RV Park drift...just go to the RV Park...the man will jump in your rig...take you up to the put in, and you're off. You're rig will be waiting for you back at the park. That drift would be a comfortable day of fishing if you moseyed along. There's no white water to speak of...except just before the RV Park (just below the bridge) there is a fast water chute along the right (North) bank. No problem..even if you don't have much experience.

One note on the put-in. The slide hole is named for a steep sandy slide put-in. When I launch my drift boat there I take a half-hitch around my boat trailer and let the boat down more or less under control. A 100' rope is handy. Don't stand below the boat when you let her rip. (painful voice of experience). The Umpqua is a fun river. You ought to catch a ton of fish. It is the place I'd go for sure if I were taking some kids fishing and just wanted them to have a lot of action. Fly rods? Spinning gear? It doesn't matter. The fish are very willing. The only frustrating things is spotting those 5-6 lb fish and watching THEM refuse your bait while 1 lb. fish are killing each other trying to get to it.

[Best Fishes]

Hello:

I fished the Umpqua a few days ago and we fished from Yellow Creek to the Umpqua RV Park near Kellog. They charge $5 for the use of their ramp and $5 for a shuttle. The others I contacted charged $20 for a shuttle.
Yellow Creek to Umpqua RV Park (541)459-2665 is about a 4 mile drift with only 1 real rapid. Take the rapid on the right side as you are looking down river.
We caught over 200 fish for the 3 of us. Worms worked the best when fished in the deeper holes with a split shot.

Best Fishes

[MightyBeav]

Can someone tell me how to find the Slide Ramp? Heading there tomorrow and it sounds like where I would like to put in.

Thanks

[addictedtofishing]

Coming from the East and heading west, turn left and head up river just before you drive into Elkton. Go about 1/4 mile and turn right to cross the river. Once you cross the river, take the first road on your left and head up river. When the road Y's, stay to the left. Right where the asphalt ends and the gravel road begins is where the slide is at. And yes, it is steep. I've only stopped to check it out and it isn't a place I would be excited to launch a DB. You would definately need to bring some extra rope.

Sorry I don't remember road names. The people at Arlene's in Elkton should be able to help you out if you need more info.

[MightyBeav]

Thanks. sounds like no problemo finding.

[arkansasbasser]

I spent Saturday on the Umpqua where the north and south forks come together. I can't remember the name of the park ramp. Twin Forks, I think. Anyway, I fished all day and threw everything I had at them. Caught one dink bass. I talked to another guy bass fishing. He had been there 3 days and caught one fish each day. I don't know if I was in a bad spot or the fish were just shut down. There were tons of boats running up and down the river salmon fishing. Maybe that had the fish spooked. The water was very warm. Anyway, for my first trip there I was sure disappointed.

[blacktail hunter]

river forks

[Basshound]

Its called Mehl creek road. Yes, Mehl is correct. Ive seen tons of guys put in there. Take plenty rope and a buddy or 2 and you'll be fine.