Can Chinook Landing be fished from Drift Boat?

[Wet_Willy]

Just a quick question for those that know this area of the Columbia. Can I safely fish it out of a 16' drift boat running a 6hp motor? Or, would I be better off heading further upriver to fish the mouth of the Deschutes? I am getting anxious to get out a little and the rivers are all a little low right now to drift...

Thanks,
WW

[MoJet Driver]

Right now it can. The flows are civil enough for a drift boat and I see a handfull out there every time. The biggest problem the drift boaters seem to have is getting their pyramid anchors to hold if they aren't trolling. It's generally a sandy bottom.

It may be a better deal in the long run due to the tribal nets being in above Bonneville anyway.

Good luck and tight lines.

[chuck 'n' duck]

I had the same question when my buddy asked me to go out there last weekend in his 16' drift boat. But there is really nothing to worry about. However, we had a standard boat anchor, not a pyramid. That thing is a b*tch to pull up if you don't have the buoy system! Also, we had a 9.9 horse motor. Make sure to read some of the other posts to get an idea of hog line etiquette before you go, or you may end up being a very unpopular person with your fellow boaters.

Tight Lines,

chuck 'n' duck

P.s. bring a bucket and rope to hang of the stern to try and keep your boat from swaying back and forth in the current (oars should work too)

[GutZ]

Great Information! Thank You! May the fish Gods smile upon you!


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Fish Now,
Sleep Later.

[fishhunter]

You should be fine, just make sure you have lights on that thing. I almost munched a drifty a few days ago at about 5:15 because I couldn't see him. Scared me to death. Lots of big boats out there so be real careful. Matter of fact I saw 6 fish caught and 4 of them were from drifties. Maybe there's something to this?

[Drachir]

I fish out of Chinook Landing all the time in
my 16' ClackaCraft, w/8hp Merc. Some of the
earlier posts give great info, running lts.
anchoring ettiqutte, and most of all be very
careful watching for other boats around you,
as you go to and from ramp. You will be the slowest thing out there and need to pay very
close attention to all your surroundings. I
do real well out there and would love to see
more Drift Boats out there, provided they are
good people, use common sense, and go out w/
all saftey equip, a good anchor w/ 200' of
rope minimum, and treat others with respect.
It's a big river and can be used by all, but
let's be good to each other out there, and
have a great time enjoying this great river.

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