Help North Fork Nehalem Info

Roenthboat · 02-08-2004, 07:09 PM

I Could watch no longer I had to join and ask some of my own questions. So here gos. I'd like to fish the North Fork of the Nehalem for the first time on Tuesday. Can anyone tell me which drift is most productive? Or if it's even back in shape or not.Is there a shuttle service? any help would be great. Thanks!!!

Chromaflage · 02-08-2004, 07:17 PM

Might I suggest hiring a guide first. If you don't know that river, it could be deadly. There are areas of that river that are extremely difficult, even for the most experience oarsman. There is a guy from whom you can purchase a map for something like $100, and he'll take you down the river. I can't remember the details, but I'm sure it won't take long for someone to post them.

ORS

Roenthboat · 02-09-2004, 05:39 AM

ORS Thanks for the reply, I can do a lot of exploring for $100 so I think I'll pass on the map. Have you drifted it? If so what drift? Thanks

blackdog · 02-09-2004, 07:27 AM

I have never floated it myself, but I don't think that it's all that difficult if you pick the right stretch (my brother floated it a few years ago, so it must be easy

:grin: ). The stretch to avoid is below the hatchery. If you put in at Jim Erickson's place and take out below that (not sure exactly where) I don't think you'll have any problems.

Do a search here and look for more info. It's all been discussed before. Or, look up a past post from 'husterrjim' (Erickson) and send him an email. He should be able to answer any questions.

SalmonJeff · 02-09-2004, 07:56 AM

If you live near the North fork or if it is a favorite river that you want to get to know I would just pay out $100 I fish other rivers and I am not all that interested but I know when you leave the water you will have a very detailed map of exact locations and a river knowledge that may take you 20 trips to learn and that would cost more then the $ 100. it is not like a guide trip he is only there to teach you exactly where the fish are and I mean exactly :shocked: I might just go and do it now that I am talking about it :grin:

Hooker · 02-09-2004, 10:22 AM

I drifted from the hatchery down to Erickson's last year with Jim. Awesome water but I don't think I would take my drift boat down. There are several tough stretches that require expert rowing. We did it in a rubber raft. I would suggest either hiring Jim Erickson for $100 or drift from Erickson to Aldervale. It's not worth losing your boat and gear...or getting hurt.

By the way. Jim Erickson has lived and fished the NFN for decades and he will get you into the fish. He will also show you the way. Well worth he trip.

lovetofish · 02-09-2004, 10:54 AM

I will chime in here -- don't think of this float in a DB -- I believe a raft is necessary.

And also, Jim is a great guy and the money is worth it!

--steve

billsan · 02-09-2004, 05:31 PM

It is about 6 or 7 miles from the hatchery down to the private take-out at Erickson's house, and another 3 miles to Aldervale. Tide comes up to Aldervale, so it is awkward to drift below there without exact tide info. You will want to use Jim for shuttle anyway, so you will either phone or e-mail him for info. The river is so technically difficult that prior knowledge of the layout of 5 tricky rapids will save you from needing a rescue, which would probably involve Jim anyway. It is much cheaper to pay $200 for a map that is accurate and that will save you thousands of dollars in rescue costs and tens of thousands of dollars in labor time learning where the fish are. Driftboats are used there regularly, but the trick whitewater with shallow places make prior knowledge mandatory and rafts easier and more forgiving. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Buy a map. $100 is not enough money to be fair to Jim.

parthur · 02-09-2004, 09:36 PM

Roenthboat,
Hopefully you're not seriously thinking about putting a driftboat in at the hatchery for your 1st float on this river :shocked: [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

There are 5 sets of FALLS below the hatchery that will eat you and your boat up in a heartbeat. There is some very technical water in this upper stretch, that can give even an experienced boater who knows the river problems.

Jim Erickson will guide you down the NFork for $100 a single/ $150 for two people. I've been down with Jim and it's well worth the money. You will find out exactly where to hit the slots in a boat (raft/pontoon), and where the fish will lay. The map will help you on furure trips.

I own a driftboat and have drifted the lower river (from Erickson's down to Aldervale)40+ times
and after seeing the upper stretch from the hatchery to Erickson's would never attempt this in a hard-sided boat. I would attempt in a raft/pontoon boat,but only with PFD and another boater following me down just to be safe.

The drift from Erickson's down to Aldervale has some great water that is fairly easy to navigate. You can find some great water in this stretch of the river, and not put yourself in danger. Jim or his wife offer a shuttle so you can shuttle your rig/trailer down to the take-out, launch at his place, and your truck is at the bottom when you take out.

IMHO if you are serious about learning how to fish this river you would be well served to cough-up the $$ to learn how to fish it with the local expert. When you look at the price of a guided trip anywhere else at approx $150.00 per person this is really a bargain. You could spend years trying to learn what Jim could show you in an afternoon.

P.S.- Jim's trips go from the hatchery, all the way down to Aldervale so you get to see/fish the entire river.

Pat