Frenchman's Bar Launch

hawgcatcher · 07-31-2001, 07:21 AM

I drove over to the launch just downstream from Frenchman's Bar Park on Sunday just to check it out. The launch is still good, but steep. I talked to a couple that were taking their boat out and they said that there was not any problem. This was about 4:30 in the afternoon. But there is ONE MAJOR PROBLEM, the parking pass needed to park there. They had a pass on their rig but used a friend's pick up, without a pass. Didn't even think about it, until they got back. They now have in their possession a ticket for $66.00. They highly recommend stopping and getting a pass.

I noticed a week ago, up by Woodland, signs along the river that you need the parking pass just to fish from the bank. So I guess it is something that needs to be gotten and I hope the money goes to fish propagation. [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Pete · 07-31-2001, 07:54 AM

If you are referring to the ramp on River Road, please be aware that this ramp is affected by tides. Yesterday, at noon, the bottom of the ramp was dry at low tide and the area around the ramp has lots of sharp, snaggy rocks. If you plan to put your trailer tires in the water, make sure you do it several hours either side of low tide.

WaterDog · 07-31-2001, 09:06 AM

Anyone know how the Cathedral Park ramp is? I plan on putting in there to hit frenchmans.

Salmonator · 07-31-2001, 09:23 AM

underneath the east side of the st. johns bridge. I have heard some low water warnings for this ramp too though... Joe

fish-n-alot · 07-31-2001, 09:33 PM

FishinMission;

Right on about the ramp at Cathedral Park (under the St. John's Bridge - North Side at LOW tide. If you back down too far your trailer will go off a steep drop off. Had to stop short of the drop off and wench my boat on last Sunday night.

Haven't tried the Frenchman's bar ramp since I am from the Oregon side of the river but I think I'll wait until we get more water in the future.

Is the sticker you refer to for parking the one that you get when you get your angling license and tag? I have one in my back window and have been fine while up at Hamilton Island at Bonneville.

[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

CATCH AND EAT · 07-31-2001, 11:10 PM

Here is dumb question but, Where is Frenchmans Bar? I have heard about this launch but never been to it.

FishinMission · 07-31-2001, 11:44 PM

First off....the Frenchman's bar ramp is just downriver from Frenchman's Bar. I think it goes by the "moniker".. River Rd. Launch, also Caterpillar Island. You can get there by following 4th Plain west from downtown Vancouver. Follow the signs to Frenchman's Bar park...and continue past the park about a mile or so. It's on the left (river side). The ramp is one of those "concrete slab" things...not the best, but it works, and yes...there are signs at the ramp advising of a 60 dollar (or $66) fine for not having a sticker. I've heard if you buy a salmon tag at the Freddies near St. Johns in Vancouver, they'll give you the sticker for free. Heresay. As for the St. Johns ramp...it's only a problem on the low tide....so be very careful when backing down the ramp once you hit the water. Good luck!!
Oh yeah...at the Frenchman's Bar ramp...go out the downriver side...and be very aware of the depth...it's wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy shallow.

[ 07-31-2001: Message edited by: FishinMission ]

[ 07-31-2001: Message edited by: FishinMission ]

WaterDog · 08-01-2001, 05:00 AM

Fish-n-alot,
Is there enough ramp to at least get the back of the trailer in the water? Were you taking out at low tide?

Thanks

fish-n-alot · 08-01-2001, 09:39 AM

WaterDog;

Yes, I have a 21 footer so I only back about 1/2 way in. You can get into the water on the West side, just back in real slow you can see when the trailer starts to angle down too fast.

Talked to a quy with a 16 footer on Sunday. He had backed down too quickly and went off the edge when he tried to pull the trailer back up he broke his trailer axle (home made trailer though). I was able to slowly pull my dual axle tailer back up slowly with no damage.

See you at Frenchman's bend!

whitewaterbill · 08-01-2001, 05:51 PM

Caterpillar Island ramp today was the lowest that I have seen yet. Had to keep the trailer pretty high on the ramp and use 349 of 350 hp to get the boat up to the winch.

Big rock pile behind the washout behind the ramp that I had to drive around and approach the trailer from a 45 deg. from up river to miss it.

Was not even low tide yet.

This place might get very interesting as the water continues to drop.

Did catch 2 nice keepers today!

Bill