Washougal River

MN Guy · 02-11-2004, 04:02 PM

Does any one know of a good put in spot on the Washougal. I'd like to take out at the bowling alley or that park just up from the bowling alley?

FishFearMe · 02-11-2004, 04:21 PM

The park just above the bowling alley is call hathaway. But I am not sure which one is better to launch at. Im sure someone else can help you who has more experience on launching.

02-11-2004, 04:28 PM

There is a ramp further up also. Not sure exactly what mile post it is but it's probably 4 or 5 miles up and on your right.

steelheader667 · 02-11-2004, 04:28 PM

MN Guy
The park that is just up from hathaway is no longer open to take boats out unless you know somebody from the city who can get the key to unlock the gate. You can put in up at Hathaway park and there is no problems or you can put in up around the 3 mile area. The river is in good condition and we floated it yesterday from the dog hole down the the bowling alley with no luck. We didn't even see a fish at all. good water color and clarity is about at 4-6 ft. Also talked to a couple of other boaters that had the same results. I just don't think there is any fish in the river right know because I called the hatchery and they told me they have not recived any knew fish in about 10 days. There should be some natives starting to show though any time....Good luck

Green Willie · 02-11-2004, 06:46 PM

MN Guy,

There is a "launch" at mile post 3 (MP 3 parking requires the WDFW sticker). You'll need 100 feet of good rope, as the launch is an unimproved slide down a steep bank. The city park in Washougal is called Hathaway Park and has a paved ramp in fair shape. You can launch right off of the trailer most times here. You used to be able to take out on Shepherd Road at a park called "The Sandy Swimming Hole", but there is a locked cable now preventing beach access for vehicles (you can take your pontoons out here if that is what you fish from, you'll just have to carry them about 75 yards to the parking lot. The next take out is at the Bowling Alley.

Good luck, and watch out for the big basalt rock formations that this river is famous for. They lurk just under the surface in some areas.

JN

MN Guy · 02-12-2004, 07:41 AM

Thanks guys. I've floated last weekend from about mile post 2, my girlfriends parents have some property right there that we put in at. There are a few holes up above their property that I would like to drift. Is there any other options besides that "unimproved" ramp at MP3? Thanks again guys for your help. If it's easier send me an email.

Cheers,
MNGUY