N fork lewis boat help

steelhead_fishn · 09-10-2001, 08:41 AM

Recently an aluminum boat with a prop motor became available to me. I have drifted the n fork for quite a few years, but this will be my first time taking the boat out. I plan on launching at the golf course ramp. Are there holes that I can get to with a prop both up and downstream? Has anyone been in the area recently? Does anyone have any good suggestions for catching coho out of a boat? The tactics I know of so far include backbouncing egg's, backtrolling kwikfish, casting anything usable. Is there anything I'm missing here? I weened myself off the hatchery this year because I can't stand it anymore. A friend and I strapped on the waders and started roaming up and down the river. I must say our fishing has been more productive and definatly more enjoyable. Everyone that fishes the hatchery should try it occasionaly.

Thanks
Jeff

Gizmo Man · 09-10-2001, 05:00 PM

HI: I use to run the river from below Island ramp on the s. side of the river to the dam with my 12' sled with a 15hp honda prop. I also have a pump for it. I did this until about 2 yrs ago when the river changed between Hoppa crusher and Johnson flats. There are several very shallow places that just can't be made with a prop.

We are talking water levels 4500cfs or less.

You can use a prop and go up river and around the big bend hole and fish down to below Island ramp. Not too far below, however. Otherwise you need to pull your boat back up.

If you put in at the hatchery, you can fish to the bottom end of Johnson flats up river past the hatchery. Just keep the boat on plane. Know what the min depth level you need on plane. For me is was 18".

If the river is at 6000cfs you should be able to do the whole river with a prop once you know the river, snags and depressions to run in.

Feel free to give me a call and I can fill you in.

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

Gizmo Man · 09-10-2001, 05:03 PM

sorry, got posted twice.

[ 09-10-2001: Message edited by: Gizmo Man ]

Thumper · 09-10-2001, 10:51 PM

Gizmo is correct....with a prop you can fish a lot of the NF. If you put in at the upper hatchery (just below the dam)you have a lot of area to fish....If you put in at the lower hatchery on either side you can run up above Colvin Creek and down to Haapa below Johnson flats....If you put in at the golf course you have from the big bend hole to below Dan Ross's place.....all with a prop. Right now you can catch limits of silvers and chinook in any of these spots with a prop. The techniques are either to backbounce or fish deep divers with eggs in the deeper holes or to boondog with eggs in the flats and shallower areas. So you prop boat guys....get out there and catch a bunch!

Perfect Drift · 09-10-2001, 11:29 PM

We fished that area on Sunday. Seemed the guides have it down guite well.
Run up and free drift downstream, eggs and a split shot. The very upper end of the long golf course hole is where they were picking them up. We saw 3 silvers hooked there. Also right in front of the launch, on the other side of the small hump.
I've used my boat there many times, I have a 15ft. w/ a 50 hp prop. Haven't tried to go up or down the rapids though. Can't help ya there. That entire stretch is real long with many fish holding spots. Numbers of fish -
not very many for the run that is talked about.