Drifting the Wilson

[Catch 22]

I have a 16' Koffler that I've been running down the Clack the last few years. I have talked to many people who've suggested the Wilson. I've never been there and need some info. I know there is private land that people charge to put in at. However I have no phone numbers. If anyone has some good info for me please respond or email it to me at jasonbilyeu@yahoo.com Thanx.

[First Bite]

Catch

There are several boat launches on the lower Wilson. It depends on where you want to fish. There is a launch right behind the Guide Shop at mile post 5.5. Their phone number is 503-842-3474. There are a couple of other launches up river that are free of charge too. I believe the Donaldson's launch (down river from Guide shop) charges a couple bucks. Not sure as I haven't been there in awhile.

Most people drifting the lower river will want the river level to be at least 3ft or higher so they don't have to drag their boat over the shallow sections. Notice I said most people. We will need a good shot of rain to bring the river up to drifting levels but when it does happen, look out because there will be an aluminium hatch. Good luck when you go down there.

Mark

'22,

There are 4 good launches on the lower Wilson that the Guide Shop can direct you to. Also, some guys with exceptional rowing and creative launching skills put in at 10 mile and a couple other places up above, but I recommend against that. The upper of the 4 common launches is the Vaderzanden wooden rail and next down river a short ways is the Siskyville wooden rail (where I once had my driftboat rope break near the top of the January iced over steep rail and go flying so fast down it hit and blasted like a flat skipper rock all the way over to the other side of the river [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/blush.gif[/img] ). For these 2 you need a long winch cable to use most of the time, and need moderately good rowing skills. The next is right below Mills bridge near the Guide Shop, then down a couple miles is the lower one down Donaldson Rd. Both of these runs are easy rowing and you take out at the Sollie Smith bridge ramp. Don't put in there to drift down into tidewater because of lack of a take out ramp. You'd have to know a property owner or row all the way out to the bay to get out of the water. BTW, the lower Wilson River gets very crowded when the water is up and fish are running - thought you should know that.

RT

Ooops - I was writing my post when you posted Mark; so didn't know about yours.

[ 10-02-2001: Message edited by: RT ]

[First Bite]

Steve (RT)
Actually RT is one of the few that used to run the upper stretches of the Wilson. You need to know your oars to do that stretch.

Mark

[ 10-02-2001: Message edited by: First Cast ]

[Catch 22]

Good info. Thanx alot. I'm gonna wait until the winter steelies start moving in and I'll give it a try. Either one of you guys are more than welcome to join me either there or over here on the Clack anytime. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[First Bite]

Thanks for the offer Catch 22. Hopefully we will have a good return of steelhead this winter.

Mark