Is the Wilson a Place to begin with a Driftboat?

Fish Hawk Adventures · 12-12-2001, 10:07 PM

Ok, I have a new to me used driftboat. What rivers and or streches of these rivers are good water to learn on?

Is the Wilson a good river to learn on?

Advice is greatly appreciated IFISH.

Joe

NEUTRON · 12-13-2001, 05:43 AM

Mills to sollie pretty tame. Still would be good advice to have someone along with experience. Good choice on your boat. :grin:

Fishing freak · 12-13-2001, 06:53 AM

Talons,

There was a previous post ( approximately 2 weeks back, ie: easiest river drifts) that offered good info. The strech that Neutron suggested is right on. There is one corner near the end of the drift that wants to push you towards the bank (not bad). Just remember to keep the front of the boat in the direction you don't want to go ( 45 degree angle???) and row back. The Kilches from the loggers bridge down is also an easy drift.

Spooled · 12-13-2001, 07:26 AM

Hi Joe, I think the easiest river to row near the Portland / Vancouver area is the Lewis River in Woodland Washington. It has good ramps and easy water, with plenty of room if you make a mistake. It is closer than the Wilson also.

The Wilson is OK, but the two things I think make it less desirable to learn on are, crowds and the take out at Sollie Smith.

There will be several boats on the Wilson on most any day. When passing anchored boats you need to get as close to them as possible without hitting them. This is so you don't disturb the water they are fishing. It can be nerve wracking as a beginner. The current or lack of, and oar length etc. all play a part. When you are learning, the less boats the better.

The take out at Sollie Smith is tough for the reason of crowds, but also because the water is fairly fast there, and if you go past it by accident, you may not be able to row back up. There is not a take out past Sollie. The put in at The Guide Shop is a gravel bar put in with "baby head" size river rock. Make sure you have a vehichle that can handle it.

Try the Lewis, it is closer, easier to row and has good ramps. Just my opinion. Also, take the advice of bringing an experienced rower with you for safety reasons.

[ 12-13-2001: Message edited by: Spooled ]</p>

smoky · 12-13-2001, 08:43 AM

I did the Wilson on my maiden voyage. River was only at 3.5. Very easy.

Then I went down the Clack from Feldheimers when it was high. Scared the crap out of me!

Take out at Sollie is only difficult when the water is high and there is a line.

I would not go down by yourself (for the first time) when the water is over 4.5.

If you drift it in the next few days, take some one along. Make sure you have a bow line. If you see boats lined up at the take out, pull over far left and wait. Do this at least two hundred yards up river. If you try and anchor close to the bridge when the water is high, you might not hold.

If there is nobody in your way, run your bow right up the ramp and have your crew jump out with the bow line. I've done this by myself and with crew at 6" plus. Pretty easy.

There are also steps about 50 yards above the ramp where you can anchor/tie up, and go get your rig. Have your crew back your trailer down, drift down and throw him a line.

My opinion only! Good luck.

hustlerrjim · 12-13-2001, 09:02 AM

lake lytle at rotaway beach goodplace to practice rowing and no boats to embarrass you

fish forever · 12-13-2001, 09:32 AM

Mills to Sollie is a good stretch - or even Mills to Donaldsons. This time of year is tough though - i would pick a weekday as the crowds can be thick. River will be OK, but will have a lot of boats - and when the crowds are large, tempers and patience are short. lines at the put in and take out. Thats a tough environment to learn the sticks.