Siletz question -

[Troutinator]

I would like to take my dad(recovering from open heart surgery 2 months ago) for a trip on the Siletz. He has fond memories of doing the "5 mile drift" around the town of Siletz. Not being a Siletz guy, I sure could use some advice on what level the river should be at for a decent trip. I'm not the most experienced oarsman but manage to keep the water mostly on the outside of the boat.

I promise not to mess up your drift, hog your favorite hole or even ask what you like to fish. Just one question... what level should I be looking for, what is too high, what is too low??

thanks in advance!

[ChinookSlayer]

I personally have not drifted the Siletz, however some people I know who spend a lot of time on the river say that you want at least 5', especially if you are putting in up at Moonshine.

[Salmon Stryker]

You would be fine on the town drift anywhere from 4.5 to about 6.5 feet. I'd say 5-6 feet is optimum. Not really any trouble water on that drift. It is pretty straightforward. That's great that you want to get your dad back out to his old stompin grounds.

[tag-a-long]

In and around 6' is perfect. Try anything pink. Hope you and your dad land a limit. As long as it isn't over 7 feet, it should be good!

[Captn]

Easy drift around town, nice to have an electric motor for the last 3/4 mile or so to the boat ramp, pretty slow water. You should have no problem giving your dad a good day on the river. Have fun, that's what it's all about.

[cully]

others view of level is good and safe. I'm not a great rower and from a respected guide whom I asked this question answered anything over 3.5. That level has worked well for me as well as the others levels mentioned above. The take out on the around the town drift is a bit goffy these days. Lots of sand deposits at the bottom of the ramp. I might be a good idea to take a look at it and see what's up before you start the day. It's not a big hang up, just a little loose.

[cully]

Boatmonkey, yes do the drift in the wood, glass and even aluminum . It's a great drift for the beginer that's been on the oars a bit. You know...has direction down well and can control the boat. Other than that it's a straight foward drift. Always of course look for submerged boulders and stay with the main flow. There is a sweeper or two but theres plenty of room to back row away from them. Don't worry if you see plenty of rigs in the lot and the main street. Most boats side drift right on by and will leave you penty of river to fish and explore.

[cully]

Boatmonkey, yes do the drift in the wood, glass and even aluminum . It's a great drift for the beginer that's been on the oars a bit. You know...has direction down well and can control the boat. Other than that it's a straight foward drift. Always of course look for submerged boulders and stay with the main flow. There is a sweeper or two but theres plenty of room to back row away from them. Don't worry if you see plenty of rigs in the lot and the main street. Most boats side drift right on by and will leave you penty of river to fish and explore.

[seabass]

Cosmosis,

You have a PM.

[Boat Monkey]

is this drift possible with a wood/fiber glass drift boat or wood it be dashed to bits?

[tag-a-long]

I concur with Cully. The times we have really fished the river, we have boats drifting by us all day. There are several great spots on the town drift to fish. We actually anchored up for about an hour in one spot and killed them. We had about 9 boats side drift past us. When the water is at about 6 feet, there are no real problem areas to worry about. With it near 3.4-4' it shows a few rocks. Let us know how it goes!

[Troutinator]

Thanks a bunch for the advice, I'll post a follow-up once we get the deed done!

Thanks again guys, you don't know how much this is going to mean to my dad... 77, quad bypass, diabetes, half deaf, blind in one eye and still a river rat at heart...