Help-Clackamas Question

Hooker · 02-26-2004, 05:37 PM

I'm new to this river and I wanted to give it a try sometime soon for steelhead. Can anyone familiar tell me the best drifts in a DB and the good water levels to look for.

Thanks everyone!

[ 02-26-2004, 06:58 PM: Message edited by: Hooker ]

River Ranger · 02-26-2004, 06:30 PM

The drift from carver to riverside is a good drift to start off with,was my first.Barton to carver is a good one with a few spots that are a little are a little sketchy but if you have experience on the sticks you should be ok.If you don't feel comfortable you should go with someone who knows the water.I like to fish it on the drop from 13.5, I think the lower the better.Lots of fish left,go get some!Any more questions let me know.
R.R.

Amahnee · 02-26-2004, 08:11 PM

I don't want to sound pessimistic, but this is a great river if you want to watch jetboats race up and down it all day. No offense to you guy's with sleds. But I think there is way too much jet traffic that pushes the steelies into the deep stuff. I'm sorry, but I find no enjoyment in floating this beautiful river anymore. Don't hate me.

Amahnee · 02-26-2004, 08:30 PM

The Molalla should be good? There have been about 2000 steelies over the falls in the past two weeks. They all can't be heading for the Santiam I don't think. Have you drifted it this winter?

River Ranger · 02-26-2004, 08:49 PM

There is a lot of jet boat traffic thats for sure ,but I don't think it affects the fish catching though.I know fish get caught right after a jet runs by.I should state that I am a drifter.
R.R.

Amahnee · 02-26-2004, 09:18 PM

I can appreciate that. I think we all get along rather well. It's not like rifle hunters versus bow hunters or anything. But I do believe that we who like to row are a different breed. I just think that the Clack should be set up like the Sandy, or some coastal streams. Again all you who have sleds, please don't hate me. It just sucks getting rocked all day long by the wakes of passing boats. Golly I'm a whiner! Gotta get some shut-eye.

Otolith · 02-27-2004, 08:03 AM

To me, 13.5ft is a bit high for drifting if you plan to pull plugs. I prefer 12.5 and lower - easier on the arms and the lower the water, the lighter the sled traffic.

The Molalla is a nice alternative if you like catch and release. But it is probably a more difficult row due to logjams and channel braiding.