Help, Sandy/Clack drifts

Fishing freak · 01-24-2002, 01:47 PM

Okay, I see the writing on the wall for the coastal streams for the weekend :depressed: Haven't fished in 2 weeks and am having withdrawels). I have never drifted either the Sandy or Clackamas, can anybody tell me the best location to drift for steelies (put in and take outs). I am an experienced rower, just spent most of my time on the coastal streams and the Rogue.Anybody please :smile: . Thanks in advance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fishing freak · 01-24-2002, 02:57 PM

ANYBODY?????????? :smile:

wiser · 01-24-2002, 03:05 PM

Put in at Oxbow Park(8 miles east of Gresham Via Division Street) take out Dabney (just east of Stark Street Bridge on Old Columbia River Hwy.)Easy drift. Remember $3.00 entry fee to put in at Oxbow and to take out at Dabney. You can do the float all the way to Lewis & Clark with no take out fee(Old Columbia River Hwy & I-84). Bank angling only above powerlines located 3.6 miles below Oxbow Boat Ramp). Lots of good bank angling from less crowded north bank in park. Approx 4-5 hours Oxbow to Dabney, 6 - 7 hours Oxbow to Lewis and Clark. More experienced can tackle Dodge Park(7 miles upstream from Oxbow out Lusted Road) to Oxbow. Class four at pipeline and girl scout holes. One boulder garden to maneuver. No fee at Dodge Park.
Shuttle service; Dorothy Naas 666-2270.

King Kong · 01-24-2002, 04:16 PM

Alot of people have a tendancy to skip alot of the water within the park because they have to get out of there boat and fish from the bank. do not make that mistake. Fish any water that looks good.

Kevin.

Hook'em

wiser · 01-24-2002, 04:34 PM

Natives are in. Please release with care. Between my last post and now, I caught an released two wild bucks. One about 14 the other a strong 10lb.

Fishing freak · 01-25-2002, 06:48 AM

Thanks wiser/KK,

The Clack looks to be around 13ft at Estacada. What is the max. level that the Sandy and Clack are driftable/productive at. Where is the reading taken at? Is there any hope for sunday? Thanks.

wiser · 01-25-2002, 08:16 AM

Sandy river level most often quoted is the one taken just below the confluence with the Bull Run River. most drifters like the level of the Sandy to be Less than eleven and preferably in the 9.5 to 10.5 stage. If a hard drop occurs after a big freshet the Sandy can be a good bet at even higher levels by fishing edges, soft spots and slow edges of seams. Probably be pretty much out for a day or two now but the Sandy will clear and be fishable quicker than most since it's more influenced by snowmelt. Just my take on this, I'm sure there are other opinions.

[ 01-25-2002: Message edited by: Wiser? ]</p>

David Johnson · 01-25-2002, 09:33 AM

I personally don't like to drift boat the Clack above 12, above that I run my sled. Other people drift the river up to 13+ but at 13 your holes are pretty limited because of river flow. You can always work the quite water along the shores though.

I was over looking at the Clack this morning and it's out, gone, and good bye. Maybe by Sunday it will have fishable color but I won't really fish it above 13 for steelhead.