Rookie Drifter

Wernergonefishin · 01-29-2002, 09:31 PM

Well now that I bought a drift boat,i need to learn to use it. The only drift Ive ever been on is the the barton to carver on the clackamas. Was wondering how you guys rate this for diffculty so I know how to compare to other rivers.Also has anyone ever drifted the Cowlitz Would like to learn it but want to be safe so many people on that river.Thanks Larry :grin:

Bait O' Eggs · 01-30-2002, 06:20 AM

I would call barton to carver an easy drift at normal steelhead fishing flows. There are times nearly every drift can be difficult in the right flows. You are on a bigger river in the clackamas, but there are few if any obstacles to avoid, really no sharp corners where you get pushed hard into a wall and not a lot of vertical drop. When the rivers start getting smaller, you have to be better lined up left right as you go thru a slot.

I cant help you on the Cowlitz.

BW · 01-30-2002, 06:24 AM

Blue creek to Mission is pretty easy, actually most all the Cow is, but you must be careful where you anchor. Other than that just keep your head up and watch what you are doing.

Bob Barthlow · 01-30-2002, 08:05 AM

Werner, I'd rate the Cowlitz one of the easier rivers to float,no major rapids, just when the fish are in and the water isn't in the trees,like it is now, lot's of sled traffic. Different floats to make are,Barrier dam to Blue creek, about 7 miles,as BW stated above Blue creek to mission bar,also about 7 miles.next would be Mission bar to I-5, it's 7 to 8 miles with some islands and side channels to row through,easy.Next would be I-5 TO Olequa creek (sp)about 8 miles ,some pretty slow drifts.Over all a good place to get started. :smile:

Fishing freak · 01-30-2002, 08:14 AM

WGF,

How about the wilson? Nice easy drift form the guide shop down to Sollies ( don't have to contend with sleds). Really no areas of any concern. Don't know what experience you have behind the oars. Basic rule when entering sharp corners where the water wants to feed you into the bank, point the front of the boat in the direction you don't want to go and row back ( approximately a 45 degree angle, depending on the sharpness of the turn)The wilson does not have any extreme turns.

Wernergonefishin · 01-30-2002, 01:53 PM

Thanks everyone All your help will be very useful Maybe Ill see some ya out there. :grin: