McKenzie River Drifts---Suggestions???

[Drachir]

I'm planning on a trip to Eugene in April for my Daughters Birthday. We will be going the weekend of the 20 & 21st. I thought I would tow the Drift Boat down, and before heading home, take a drift on the McKenzie. Since I've never floated this river, I wanted to see if anyone had some suggestions of which drift to take. I'm very experienced at the oars, but don't care to get into anything too difficult. I am not sure if there will be much in the way of Springers in the river at that time. But there should be a fair number of Summer Steelhead I would think. If you can offer any help, please do so!! [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

[M W Sheller]

'haven't floated the McKenzie this year, but from previous experience, don't float below the golf course, gets mighty weedy and changes every year. Should be a handfull of springers and summers in by then.

[fish forever]

The stretch below Leaburg dam has some good floats. I have done Hendricks to Bellinger, Bellinger to Hayden and Hendricks to Hayden. There is also a popular float above hendricks (Deerhorn to Hendricks?). There is a fly shop in Eugene that you can call to get the latest conditions. There is also a shuttle that the fly shop should be able to give you the number (if you do a search on the ifish archives - i think i posted it here last year). April is still pretty early for both Steelhead and Chinook although both will be in the river. April is a good time for trout fishing especially on the above mentioned areas and others that are stocked. Wet flies and Nymphing will produce 80% of the time, March browns and other dries for the other 20% if a hatch is happening.

As for tricky water - the only really tricky spot on the lower river are some big rollers just before the Bridge above the Hayden takeout. I'd scout if your not familiar. Below Bellinger there are a few braids where it pays to know which direction to go. Although i havent done it, i hear that there are some technical stretches above the reservoir. The fly shop in Eugene should be able to give a good report.

Oh yeah, and if youre really set on Steelhead and Springers - there is a float from Hayden to Armitage (or 1/2 day float from Hayden to Deadman's) that may be good. This section has more frogwater - a trolling motor or kicker might be useful. For Early fish, i'd stay low on the river. 'Fishing in Oregon' has all of the put ins and take outs. Have fun, the McKenzie is a fun river that will never bore you.

[ 03-06-2002, 09:07 PM: Message edited by: fish forever ]

[Drachir]

Thanks for the information, I am not real set on just Salmon & Steelhead. The fly fishing for trout sounds like some great fun. It's been too long since I last had a fly rod in hand. Looking forward to it a lot!!! :grin: :smile:

[SSPey]

to a McK newcomer this might not matter, but the Hendricks to Bellinger float supposedly jumped a new channel this winter. I've heard that with prior knowledge its OK, but haven't done it yet.