Drift boat on the Willamette - 1st timer

[ampersat]

At some unspecified point in the near future, I'll be taking my drifter out for its maiden voyage with the motor at an unspecified location where I can embarass myself in front of as few people as possible yet still stand a chance at a springer. I've run a few outboards here and there but I'm by no means an expert . On top of that, drifters tend to kite a lot in the wind and mine has higher sides to boot. Everybody's got to start somewhere, right? One time in Tillamook with a buddy's boat I came close to hitting the dock several times as well as several nearby boats, but somehow managed not to. It's amazing how fast some of you guys can move in a no wake zone.

So, before I run my boat into the dock and barely miss several of you, do you have any tips for me?

[Salmonator]

I'm assuming you'll be fishing some slow water, but right off the ramp I would head upstream just to see what kind of headway you make before heading downstream. Don't ask me why I always do this now :blush:

[SteelieSteve]

Multnomah Channel on the lower end has more room and better odds of an early fish. Check Riverliver's posts for visibility.

[Corkie Monster]

We fished out of our DB last spring in the Willy. The DB does pretty good. Your not going to cover much water very quickly but works great.

CM

[pearl]

Throw out a sea anchor. This will control your trolling speed as well as stabilize you a little better in case of wind.

[Premo]

I used to take my driftboat out on the Willamette all the time. It had an 8 horse and I got around just fine.

Beleive me, you can catch lots of fish out there in a driftboat trolling or anchoring. Bring lots of rope if you plan to anchor.

It should do just fine fishing the area out of the sportcraft launch. Backtroll or backbounce bait in this area and you should do just fine.

[drhall99]

Pearl,

Better yet, use two sea bags, one on each side and your boat will act like it has a keel.

Doug

[ 03-16-2004, 09:44 PM: Message edited by: drhall99 ]

[Silver Hilton]

Watch out for the rapids. I hear there's one in Oregon city thats a real bear.

[Amahnee]

Put in at Meldrum Bar on the bar. Not on the ramp. Be sure to steer clear of the banker's on the end of the bar. You can go across from Meldrum and troll in the big eddy. Or anchor anywhere upriver or down. You have the mouth of the Clack right there too. Or as the Pirate say's you can fish up around Sportcraft. I fish my DB all over around there as do alot of others. You probably won't be able too anchor with your pyramid out there in the big water. Fishermans has decent anchors on sale right now. I use a Motion Marine 25lb. It works great and holds anywhere with no slipping. Good Luck and be safe out there. :smile:

[trollin4trout]

Don't know if you were asking about maintaining control of boat direction, but since you mentioned almost hitting docks or boats,(I presume because of wind) - I'll offer these suggestions.
1. When around other boats, docks, other obstructions, keep the bow pointed UPSTREAM, into the current- downstream means out of control(i.e- CAN"T STOP or steer very well). Upstream motion allows you easy and pinpoint control when you get the hang of it.
2. Approach docks from the downstream side / OR the downwind side if there is no current OR if the WIND IS STRONGER than the current.
3. Keep bow pointed into the wind to maintain control- this requires constant vigilance-especially if you have a light boat like mine or possibly your high sided DB. The wind tends to be able to spin you around within a few seconds of turning your head, unlike heading into the current where it's a naturally stabilizing condition as far as direction is concerned.

Sorry if I misread your post and this is all old news to you but maybe someone will be helped by these tips. Good luck-hope ya catch one! Jim

[Otolith]

I wouldn't go anywhere near Oregon City. Put in at Willamette Park off Macadam and run around Ross Island.

And don't bother gunning it. At some point the boat just won't go any faster, and the nose just starts pointing higher in the air and the freeboard around your transom starts to vanish :shocked: .

[Best Fishes]

Hello Ampersat:

There is often lots of boat traffic around Oregon City. I might suggest putting in 2 miles down stream at the Cedar Oak boat ramp in West Linn. You can motor up to Oregon City or back troll down the side of Cedar Oak Island (back bounce eggs or Quickfish in 7 to 14 feet water).
There are only a few people who fish this area and you will have plenty of room to feel out the kicker.

Best Fishes,

Doug

[CAGEY]

Go down to Newberg, boat ramp is on River road which is right at the little park on the left. Good ramp, good water to learn how to run a boat.

[lost_sailor]

Practice practice practice.

Meldrum and sportcraft are not going to put you away from the crowds!

Don't even try to motor right to the dock, get close then row it - it's a driftboat.

Head upstream ... I always do THAT the first time out each year :grin: oh yeah

[stevo]

Amp,
I cut my teeth last year on the willy in my drifter. I second the drift sock recommendation, very helpful.
I have launched and fished all of these places, plus Kellog creek in Milwaukie. You could also try SEllwood, launch at Staff Jennings, nice little ramp for drifters, and you are fishing 20 yards out.
If going alone, I suggest getting 1 or 2 sandbags such as used for weight in pickups in the snow. Put them on the front deck, or just up in the bow, helps keep the nose down.
I have found my boat to be super versatile; troll ing herring, back trolling, combat holding in the current at Sellwood, anchoring both shallow for salomon and deep for sturgeon.
More than happy to take you out, or go with and share what I have learned, or come over the house and I will show you the accessories/gadgets I have found I need. Constantly tweaking what is in and on the boat for optimum utility.

[smoky]

I must have made at least 50 trips in OC last year in my 16' Willie.(I was off all of April).

I felt more comfortable in the Drifter than I do now in the 20'.

One thing I would not do is put in below OC and motor up to OC. Its not a long ride from Cedar Oak but if there is alot of water running you are going to be forced into the main current by the hog lines when you get to the clack. This happened to me last year. Barely made it.

You will definitely want the fins for the motor unless you have 2 big guys up front. If you are by yourself and without fins, put some weight in the bow.

Once you get the hang of it you should be fine in OC. I was back trolling right next to all the others and had a great season.

[jzell]

What Stevo said...I second the motion.

Sellwood is easy water / easy access from Staff Jennings ramp. Popular launch for DBs.

Get there early cause that little lot fills fast. Trolling the west side channel is great practice, first time out water. You can troll all the way up to the "Trophy Homes" area and back. You'll watch the other guys and figure it all out. Then move over to the east side combat.

I've moved from my 14' clackcraft to a 20' NR Sportster and am exploring more water. But cut my teeth in my DB at Sellwood area.

Have fun.

[Bill Monroe]

I fished a driftboat for years in the Willamette and Multnomah Channel. It's not tough...Everything Stevo said is a good idea...I used an anchor up front...use two sea anchors and attach them to the oarlocks so they don't get caught back in the outboard. You can also reach over the side that way and pull them in...learn to motor to the dock. do NOT pull the outboard and row into the dock...too many other boats around for long oars...If you can make the drive, go to either Bayport Marina beyond Scappoose or over on Sauvie Island to the Gilbert River ramp. Bayport gives you lots of room to practice on the run out to the channel (watch out for shallows). Gilbert is right there on the channel and isn't used as often. Plenty of fishing and practice water around...then head upriver to Coon Island to catch fish. Call any time, 503-221-8231. Good Luck...

[OR 663 RD]

Lots of good tips! I can't add much, except you may want to use a handle extension on your motor to allow you to sit or stand further forward to keep the bow down. I also angle my motor so the propeller has a slight downward thrust which also serves to level the boat at full throttle. As far as getting around, I've only had one problem trying to get up river with my 8hp motor - on the east side of the river above Meldrum bar. The current can be really strong there and you may not be able to make headway, depending on river flow.

[Hardware]

yeah, fished out of several drift boats in years past for hoglining. couple of quick tips:

-definately throw some weight in the bow. this is always helpful.

-take out your rowers seat so you aren't tripping over it all day and you have room to play fish. i cut seats out of two glass boats and formed up a lip so they were removable. if you do that, you will have more room in your boat than even a 22 ft. inboard!

-I'd go out with some folks before you start anchoring in a line. Trolling in the lower river would be a great way to start.

-most important, go have fun and catch fish!!

[Quasimodo the fish killer]

Hey ampersat one thing I noticed that no one bothered to mention is with no V on the bottom of a drift boat they tend to slide instead of turn so make sure you have penty of room to turn plus if its very windy stay home the wind can make ya cuss like a sailor. I have found that if it is windy its better to sit home or find a spot thats shielded because the wind will blow ya all over the place and no matter how hard ya try to hold a line it aint going to happen. trolling among the hordes of boats up there wouldnt be any fun at all if it were very windy.

Quasi

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