Drift Boats & Springers

01-10-2004, 08:55 AM

I recently traded into a drift boat and haven't a clue where to go to catch Sringers. We get them here in the Tri-Cities, but are banned from fishing out of boats...The Yakima gets springers, but is only open to Indians...Can't drift the Umatilla, it's too small...

So where's a good place to drag my boat? I did get a 6 hp Yamaha LS motor with it, and a 24 Volt 72 lbs electric motor too. It's pretty well diverse, I'm just not sure about how well it will perform in big water, and am certainly concerned with WIND...

As far as boating skills, I've 10 years in a Kayak, Raft & Cat combined. Reading water is not a problem, so my main lessons are going to be courtesy & I'm pretty aware of what I'm looking for, I've been fishing off the bank for 20 plus years. I've seen the boat battles and have a pretty good Idea of what NOT to do.

Any other drift boat springer guys on here?

45/70

cully · 01-10-2004, 09:38 AM

Howdy, saw your post on the other site but could not reply as something is hanging up my login. I'm cully there also. Try the Willamette for starters. I've seen plenty of DB during springer season, anchored as well as trolling. Anchoring in the Willamette is a different can of beans though. Someone else can post the method? I don't think pyramid anchors will do the job. But for motor hp I'm pretty sure you can hold your own.

Short Hop · 01-10-2004, 12:25 PM

I see quite a few DB's in the channel. Troling and anchored.

Fishy-Fingers · 01-10-2004, 12:37 PM

I have used my drift boat, with motor attached, to fish the mouth of the Deschutes, John day and drano. I know guys that drift the Klicitat (sp?). Drifiting above town is less technical but places below town, to the mouth, is for someone real good on the oars, so they say.

I also go over to Montana to fish the Clarks Fork and the Clearwater. They are closer to you than for me.

No Wishin Just Fishin · 01-10-2004, 02:07 PM

I used a driftboat with motor many years at Wind River and Drano before I bought my heated Hewescraft, and put alot of blood in it

the bear · 01-10-2004, 11:23 PM

me and partner fish for springers out of our 16ft wood db all the time,,we fish in the columbia out od chinook landing,sellwood bridge on the willamette and oregon city,we troll,back bounce and anchor

works great,,just the columbia you have to watch out for the wind,but we stay pretty close to the ramp and use a rocker anchor with plenty of line and bouy ball,we have a 8 hp kicker and does just fine

steelie69 · 01-10-2004, 11:38 PM

drano lake would also be a great palce for a boat that size. very easy trolling.

steelie69 · 01-10-2004, 11:40 PM

drano lake would also be a great place to troll for springers in a boat that size. very easy fishery.

River Ranger · 01-11-2004, 03:56 PM

If you ever make it to chinook for springers or fall fish let me know I'll meet you with my DB and whack some fish.
R.R.

01-11-2004, 04:02 PM

River Ranger,
I'm going to take you up on that! I'd love to fish with someone. Around here everyone's so anal. I noticed a lot of comradere' over there and it was appealing to me.
When does the action start? What kind of gear would you recommend I start gathering? I've got all the fishing stuff, I need to get Coast Guard passable...

Thanks,

45/70

River Ranger · 01-11-2004, 08:51 PM

For the springers kwikfish work well.For the summer Chinook I use spinners and for the fall fish I use wobblers,spinners and kwikfish.Easy fishing in the fall,I fish right outside the ramp so in a driftboat there is little travel time.
R.R.

01-11-2004, 11:59 PM

Very encouraging replies! I'll start simple and see if I can find some good examples to follow. One thing I do know is that my boat is NOT bulletproof, so Drano might not be for me...I've stopped off to watch the activities there and just in the small amount of time I've observed several angry exchanges. It, quite frankly, scares me.

I've seen fall fishing down at Chinook and I do think I could fish there, it'll take some tempering to learn the lauch etiquett...and where to stay while there...logistics, that's what I'll be learning. Also what to take in the boat, and more importantly, what NOT to take. I usually over do the gear.

Fishy Fingers,
I wanted to go to the Clearwater this winter, but this weather has kept me home. I was also temped by the Grande Ronde, you ever go there?

Thanks again,

45/70

01-12-2004, 05:03 PM

This sounds like my kind of fishing. I've been in that area in a jet boat before and I wondered what it would be like to use the drift boat there...I'm all for giving that a try. The only person I knew with a boat, sold it and moved away.

Thanks again,

45/70

Steelie King · 01-12-2004, 08:18 PM

I beg to differ about drifting the Umatilla!! I'm taking a 17 foot willies down next week for steelies. Just make sure there is enough flow for the boat you have!!

Good Luck!!

rola76 · 01-13-2004, 09:38 AM

The Klick is a great choice, but as many might suggest, LEARN the river first, regardless of which one. Aside from that, if you float from "Icehouse" to the town of Klickitat, you'll hit good water but not too rough of water.

Also, the Yak will open this spring, so if you can wait 'til then, it's a very easy river to row.