Floating from Dodge Park to Oxbow?

ANDYCOHO · 01-01-2003, 08:46 PM

Growing up on the Sandy I have fished every inch of it, or so I thought. I realized 2 years ago I have never floated from Dodge Park to Oxbow Park.

I was wondering if many people on this board do it regularly, and their success doing this drift. I have heard of some challenging water, but I am good behind the sticks and willing to scout water ahead if it looks questionable.

Any info on this water would be appreciated,
Andy

SteelieSteve · 01-01-2003, 08:59 PM

If you consider yourself a expert, have run lots of dangerous whitewater proceed. I've fished the Sandy for 25 years and have walked into the canyon many times when I was younger. I've seen 3 or 4 boats come through in that many years. It is for advanced whitewater enthusists only. If you do it wear a life preserver. I myself wouldn't risk my boat.
be safe out there

V. Green · 01-01-2003, 10:50 PM

I did it last year in a raft. My Brother, Sandysteel and I walked our raft around the Pipeline and ran the rest of the way. I saw one other raft that day and one drift boat that was very beat up.

Even in a raft I had to push us off of the boulder garden at the lower end of Dodge Park. I would not recomend this run unless you are very good on the oars and you are in a raft.

I have had Sandy Steelheaders tell me that Jack Glass has flipped rafts in the Pipeline and in the Blue Hole. (I don't know if it is true or not, I have never asked him.)

If you do go you will enjoy it, it is truly beautiful in that strech.

Good Luck!

SandySteel · 01-01-2003, 10:57 PM

I loved that section but Pipeline has my respect. It is probably the prettiest section but don't take it lightly.

ANDYCOHO · 01-01-2003, 11:05 PM

Wow! :shocked: That drift sounds a little intimidating. I like my fiberglass DB so maybe I will save that drift for a day when I make a friend that is a whitewater guide and owns a raft.

Thanks for the info.

Any whitewater guides out there that need a new friend?

Andy

wiser · 01-01-2003, 11:54 PM

Not a good choice with fiberglass, wood or straight aluminum boat. The section can be done easily or it can be hell, all because of the change in a few hundred cubic feet per seconds of flow. This time of year, I feel only catarafts and larger rafts should be on that section. Then only when oared by experienced oarsmen.
The float is beautiful and opportunities for exceptional angling may present themselves, but not without risks.
I have worked on this river for 17 years and know of the "beat up aluminum boat" mentioned. It has been sunk three times on that section. Twice while oared by the one man who has probably oared the section multiple times more than anyone else.
I have talked with occupants of a large cataraft who were overturned on a guided trip with an experienced guide.
A small error during the wrong river stage can spell disaster. Know you skill level and be prepared if you run this section. Contact Northwest Rafter Association, they do a Dodge to Oxbow run every year on January First. About 25 boats yesterday...

[ 01-02-2003, 12:55 AM: Message edited by: Wiser? ]

sandi · 01-02-2003, 07:10 AM

Like you, I fished and hiked - mostly hiked - the Sandy for years and always wondered what the section from Dodge to Oxbow looked like from a boat. I got a 9' pontoon boat a few years back to fish low water and finally got the courage to make that trip early last summer. Since none of my friends had like boat I had to do it by myself. The first time down I launched in the Bull Run section right above the mainstem Sandy - not a problem until you get to the confluence of the two rivers. Pick up the boat and walk it around. Didn't bring any fishing gear since I wanted to put all my effort and concentration on rafting. I knew the pipeline was going to be the test since, like everyone else, I had heard and seen of many disasters - some fatal. Yes, Jack Glass has lost it there too. The first time down I walked it around on the right side - but at 8.2' it was not easy. The second time - about 8' - I went for it on the left side where the "channel" was. Made it through - wow! what a rush! Both trips were incredible. The second time down I boated by a bear standing up looking at me as I floated by. This is 30 minutes from P-land folks! I my have hung up just a few times but the potoon boat, at about 45 lbs., is easy to pick up and push off the rocks. I would not go if the river was below 7.8'. The pipeline channel is too narrow and the rock garden would be a hassle getting through. I'll definitely be back next summer. The trip is awesome and oh so close to town. Wouldn't mind hooking up with someone else next time.

BUGLEMAN · 01-02-2003, 07:52 AM

Hey Sandi!

I have run that section from revenue and don't know what the fuss is about. Nonetheless, that was in a pontoon boat and a rubber raft before i bought my drift boat.

I would like to get the chance to run it on rubber with a critical eye bent toward aluminum. I have had the itch to go down with my drift boat for a few years now but my better judgement has vetoed that plan.

I can fish and row and am up for a drift.

JPSFISHY · 01-02-2003, 09:09 AM

I went down Dodge in a KB Boat when I was a little younger. Popped an oar lock one time and took 100gal. of water in about 2 sec. Almost lost it. If you feel strong about this, just be smart about it. Take your gear out, and have your buddy walk down, so you can pick him up when you get through it. Life Jacket zipped up. 2 spare oars in a position to grab and go if needed. I seem to remember a "mine field" somewhere around the "Blue Hole" also, downriver about 2-3mi.
Beautifull water no doubt! Can't fish out of the boat anyway up there.
Make sure you have an alum. hull coated with glovit, or use a fiberglass boat. "When" you do hit, you darn sure don't want to STICK.
Good Luck

sandi · 01-02-2003, 09:57 AM

Bugleman

Looked my records up and saw I made the trip from Dodge to Oxbow July 26. River level @ 8.2'. I'm not brave enough to make that section in a drift boat at highwer water. Just do not like that pipeline. Would do it in a larger pontoon boat in a snap. I watched the Jan. 1 rafting floatila last year below Dodge and the large pontoons went over the pipeline rocks like they weren't even there.

What level did you float the Revenue section at? I've got my eyes on the upper river too. A post last Spring said it was a fairly simple float. Where do you put in?

If you want to hit the Dodge section next summer, let me know. I'll be up for it. I hear there's a late squirt of springers in July I'd like to go after. Later

BUGLEMAN · 01-02-2003, 02:49 PM

Oh I didn't realize your boat is only a 9'. That would be scarry about low flow of 8'. The Sandy was like a creek then I bet.

We could rent a raft to scout it out. Unless.... :smile: Someone were to offer.

I am interested in hitting the peak of the springers.

lovetofish · 01-02-2003, 03:12 PM

I have run that stretch in my good-sized (15') river
raft with rowing frame. Pipeline rapids is quite a ride.

Pipeline is the most serious rapid. You can reach most
of the water by hiking in one way or another, so as for
fishing I don't think it's worth it.

--steve