Whats the better drift?

Big TULE · 01-05-2003, 08:13 AM

O.K. Going to put the boat in for the first drift on Sat. and i need to know what is the easier drift? Pritchards To Modrow/Modrow to I-5, Or on The NF Lewis Cedar Creek to happa or Happa to golf course i know it depends on water level but i need to know what is easier. I have done modrow to I-5 as a rider no wi need to know as a rower... Any help is greatly appreciated.

Firedog · 01-05-2003, 08:18 AM

Modrow to I-5 is the easier drift. Pritchards to Modrow is the better drift. Going from Slab hole to Modrow is a pretty easy drift also. Last I heard the Kalama was still up pretty good. I havent been on the NF so can't tell you about that one.

If you put in at Pritchards there is a pretty good wave just below the store, not a big problem then there is a corner down a bit that tries to push you into the rock wall at the fallert creek bridge. If you have been on the sticks before shouldnt be a problem. Like I said above though the Slab hole to modrow is an easy drift.

[ 01-05-2003, 09:19 AM: Message edited by: firedog ]

Big TULE · 01-05-2003, 08:20 AM

Where is the slab hole? And nope never been down a river on the sticks... Just a lake.

Firedog · 01-05-2003, 08:30 AM

Big Tule, Slab hole is the first public ramp below Pritchards or the first ramp above the Lower hatchery. However you want to look at it. If you have never been on the sticks I would choose an easy stretch, when I learned I did it during low water just so that the hydralics were lighter and if I did make a mistake I would have more time to correct. Be carefull in high water, it does have some advantages as to not being a lot to hit but it also has a lot of power.

I have never done Modrow to I-5 but from seeing the water from the bank and the road it apears pretty tame.

Alligator · 01-05-2003, 08:33 AM

I drifted the Slab hole "County Ramp" to modrow bridge and it was easy. This was my first time on the river, it was high but no problems other than the fish weren't biting.

Doc Spratley · 01-05-2003, 08:36 AM

Big Tule, if you have never rowed before in moving water I would not recommend Pritchard's to Modrow. Firedog has pointed out the two places in the drift that can be a problem for a new rower. The standing wave can be avoided if the river level is just right, but the rock wall has been know to "reach out" and grab new rowers. I would recommend the two drifts on the North Fork Lewis. The bigger river gives you more room to row in. Whatever you do, take an experienced rower with you for your first couple of trips. That person can help advise you while you gain the experience.

Alligator · 01-05-2003, 08:39 AM

Big Tule, Let me clarify something. This was my first trip on the Kalama, Not!, my first time running the sticks. I also had my friend who lives on the river guiding me asto what to expect around each curve. I always suggest going with someone that knows the river, for your first trip.

Les

Firedog · 01-05-2003, 08:57 AM

Also gotta say to take someone with you that has been on the water before. I left that out and it is an important piece of info. If you havent been on the sticks Pritchards to Modrow is a definate no go. Even though I havent been on the NF from what i have heard it is an easy drift lIke Doc Spratley said and not much to get in trouble with. I would check flows though and see what it is normaly drifted at.

Learning on the lake is a good idea but the boat will react very diferently with current pushing you around. The first time down the river is a definate pucker factor. Take it easy and be very alert.

Drachir · 01-05-2003, 09:13 AM

I would say that Cedar Creek to the Golf Course is a very easy drift, but wait for the river levels to come down. The N. Lewis is running @ 10,700 cfs right now, not a level that I would fish, and not for a novice oarsman, Be Safe & Be Smart!!!

Big TULE · 01-05-2003, 10:13 AM

Always safe and always smart. That is why i am asking these questions. I think i will float cedar creek or happa if the flows allow. If not i will float modrow to I-5, i have made that float as a rider and kind of know that stretch of river. and thanks for the replies guys...

ibeanfishin · 01-05-2003, 01:04 PM

i agree the northfork is the easiest of the two, if you deside to row the kalama do the modrow bridge to I-5 , becouse there is one part of river just above the round-house thats a little tricky- dog leg to the left with rabids and a swirl at the end. might be up to following down, sometimes its nice to have another boater along, but not sure if my shoulder is ready for rowing yet? we will have to keep an eye on each others posts. just remember; let a boat be a boat and it will float...

DollarBill · 01-05-2003, 06:23 PM

Big T Did you find someone to go with you? If not I have rowed both pieces of water and I would be available on Sat. I have been rowing boats on rivers for over 20 years so we should be OK $Bill