Lake Creek

[Special K]

I am wanting to try my first driftboat trip down Lake Creek in the next week or two. I am curious if anybody out there can give me any insight regarding rough water, etc I should be aware of. I am not a novice oarsman, but I am not an expert either.
Also, I know that boat ramps can be at a premium (at least on the upper stretch), so any insight into private ramps that allow fee launching (or good public ramps for that matter) is greatly appreciated.
thanks
Special K

[Sir Fishalot]

I work with a guy who just made his first drift down Lake Creek over the weekend. I forget where he said his put in and take out was so I can't help you there. However, he did say that there were LOTS of trees down so be very careful if you do decide to go. Maybe ask some people at the boat launch about any particular hazards before you take off down the river.

[Special K]

ttt

[kong]

I wouldn't even call you an oarsmen the way you bang up boats and gear, like my fishin buddy depth finder!!!

[deep set]

I assume you are talking about Lake Creek that forms the Siuslaw. You need to be extremely careful, above the Forks (where the Siuslaw and Lake Creek divide) is a spot called the Horn. Unless the water was excessively high you DO NOT WANT to go down this. You will drop several feet onto exposed rocks. You will lose people, gear, and perhaps your boat.

As far as steelheading the Siuslaw, one of the most productive spots is actually downriver between Farnham and Tide...called the Willows.