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Floatable rivers

Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2014 5:14 pm
by Cascadian
I just bought a drift boat and wanted to get recommendations for river sections that are currently floatable. Easy floats for a beginner would be best. So far I'm thinking Cowlitz or Yakima but I've never been down either one. Any recommendations on put-in and take-out locations? Also how about the Skykomish or Snohomish?
Thanks in advance!

Re: Floatable rivers

Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2014 6:59 pm
by spoonman
My first drift was from sultan to ben howard on the sky. Its a pretty easy float nothing crazy. Its pretty low right now, but you shouldnt have to get out and walk at all. But if you want to actually have a chance at catching fish, I would try the cow. Ive never floated it, but I can tell you this about the sky in late August on an even year, it'll pretty much just be a boat ride.

Re: Floatable rivers

Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2014 8:16 pm
by Cascadian
Thanks for the tip. Any recommended spots to put in and take out on the Cowlitz?

Re: Floatable rivers

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 10:00 am
by natetreat
Barrier to Blue creek is the drift you want. Very simple, straightforward. Lots of good looking water. Stay a while at the top anchered up with divers or floats, right below th boat launch is one of the most productive areas. Fish the back eddy's and deep runs, bounce the bottom at the big slot at Baker Rock. There are steelhead and kings in there now, soon it will have plenty of coho. Be careful when you anchor up, there is a lot of bed rock that will eat your anchor if you're not careful, I've got 2 sitting on the bottom over the years. Coon shrimp are going to be a good bet for steelhead, as well as a 3.5 maglip. Look for steady flows, hen they monkey around with the water it throws off the bite.

Re: Floatable rivers

Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2014 6:44 pm
by spoonman
I dont have a drifter no more. I have to rely on the kindness of my friends to do a nice float these days.

Re: Floatable rivers

Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2014 10:30 am
by Goldrigger1
I'm a green pea. Only 2 years in WA and really only 1 fishing. However I love to fish.

Finally caught silvers last year. I kept 19 and all about 8-10 lbs. Got all on my home river the Snohomish. Not a good looking river for WA. I doubt it is a float river. It is more trolling or anchoring. The only good water I found was above the Pilchuck up to the Bar areas. I wanted really fresh fish so I didn't do the Sky.

However... I wonder what the huge number of Pinks caused. I'm not sure the Snohomish would be the same if the Pinks weren't hogging up the Sky.

Re: Floatable rivers

Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2014 12:17 pm
by spoonman
Yes the Snohomish sucks, and the sky is even worse. You totally shouldnt fish there. I wouldnt recommend it to any one :^o

Re: Floatable rivers

Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2014 11:07 am
by strider43
yes, the Snohomish and the Sky are horrible for fishing.

Re: Floatable rivers

Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2014 12:26 pm
by countryboy87
horrible fishing on both of them.. dont waste your time [rolleyes]