Drifting For Salmon - Western Washington - Thanks Gary

[Garyfs@gmail.com]

I apologize if this is a rookie question. My friend just purchased a used drift boat and we want to take it out on Sunday. Would the Snohomish be a good river for this? Where would we put in and get out at? Are there any other rivers we should consider for this. We have fished before but are really not overly experienced. Just want to get out on the water and maybe catch a fish..........Thanks for any input. Gary

[spoonman]

I apologize if this is a rookie question. My friend just purchased a used drift boat and we want to take it out on Sunday. Would the Snohomish be a good river for this? Where would we put in and get out at? Are there any other rivers we should consider for this. We have fished before but are really not overly experienced. Just want to get out on the water and maybe catch a fish..........Thanks for any input. Gary

A really nice easy first drift is on the sky from ben howard to lewis street. Its a short run but nothing crazy and some good holes. And if you are not sure about something, theres no shame in getting out and walking it to take a look. But in all honesty, if you jave never rowed before, you should go to a lake and row around to get a feel for it. Maybe a year round lake and go after some trout.

[Gringo Pescador]

Another easy/short drift would be Cady to Rotary Park.

If it were me in your situation, I would hire a drift boat guide. A friend of mine did that. Hired the guide, the three of us went in my buddy's new-to-him drift boat. Started out with the guide on the sticks (oars) showing us what he was doing and why (while we fished), then my buddy got on the sticks with the guide coaching (while we fished), then I took a turn (while they fished). He (guide) was also able to point out things that would make the boat better/more fishable.
This way you are killing three birds with one stone. Learning the boat, learning a section of river, and learning technique for that section

I have some people I can put you in contact with, PM me if interested.

[gassyboy]

Another easy/short drift would be Cady to Rotary Park.

If it were me in your situation, I would hire a drift boat guide. A friend of mine did that. Hired the guide, the three of us went in my buddy's new-to-him drift boat. Started out with the guide on the sticks (oars) showing us what he was doing and why (while we fished), then my buddy got on the sticks with the guide coaching (while we fished), then I took a turn (while they fished). He (guide) was also able to point out things that would make the boat better/more fishable.
This way you are killing three birds with one stone. Learning the boat, learning a section of river, and learning technique for that section

I have some people I can put you in contact with, PM me if interested.

I second the hiring a guide. You will learn more in 1 trip than you could learn on your own in a year.

[natetreat]

Ben Howard to Lewis street is a nice, very short drift. There aren't many dangerous spots, and there are a few corners to figure out though. The worst spot would be right above the take out in Lewis Street. If you're looking for a guide to show you how to row, I'm your man.

[Garyfs@gmail.com]

Thanks for the anwers. I think we are going to try one of the drifts mentioned by ourselves just to lean how to launch and basically handle the boat. Probably more learning the boat than fishing. Then look into a guide as suggested on another day. Thanks very much..........Oh and is there a rule of thumb for when to launch based on the tide. I understand it might be hard to give a specific answer, but hoping there is a general principal to go by. Thanks again, Gary

[mallard83]

Here is an old thread that has some good info in it on rowing rivers.
http://www.washingtonlakes.com/forum/vi ... 15&t=17192" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A good full day drift that isn't to difficult is sultan to Lewis street on the sky. If you have never been on the sticks before like said above, go to a lake and practice a bit first until you are comfortable.

[spoonman]

There are some good youtube.com videos put out by clackacraft about rowing that really helped me out. Nothing on the sky is tidally affected.

[mallard83]

I think the videos that you speak of are on the link that I posted. Mike posted links to them on the thread.

[Mike Carey]

And here are those videos. I got to fish with Marty Sherman years ago. Nice guy.

[Garyfs@gmail.com]

Thanks again everyone..............