Floating the Siletz

[Marc_Johnston]

Is it safe to float the Siltez this time of year? I heard a guy flipped his drift boat in an accident recently down there. I am hoping to come and float fish it for some winter steelhead in the next few weeks but I'm not familiar with the river. Any insight would help! Tight Lines!

 

[rogerdodger]

oh yeah, plenty of good drift water, (I seriously wish I lived closer) the trick is to find some 'mile-by-mile' information on it, things like the best flow rate for that stretch, any serious rapids (especially the ones with names) and what water levels they are easy/hard/not safe at. "Fishing in Oregon" book by Madelynne Diness Sheehan is a good starting point, once you narrow down the sections of interest, go dig up even more info. A good option for lots of people is to take a guided trip down it in conditions that you want to drift it in. cheers, roger

 

[pinstriper]

I am with Roger. Every river will have stretches that are safe for some but not for all, and in different conditions. Best way to learn a new river is go a few times with someone who knows it well. A friend/fishing acquaintance if you can find, or a guide.

 

[jamisonace]

From Moonshine down to Logsden there are some tricky spots...one in particular is pretty nasty. If the water is up you can get around it. From the bridge (called 2 bridges I think) the rest of the way I can't think of anything too dificult. I've done it all except the stretch from Siletz (take out) to Ojalla and if you have any experience at all with a drift boat you will be fine.

 

[Marc_Johnston]

oh yeah, plenty of good drift water, (I seriously wish I lived closer) the trick is to find some 'mile-by-mile' information on it, things like the best flow rate for that stretch, any serious rapids (especially the ones with names) and what water levels they are easy/hard/not safe at. "Fishing in Oregon" book by Madelynne Diness Sheehan is a good starting point, once you narrow down the sections of interest, go dig up even more info. A good option for lots of people is to take a guided trip down it in conditions that you want to drift it in. cheers, roger

Thanks Roger!

 

[Marc_Johnston]

I am with Roger. Every river will have stretches that are safe for some but not for all, and in different conditions. Best way to learn a new river is go a few times with someone who knows it well. A friend/fishing acquaintance if you can find, or a guide.

Yeah that may be the way to go. Thanks for the insight!

 

[Marc_Johnston]

From Moonshine down to Logsden there are some tricky spots...one in particular is pretty nasty. If the water is up you can get around it. From the bridge (called 2 bridges I think) the rest of the way I can't think of anything too dificult. I've done it all except the stretch from Siletz (take out) to Ojalla and if you have any experience at all with a drift boat you will be fine.

Thanks for the insight!

 

[Admin]

Howdy Marc_Johnston,

You catch a big one.

 

[troutdude]

Welcome to OFF @Marc_Johnston. Good luck. Don't forget to post reports and pics!