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mattman32
Thanks for making this thread. I was actually going to make one myself since I am a new drift boater. I bought mine in July of 2011 and have only been on one river float so far. I mostly take it out to the big water near Mapleton and out to coastal lakes. I also frequent places that don't allow motors. My problem is that I lack confidence due to a lack of know how, and I am not sure how I can bust my cherry, so to speak. I'd love to bring someone along in my drifter who could help me with some basics and teach me how to read the river. The one float I did was from the Junction City area down to Harrisburg.
Thanks for the info guys. This is the kind of info I was hoping for. I'm going to try Whitaker to wild cat as well as d street. I grew up in Springfield and can go while the wife is hanging out in town with mom. So the next question is about river ettiquett. How do you share the river with other boats and bank fisherman. How to pass anchored and bank fisherman without disturbing their hole. And when it is ok or not to do so. Thanks again.
Hi guys, I'm thinking of purchasing a 10 foot steelhead express pontoon boat. I have a smaller water skeeter I have used in lakes quite a bit. I am moving up in boats because I would like to start running the rivers for steelhead. I have never rowed in moving water before but have studied it quite a bit. I just need to get hands on. I live in Florence and am wondering if anyone can turn me on to a few simple drifts in my area. Not looking for fishing spots. Just some easy water to learn how to use my pontoon boat. I hear Whittaker to wild cat? But I also hear its full of boats. Any place I can go where there arnt a whole lot of guys? Thanks for any info
If you're in Eugene.....go to the ramp at D Street and row up to the rapids and work your way back to the ramp. My 8 yr old does this to practice in his little pram. Do it when the water level is below 11 and you can row up with no problems.
If you want me to join you from Island Park to D Street I'd be happy to. That way we can work around some structure, down through the rapids and to the ramp. Wouldn't take more than 15 minutes to just float but I'm sure I could get you dialed in in less than an hour.
Mattman, this would be a great float for you too if you can make it to Springfield.
There's a few of us around the Eugene area that float the rivers in pontoons. You can come along some time if you like. In fact a couple of them went yesterday on the slaw. I was supposed to go but a pre inspection of my toon showed some welds that were busted. Got it repaired today though.