Easy float. Like any moving water, just pay attention and you’ll be fine.
Generally once you get down past the bluffs below Blue Creek you’ll see less power boats but still encounter some.
Whenever I floated it I tended to stay off to the sides and fished the softer water along the edges.
Don’t miss the takeout.
Have fun.
SF

 

That sounds easy enough! Definitely wont miss the take out
Thank you I appreciate it!

 

Easy float. Much more civilized after the blue creek bluffs. Been a while for me, but it used to have some really nice spey water.

 

My advice for that float: Don't launch until after lunch time-ish, or mid/late afternoon. You'll have the place to yourself then, and honestly have a better shot at fish.

 

So is it just going to be busy if we put in around 9? It's tough for me to gauge time on the water by mile in rivers I haven't drifted down. Basically we gotta be off the water by 430 at the latest. I don't mind people just don't wanna get ran over either ‍♂

 

Hi Jason,
Evan's advice is spot-on. You are more likely to encounter fish the closer you are to Blue Creek but that's also where the guides in jet boats concentrate their efforts.
I haven't been down this year but the river conditions typically doesn't change much from year to year. You won't be facing anything technical but, as always, don't snooze...
1) Most of the jet boats will be in the first mile or two below Blue Creek (to the Hinkley Run downstream of the Clay Banks). They are generally more maneuverable and will avoid you, but be vigilant.
2) As you approach the end of the flat water below Blue Creek, you want to stay in the wider, faster water to the left of the island. You probably don't want to be going down this pair of rapids while a jet boat is going up, especially at these low flows.
3) At the bottom of the island split, the river makes a hard 90 degree bend to the left. The current will want to push you toward the far bank. Get on the oars and pull away from the bank.
4) The flows right now are at 2400cfs; it may get a bit bony as you approach the last straight-away to the takeout.
Steve

 

Thanks for the tips guys! Should be a good day on the river. Sure as hell beats working!

 

Make sure you drop into the takeout before you launch. At least then you will know what to look for when the float is done.

 

That float was an OK experience for me. There is that FLAT one mile stretch passing through the RV camp that is a POS to row through with upstream wind. Contemplated on letting the wind push me back to launch at one point.

i tend to walk my way through that stretch... rod in hand... jus sayin

 

Made it down the river whole. Didn’t get a bump but saw a few fish caught. it was a nice float but I definitely understand what you guys are talking about traffic!

We put in about noon and we’re off the water by 330.

We plan to do that one again (and again) here soon and try to pick up some fish.

I’ll look around about the barrier dam float. I thought this one was a bit short but we also didnt row any laps or anchor up to fish too much.

Thanks again guys!

 

We put in about noon and we're off the water by 330.

You should have stopped and fished a few places while you were at it. That's a quick float.

 

3 hrs and done, you must have not received my private message.

 

We were short on time :/ but we know what the float is like now so just gotta do it again with a bigger window.
I did catch the messages a little late... whoops. I appreciate all the help guys!!