Yakima - Bullfrog to start - tomorrow 3/12
- Thread starter flybill
- Start date
Floated ringer to mile marker 19 yesterday in the canyon in my watermaster hoping to see some midge rises or maybe even a Skwala but none were seen. A bit later than last year. Or, I just picked a bad day. Going to try again next Monday/Tuesday. I like the upper Yak better where you’re heading. Good luck!
Good advice @flybill
There often have been snags in or across right after the launch, but nothing a small rig couldn't get past. A lot depends on what your craft is. It's pretty skinny up there. There's also a decent rock garden just upstream of I-90. These are usually the only real obstacles.
Just like any river tho, there can be stuff like this after high water events.
That one was about half way down back in 2017 and a guy fighting a fish while floating past (solo) almost went back in there. A 12" cutt isn't worth dying for. Or getting your boat stuck.
As my basketball coach would tell us when we took the ball down in the corner..."DON'T GO THERE!!"
There often have been snags in or across right after the launch, but nothing a small rig couldn't get past. A lot depends on what your craft is. It's pretty skinny up there. There's also a decent rock garden just upstream of I-90. These are usually the only real obstacles.
Just like any river tho, there can be stuff like this after high water events.
That one was about half way down back in 2017 and a guy fighting a fish while floating past (solo) almost went back in there. A 12" cutt isn't worth dying for. Or getting your boat stuck.
As my basketball coach would tell us when we took the ball down in the corner..."DON'T GO THERE!!"
I would use the Bruin, with a frame and better oars you can react quicker..
Do you guys think upgraded oars would make a big enough difference in a Kodiak in terms of responsiveness and easier to maneuver?
I've gone down through some decently technical rock gardens in my Commander and the stock oars were fine.
Last example I can think of I was probably 235 lbs all suited up, had 2 or 3 lbs of water, net, 3 rod/reel cases, gear bag, dry bag and 14qt Playmate Boss cooler. So I'd guess 280 lbs package weight minimum.
I've never been much of a bench presser, but can pull pretty damn hard and did so a few times. And the oars survived. I've done that more times that I'd like to admit. My Commander is a 2014 and I've used it. I think the pin holding the oars will break before the oars.
I gotta think the oars they put on the WMs are just as good or better.
It is pretty cool they have the custom Sawyers though. Very tempting!
The benefit of taking your Kodiak down is there's a couple great sections, especially in Sept or Oct, where you can just wade down the middle of the river with your boat around you and cast dries or streamers to the bank. They hug (or under) the bank in those sections.
I've waded pretty deep, but felt secure since I'm surrounded by a floating device. Feels almost unfair.
Thank you! I’ve always walk/waded the upper portions but there’s only so much bush whacking and sketchy river crossings I’m willing to do. Better to just keep practicing with my current setup until I feel more comfortable to float some new sections outside the canyon.I've gone down through some decently technical rock gardens in my Commander and the stock oars were fine.
Last example I can think of I was probably 235 lbs all suited up, had 2 or 3 lbs of water, net, 3 rod/reel cases, gear bag, dry bag and 14qt Playmate Boss cooler. So I'd guess 280 lbs package weight minimum.
I've never been much of a bench presser, but can pull pretty damn hard and did so a few times. And the oars survived. I've done that more times that I'd like to admit. My Commander is a 2014 and I've used it. I think the pin holding the oars will break before the oars.
I gotta think the oars they put on the WMs are just as good or better.
It is pretty cool they have the custom Sawyers though. Very tempting!
The benefit of taking your Kodiak down is there's a couple great sections, especially in Sept or Oct, where you can just wade down the middle of the river with your boat around you and cast dries or streamers to the bank. They hug (or under) the bank in those sections.
I've waded pretty deep, but felt secure since I'm surrounded by a floating device. Feels almost unfair.
Didn't want to start a new thread, but am planning on floating a canyon stretch tomorrow with Jake in his canoe..
Will be a game time decision, but looks good!
redsflyfishing.com
Will be a game time decision, but looks good!
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