One-man Pontoon Recommendations for Olympic Peninsula Dec-March

[123]

Neither would I!

I'm sure they're all somewhat unsafe or whatever

 

[Mossback]

In December most of the fishing will be on the Bogachiel hatchery fish. Relatively easy drift there, but I've seen boats swamped on it.
That and the Quilleyute will provide your most productive angling in December, so you will be able to meet folks, gather data about other runs, and perhaps follow someone who knows the area well down a few of the other rivers towards the end of the month.
Getting a guide for a day or two on the other rivers would be helpful, tell whoever you go with what you're after regarding the trip.
Just learning the way through a couple of the drops will be worth it for you.
After high water events there can be blockages on any of the rivers, lots if trees out there, so keep abreast of the latest conditions through the grapevine out there, or the various social media sites.

 

[123]

In December most of the fishing will be on the Bogachiel hatchery fish. Relatively easy drift there, but I've seen boats swamped on it.
That and the Quilleyute will provide your most productive angling in December, so you will be able to meet folks, gather data about other runs, and perhaps follow someone who knows the area well down a few of the other rivers towards the end of the month.
Getting a guide for a day or two on the other rivers would be helpful, tell whoever you go with what you're after regarding the trip.
Just learning the way through a couple of the drops will be worth it for you.
After high water events there can be blockages on any of the rivers, lots if trees out there, so keep abreast of the latest conditions through the grapevine out there, or the various social media sites.

Wow, this is great. More than helpful - thanks. I'll try this game plan and let the guides know I'm on standby.

 

[Treefrog]

I had the Gigbob (RIP after 20 years) and loved it. The problem with the "sale boat" no anchor setup. The one had (2005) had an anchor set up but NRS' vendor that made the anchor plate is out of business. I bought the Outcast Clearwater (frameless). A bit longer than the Gigbob (dumb name) at 9.5'. Robust oars come with it and a plate to attach a Scotty Anchor bracket. There are also mounting plates to attach the Outcast optional gear bags. I bought it to replace the Gigbob to float the OP and North Stilly, Sky, etc. Outcast has a clever way of attaching rods in transport. See the vids. I haven't had it out yet but I have owned lots of inflatables. It will hunt.
https://www.outcastboats.com/product/osg-clearwater/

 

[123]

I had the Gigbob (RIP after 20 years) and loved it. The problem with the "sale boat" no anchor setup. The one had (2005) had an anchor set up but NRS' vendor that made the anchor plate is out of business. I bought the Outcast Clearwater (frameless). A bit longer than the Gigbob (dumb name) at 9.5'. Robust oars come with it and a plate to attach a Scotty Anchor bracket. There are also mounting plates to attach the Outcast optional gear bags. I bought it to replace the Gigbob to float the OP and North Stilly, Sky, etc. Outcast has a clever way of attaching rods in transport. See the vids. I haven't had it out yet but I have owned lots of inflatables. It will hunt.
https://www.outcastboats.com/product/osg-clearwater/

That's a slick rig. I'll give this one a look as well. Thanks

 

[123]

Follow up review on the Dave Sadden Low Pro. Amazing vessel and feathers in to rapids like a dream. Big fan of this boat. Very safe and no problems handling anything the Hoh, Sol Doc, Bogachiel, and Clearwater could throw at on the OP for the past two months, during both very high water in December and low water in January. Probably wouldn't take it on the Calawah, however. Even took it through the mouth of the HoH where the current rips to the North Pacific Ocean. Solid Rig. Actually looking to sell it because I don't want to haul to Texas end of next month (late Feb) where there is no whitewater. Below is my description for those looking to buy one of these. Available mid-February for pickup and posting here because it's relevant.

DAVE SCADDEN DETONATOR LOW PRO FOR SALE $485:

Available for pick up mid-February in Forks. Picked this up in Seattle beginning of December to steelhead spey fish here in Forks for two months. Now heading back to Texas around mid-late February 2025 where there's no whitewater. Awesome little rowing raft vessel. Handles all the major steelhead rivers (HOH, Sol Doc, Bogachiel, and Clearwater) on the OP during high and low water.

Dave Scadden Detonator Lo Pro frameless pontoon w/ $85 of Scotty Accessories. No patches. Holds air tight. Weighs only 26 lbs. From the website: Simply put the Detonator is a Cardiac Canyon, Skykomish Sunrise, Renegade and Fuzion all rolled in to one wild new package. Incorporating Dave's exclusive multi laminate rigid floor system the new Low Pro is super low profile for superior wind resistance. The rigid floor also allows for the integrated motor mount, IQ pocket system, new HD oar lock system, 2 pc 6061 T6 aluminum oars, breakaway foot rest bar. Specifications:

Length: 9'
Width: 53'
Diameter: 12"
Weight: 26 lbs.
Weight Capacity: 1000 lbs.
Frame: Frameless
Frame Material: Frameless
Pontoons: Bladderless
Oars: Alcoa 6061 T65
Oar Locks: Integrated Rack & Pinion; portable EVA foam seat,
Integrated motor mount, 2 side bags, stripping basket, anchor assembly and $85 of Scotty Accessories

 

[123]

Rig is sold - thanks for the inquiries.