Alsea Float Question

Gaultheria

Gaultheria

Smolt
Hi everyone,

I'd like to apologize in advance for the basic question, but is it safe/reasonable to float the Alsea, say Mill Creek to Cambell, in a canoe during the summer? I know it will be low at least. I'm mostly a bank angler when it comes to moving water and don't know anyone with a drift boat to ask. I ask because I'd like to scout out some easy floats for when my dad eventually visits; his wading isn't what it used to be after a knee replacement and I'd like to be able to put him on some cutthroat.

I appreciate any advice,
Ben
 
Winter flows for sure. I've never seen it at summer flows so not super helpful there. I have heard of a few guys doing the lower Nestucca in the summer though.
 
Regarding the lower Nestucca. For a minor launch fee you can put in at the Pacific City Canoe and Rental shop in town, and meander upstream on incoming tide for miles. Cutt's are throughout the system.
Tides are a factor on the lower Stuc', want to ride the push and suck for easier paddling.
If you want to explore the primary estuary the put in is at what is known as the Guardrail launch on the road coming into Pacific City off 101 from the south just before the first houses. The estuary is a really cool place to canoe, best done at higher tides.
If interested and want more info, pm me.
 
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Low water will make the channel so narrow that it forces you into tight spots. Here’s a problem you’ll face, for example, right out of the gate above Hayden bridge. The main current will likely be pushing against the left cut bank (as usual), but it’ll be very narrow, bordered by a vigorous wall of overhanging blackberry on the left and a too-shallow riffle on the right. Potentially dangerous if you try to run it, either dragging into gravel, or so shallow that there’s not enough purchase for a paddle to turn well, and no straight line to run through a turn. If you are prepared to portage in spots, and nimble on slippery ledges, you’ll probably be ok.

This isn’t really where you want to be fishing cutts anyway. Go lower
 
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