Smith River Questions

[Merle]

Here’s a great explanation:

http://www.greerservices.com/Assets/publications_pdfs/2001MAS_SmithRiver/2001_MAS_SmithRivermg2r.pdf

That was a good read thanks Sue. The article didn't mention a date in time specifically, but I thought it was really interesting they pointed out the conspicuous absence of horses in any of the drawings. So that would mean they date at least to before 1492, (but I'm guessing they are much much older than even that.)

-andy

 

[MT406]

ARCHAEOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF ROCK ART SITES IN THE SMITH RIVER DRAINAGE OF CENTRAL MONTANA

In the caves underlying the site of Dos Pilas in Guatemala, Jim Brady convinced John and me to return to graduate school. Thanks for steering us in the right direction, Jim.

www.academia.edu

 

[Deansie]

Quick question on rod storage….

I live in Chicago so I’ve adjusted my thought on trailering my drift boat all the way out there in the off chance flows are <350 cfs for our 5.2 launch date. Going to rent a couple of rafts for half of our group. The company we’re going through doesn’t offer Rod holders. My thought is the day prior to launch head to Home Depot in Bozeman and buy some 1 1/2” PVC and chop the top half of some of it create my own rod holders, strap it to the boat and we’re off, similar to below. Am I off my rocker?

 

[Freestone]

Quick question on rod storage….

I live in Chicago so I’ve adjusted my thought on trailering my drift boat all the way out there in the off chance flows are <350 cfs for our 5.2 launch date. Going to rent a couple of rafts for half of our group. The company we’re going through doesn’t offer Rod holders. My thought is the day prior to launch head to Home Depot in Bozeman and buy some 1 1/2” PVC and chop the top half of some of it create my own rod holders, strap it to the boat and we’re off, similar to below. Am I off my rocker?

View attachment 8901

Sounds like a good plan to me!

 

[Derek Young]

I use the double Orvis Safe Passage Rod tubes strapped to my oar tower.

Stores two rods safely and out of the way. I don't think they make this size anymore but others might.

 

[Deansie]

Quick question…based on the bear proofing regulations, does a bolt & nut to lock the cooler qualify? We also have an electric fence so I think that negates the lock question but I don’t want to show up and get called out for it.

 

[claude]

Quick question…based on the bear proofing regulations, does a bolt & nut to lock the cooler qualify? We also have an electric fence so I think that negates the lock question but I don’t want to show up and get called out for it.

A bolt and nut qualifies. Bring extras as they're easily misplaced, dropped, etc. It's easier to keep the cooler on the raft as opposed to dragging it into camp.

 

[Deansie]

Well shit…our permit date is for next Monday. Flows are currently sitting at 95cfs, about about 300cfs below the median. Was hoping the recent warm weather would bump it but nothing…I think our best bet is show up on Monday morning and hope for the best (ie flows ~250) but have a backup plan since we’re all out of staters. Good news is we’ll have all the gear so may just need to hit some of the bigger rivers for day long floats and camp wherever.

 

[Freestone]

Well shit…our permit date is for next Monday. Flows are currently sitting at 95cfs, about about 300cfs below the median. Was hoping the recent warm weather would bump it but nothing…I think our best bet is show up on Monday morning and hope for the best (ie flows ~250) but have a backup plan since we’re all out of staters. Good news is we’ll have all the gear so may just need to hit some of the bigger rivers for day long floats and camp wherever.

Good luck with your Plan B! I launch on May 13th and I am keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[Deansie]

Thanks Freestone…your date should be great I would think

 

[Rooster]

Good luck Deansie! I hope the best for you guys and looking forward to reading a trip report!

 

[swimmy]

Not that I'd recommend this, but I had a friend take an 18' raft down at 80 cfs.

 

[Old406Kid]

Well shit…our permit date is for next Monday. Flows are currently sitting at 95cfs, about about 300cfs below the median. Was hoping the recent warm weather would bump it but nothing…I think our best bet is show up on Monday morning and hope for the best (ie flows ~250) but have a backup plan since we’re all out of staters. Good news is we’ll have all the gear so may just need to hit some of the bigger rivers for day long floats and camp wherever.

If you decide to go for it make sure that you have a good patch kit. (Speaking from experience x2)

 

[Salmo_g]

Not that I'd recommend this, but I had a friend take an 18' raft down at 80 cfs.

59 miles is a long walk when you're dragging . . .

 

[Derek Young]

If you follow the Facebook page "Montana River People" there is a new report at 90 cfs in a kayak.

 

[Rooster]

Well? Things are looking better for the July launch at least

 

[Freestone]

If you follow the Facebook page "Montana River People" there is a new report at 90 cfs in a kayak.

Holy crap! Looks like he left a lot of red vinyl microtrash behind!

Every day that the water stays low, I find ways to reduce the weight of my expedition dry bag and up the size of my boat/tubes. Yesterday, I put aside my WaterMaster and got out my 11’ tubes and frame. Now, my 13’ tubes (with a light frame) are looking better and better every day!

 

[Old406Kid]

If you follow the Facebook page "Montana River People" there is a new report at 90 cfs in a kayak.

So 50 cases of beer for the group would be out?

 

[Derek Young]

And I heard that FWP has already cancelled 5/1 launches…

 

[claude]

59 miles is a long walk when you're dragging . . .

Not that I'd recommend this, but I had a friend take an 18' raft down at 80 cfs.

Big rafts loaded light draft less and don't hang up as much.