Backtrolling an Outback - Wilson River

I was planning on drifting my Hobie next week, Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid large drift boat traffic and when the water level will be low. I was going to put in at Sollie Smith where the waters a little calmer and close to home. So here's my question. Is it unreasonable to think that my Mirage drive will be fast enough to pedal back upriver to the boat launch when I'm done for the day? or am I in over my head?

You will not beat most river currents especially in an Outback. I like taking mine down river, and using the drive to hold position, back troll, etc...

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

I was planning on drifting my Hobie next week, Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid large drift boat traffic and when the water level will be low. I was going to put in at Sollie Smith where the waters a little calmer and close to home. So here's my question. Is it unreasonable to think that my Mirage drive will be fast enough to pedal back upriver to the boat launch when I'm done for the day? or am I in over my head?

Yes, it's unreasonable to try that. Unless you only plan on going about 50 ft. down river from the launch.

Thanks for the advice, I'm still very new to Mirage Drive. I guess I'll have to find a better way to get back to my truck. I got the 180 Drive, so having reverse for back trolling will be phenomenal.

You mean like parking my trailer and car at the pull out.

Thanks for the advice, I'm still very new to Mirage Drive. I guess I'll have to find a better way to get back to my truck. I got the 180 Drive, so having reverse for back trolling will be phenomenal.

There is a shuttle service that runs on the Wilson I believe... or there was at one time.  Best idea is to go with someone else and use two vehicles to coordinate a dropoff and pickup operation.  Having a buddy also has the benefit of making your trip much safer.   

Given the number of times a drift boat scrapes the bottom on that drift, I would only expect to use the kayak to reach bank spots you can't get to by land. Stow the drive in the hatch and put the fairing plug in.

Little Cos and I did it last fall when the river was at 5.5 and on the rise.   We put in at Sollie and drifted down about half a mile in total, parked the kayaks in a few spots, and waded to fish a few holes.  We didn't want to go any further with the river on the rise, fearing that we wouldn't make it back.

The ride back up wasn't easy to say the least, but we made it.  It was a workout. There were a few shallow spots where we had to pull up the mirage drives and dragged the boats up through the shallows. 

The tide doesn't reach up to Sollie Smith, so you aren't going to get any help coming back.

We need to do some river one way drifts to get the yak feel for the rivers and since the rv from hell is out of my hands I got time now.

Thanks for the advice, I'm still very new to Mirage Drive. I guess I'll have to find a better way to get back to my truck. I got the 180 Drive, so having reverse for back trolling will be phenomenal.

180 drive in reverse doesn't work so hot for backtrolling in current. On flat water it's great. In moving water the rudder gets pushed to one side or the other spinning you around. Point your bow into the current and pedal fwd. Adjust your cadence to either maintain position or slowly work down the run. Just make sure to spin around before the tail out so you can shoot the riffle propper with your paddle. I don't normally pull the drive unless beaching it. Just push one pedal fwd and use the bungee hook to hold the fins flat against the hull, and pull the rudder.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

We need to do some river one way drifts to get the yak feel for the rivers and since the rv from hell is out of my hands I got time now.

So you want to try being a South Coast kayaker now, is that it?

[/quote]
 Point your bow into the current and pedal fwd. Adjust your cadence to either maintain position or slowly work down the run. Just make sure to spin around before the tail out so you can shoot the riffle propper with your paddle.
[/quote]
Good stuff right there. This is a great way to fish and it can get to be a rodeo. For paddlers you'll basically do the same thing with your rod in the holder & a LIGHT drag. You want the fish to really eat it & take line while you hard paddle forward & 180 your kayak for the fight downstream. With the rudder & paddle you can weave in & out of the fast current to present the bait/lure throughout the edges of the run. Adjusting your paddling speed allows you to slowly drift back down stream to drop your bait throughout the length of the drift. Choose your water wisely. Make sure you have a long enough “runway” to turn & fight the fish before entering another major rapid downstream from where you’re fishing.
Heres a shot of the technique fishing bait n diver on the upper Klickitat.

We need to do some river one way drifts to get the yak feel for the rivers and since the rv from hell is out of my hands I got time now.

Count me in on that. I've got two racks on my car, so can haul two. Have only floated Mills Bridge to Sollie Smith. No experience with the water below there. But I'm generally available. =)

We need to do some river one way drifts to get the yak feel for the rivers and since the rv from hell is out of my hands I got time now.

So you want to try being a South Coast kayaker now, is that it?

lol'd because I had the same exact thought.

I'm definitely in the plug and paddle camp.

We need to do some river one way drifts to get the yak feel for the rivers and since the rv from hell is out of my hands I got time now.

Count me in on that. I've got two racks on my car, so can haul two. Have only floated Mills Bridge to Sollie Smith. No experience with the water below there. But I'm generally available. =)

That is my float plan, Mills bridge > Sollie Smith, first light on Thursday. Just going to have to coordinate a partner or a pick up.