Anyone ever launch off this beach? Downtown Portland?

http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=45.512572,-122.67172&spn=0.003616,0.010986&t=h&z=17

I picture parking in a local parking lot or parking structure, slapping the kayak on a yak cart, and wheel that beast right down to the waterfront.  Then down the grassy slope to the gravel beach where ya plop in and paddle away. 

Any know if there is any sturgeon out in front of waterfront park? 

I'm sure some have but there are lots of boat ramps and the Eastside esplanade is right there so I'm not sure why someone would.   

Caught my 1st sturgeon off the sea wall at Waterfront on bacon strips.  No animal can resist bacon!  Mmmmm Bacon.... 

I was thinking out of the box here. 

One of the beauties of a kayak is the it does not require a boat launch.   Just wondering if anyone here have ever launched there?

How funny would it be to be walking back to your parked vehicle a few blocks inland of the Portland waterfront with keeper sturg strapped to your yak you are pulling behind you? 

I've launched from river place (the marina just south). i've never seen anyone launch from waterfront park. i haven't heard anything saying you can't

like others said, the east bank esplenade directly across the river is portland's downtown public launch, and our SE Alder Creek location is in the building directly above the dock. it's only for human powered craft, not power boats.

it is a bit of a carry down the dock. the only place i've launched on the west side is river place marina, and willamette park, a few miles south on the west bank, across from the southern tip of ross island...and then you can fish around elk rock, by miluakie for sturgeon and the scenery is a little better (unless it's summer and bikinis are what your after...then waterfront park is your game).

I've seen more sturgeon from elk rock north to the southern tip of ross island than anywhere in down town. Last year I took groups around ross isl. 195 times, so I feel I have that stretch down pretty well I started seeing sturgeon as early as halloween.

I had a 4-5ft jumper hit my bow last november 10 yards from elk rock.

I've read reports that say anglers have been targeting sturgeon at willamette falls, but the bight has slowed. it was talking like the peak season is winding down for the portland area. I hope not!

I've got to get finals knocked out in the next two weeks, but after that, i'm going to try a little dino-angling.

-Jason

Yeah I launched there.   That "beach" is rocks and a bit of a scramble. It's also a good walk up that gentle slope to get back to your car. A cart is a good thing to have (just don't stop to stretch half way up and let go of the boat  )

 A much better bet is just on the other side of the bridge on the north side near the fire station. You still have to go down and up a ramp but its easier than that hill across the river. Parking is waaaay easier too (as little as 50' from the ramp). The paddle dock to the south is easier to use (closer to the water), but there's a lot less traffic on the power boats dock (usually none).

Isn't that the dock on the East Bank Esplanade below the Portland Boathouse?

I think we're talking about the same dock. How long ago did you move?

Isn't that the dock on the East Bank Esplanade below the Portland Boathouse?

I think we're talking about the same dock. How long ago did you move?

Yep, your right Jason, that is the boat house's dock. The dock I use most is next to the fire station on the north side (downriver) on the East Esplanade. Its a public, short term dock that gets hardly any use.  Parking is under the interstate and a LOT shorter walk to the ramp.

I've been gone a little over a year, but I bounce in and out of town at least a couple of times a year.

Insayn,

I walk past that spot almost everyday and think about the same thing.  But the rocks that line that beach would be a rough haul.  Imagine rocks like they use to build a jetty.  It would be easier to wheel down the ramp to the public dock just south and launch from the dock.  The ramps across the river that the others have mentioned are even better options.

DC

How funny would it be to be walking back to your parked vehicle a few blocks inland of the Portland waterfront with keeper sturg strapped to your yak you are pulling behind you? 

Whats fun is finding a space in the fridge in the employee lounge to put the Springer you caught that morning before work.


BTW That area is a super secret spring salmon hole. NObody knows about it! (except all those boats (stinkpots) going around in circles from Feb on with the fish hanging over the side in the middle of downtown PDX)  So don't tell anybody.

wow.
I've never noticed it. I guess I always go upriver from town.