PDX Steelhead "heads-up"

Just a heads up for those looking for a shot at a winter steelhead in the PDX area.  

The Clackamas is and has been putting out some decent numbers of fish.  Even talked to a yaker today on the clack who was "just out for a float" hell of a day for it .  I have been having success (sled) with jigs and side-drifting.  Six fish for 3 rods over the weekend and two for just me today.  From now till summer the clack will have plenty of opportunities for an AOTY steelhead  Get out there and get some!

Damn!  I think I just wet myself....   

Thanks for the heads up!  Now to find some time to fish.

Sweet.  Now I can go continue to make a fool of myself trying to catch a Steelhead.  Four years and counting.

Sweet.  Now I can go continue to make a fool of myself trying to catch a Steelhead.  Four years and counting.

Don't worry Madoc, after the 1st one, the rest will come more easily.

-Mark-

Anyone open wed or thursday? I'm eager to try this thing out. 

I just want to reemphasize the past reminders that river drifting in a yak can be one of the more dangerous fisheries out there.  Please plan ahead, go with others, and don't let the hope of winter chrome cloud your judgement.

 The Clackamas is a large fast flowing river that can be fairly unforgiving (a driftboat was sunk Sunday ).  I have been fishing the Clackamas for many years and the best section for SOT yaks would be Carver to Riverside. BUT, even this stretch is FAST, with several tricky areas, and if you dumped your yak it would easily be separated from you leaving you in FAST, COLD 40 deg water, with few options but to make it to shore and walk out (a nice fisherman in a sled could help if your were lucky but it's nothing to count on).  Places where there isn't any current are few and far between and even the slower moving stretches have a lot of power. I would strongly discourage dropping anchor in anything but totally slack water. A huli could easily result in total loss of yak and gear and is a real potential in several areas. I would also suggest not running the river above 13ft, lower would even be better (which rules out the rest of this week ).  Above about 12.0-12.5, Standing waves and hydraulics on sharp corners could get dicey for yaks (particularly novice paddlers).

Not trying to scare anyone away, I just want to make sure folks are aware of the risks and plan accordingly. No fish is worth risking your life. 

Ay, good point.  The few parts of the clack I've seen appear fairly decent, especially in the lower portions - say riverside to clackamette...

Riverside to the mouth has several spots to be aware of.  Pumphouse, 205 bridge and highrocks are all areas to be carefull of, among other smaller hazards.    Carver to Riverside would be the best bet for a newbie, 12.5 and under, it is probably the safest section for SOT's. When the river is up in winter and spring the "six pac" inner tube water of August is gone.

I saw Pelagic Paddlers report and I....

Thanks for the detailed info. Pelagic!  There's a good chance you saved someone from a wild and scarey ride.