Clackamas Steelhead

Anyone ever floated the Clackamas with their kayak fishing for steelhead?

I want to do something like the Barton to Carver float but have never been on the Clack in my kayak and am a little tiny bit chicken. I am going to do it anyway sometime soon but not sure what to do so trying to see if anyone has any advice.

Thank you!

Are you familiar with the river by any type of boat? Are you familiar your boat enough to handle rough conditions.  Go with someone who knows the river and is good in their boat. I have only done it late spring and summer by kayak, doable in the winter but not the easiest.

I have not been in a boat at all on the Clack. Only bank fished it for years but have not ever seen most of it.

I have done Carver to Fred Meyer (some park behind it) several times. Lots of fun. Some areas are a little bumpy but that is what makes the trip fun since steelhead don't exist.

Done this section a few times.
First time I ever targeted steelhead out of the yak I caught two but consider it beginners luck. Early October of this year is when I caught these late summer steelies.
I've done this section a couple times since and have only caught one other smaller hatchery fish. It can be a beautiful lil trip regardless.
Conditions are looking much better for winter fish now so I'm planning on heading out tomorrow. Wish me luck, I'll need it.

Done this section a few times.
First time I ever targeted steelhead out of the yak I caught two but consider it beginners luck. Early October of this year is when I caught these late summer steelies.
I've done this section a couple times since and have only caught one other smaller hatchery fish. It can be a beautiful lil trip regardless.
Conditions are looking much better for winter fish now so I'm planning on heading out tomorrow. Wish me luck, I'll need it.

Good looking summer fish.

Some areas are a little bumpy but that is what makes the trip fun since steelhead don't exist.

 

Done this section a few times.
First time I ever targeted steelhead out of the yak I caught two but consider it beginners luck. Early October of this year is when I caught these late summer steelies.
I've done this section a couple times since and have only caught one other smaller hatchery fish. It can be a beautiful lil trip regardless.
Conditions are looking much better for winter fish now so I'm planning on heading out tomorrow. Wish me luck, I'll need it.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

I did it! Barton to Carver today. Truth be told it was my first time in the kayak doing that and fishing quickly became a secondary concern. It was pretty scary a few times but I didn't go for a swim. Of course I didn't really fish either.

Would I do it again? Yes. but I would have a different plan of attack for the fish and a heavier anchor. I have a hobie mirage outback and would leave the mirage drive at home. It spent most of today in my boat because it was so shallow and full of little rapid sections it was mostly in the way for this trip.
What a day!

I did it! Barton to Carver today. Truth be told it was my first time in the kayak doing that and fishing quickly became a secondary concern. It was pretty scary a few times but I didn't go for a swim. Of course I didn't really fish either.

Would I do it again? Yes. but I would have a different plan of attack for the fish and a heavier anchor. I have a hobie mirage outback and would leave the mirage drive at home. It spent most of today in my boat because it was so shallow and full of little rapid sections it was mostly in the way for this trip.
What a day!

Congrads on taking the step and running the river. It's tough to explain that just getting down the river becomes the top priority and most of the thrill, especially at this time of the year. Be careful, it's a powerful addiction and it sounds like you got your first hit for free. Go on try it again.

I'll admit I'm a bit of an addict when it comes to running rivers for kayak fishing. Okay, I'm a full blown junky and if I had to choose one type of water to fish for the rest of my days, no contest it would be rivers. I have a few videos on my Youtube channel of kayak fishing rivers in Washington these links should get you to my page. Oh, and wait until you hook into that first big steelhead on a river. Tight Lines.

Thanks for that ride down the rapids in your camera!  That might be the only time I ever get that view. Fantastic adventure, glad you know what you're doing.