Sandy River Steelhead Drift Options

Anybody ever kayak fish for steelhead in the Sandy River?  Been out to Oxbow a number of times to fly-fish for Steelhead, but am tired of the crowds and being stuck in one place.  My only experience with the Sandy has only been on the banks near the big parks (Oxbow, Dodge, Dabney etc).

I see there are drift boat guides that run from Oxbow to Dabney.  I was thinking of hiring one to check it out, but at $400 a trip it’s a little much when I have a perfectly good fishing yak (OK Big Game).  But I lack “white water” experience, and don’t know if the Sandy even counts as white water in that stretch.

Is that stretch appropriate for a newer kayaker? Only river I’ve been on is the Willie and Tualatin and that was no problem, but then again there was no white-water.   Planning on Spey fishing from bank and using the yak for transportation.  I’m tired of the drift boats getting all the “good” spots & fish.

Lastly, unless I’m foolish about this prospect, anybody interested in joining me and working out some sort of shuttle between Oxbow and Dabney?  Thinking that if the river clears up, and the weather holds, might be fun to give it a try this weekend.  Not expecting to catch any fish as I know it’s a bit early for any winter runs, but willing to give it a try. BTW – Novice Steelheader, one hook-up only last year on a bait-casting, none ever landed on a fly so don’t expect much guidance from me.  Also speak up if you think I’m foolish for even considering!

I'm new to the Portland area and also a novice steelheader and I don't think you're crazy for thinking about hitting the Sandy this winter.  Assuming the flows aren't too great and that you're just using the kayak for transportation, I don't see the problem.  Then again, I don't know the Sandy enough (okay at all) to determine how the "doable" the river is.   Anyway, I'd be interested in exploring the possibility with you sometime.

Brian

I've run Oxbow to Dabney in a drift boat before... as I recall, the biggest rapid in that section is a II+ (III at high water).  I would say it is a nice beginner whitewater run in the summer, with winter it depends on the flows.  If you have no whitewater experience, I'd say dress to swim and go with a group, but don't be too intimidated by it.  The biggest problem might be places to land to fish, as the current is fairly swift and exiting/entering a fat kayak can lead to interesting gymnastics.  An anchor system would help a lot.

I have a 13' raft sitting unloved on its trailer in my garage... I should break it out at some point this winter for some steelhead fishing.  Tried to convince the wife to spend turkey day weekend floating the John Day, but no dice.  Something about floating a river with ice on it...

Went out to Dabney on Friday to check it out, and the water didn't seem too high and wasn't brown and washed out.  Did throw the Spey rod around for a little "practice".  However, it was blowing 20+mph and cold as heck.  Thinking maybe I should wait until spring to begin before trying unknown water.  Guess I'll have to stick with bank angling for steelhead for awhile.

Sandy River steelhead generally don't show until January or so... coastal rivers get fish earlier (they are there now in the Wilson and such).

Anyone else want to revisit this idea now that it's mid-Jan?

I've heard that Dabney to Lewis and Clark is a nice easy short drift (~3.5 mi), but I'm not sure what the idea water levels are.  I think I read that about 10ft is ideal.

BTW, the lastest water level at BullRun was 10.12 ft and dropping, but I think we're due for a bit more rain this weekend so that might change.


Brian

I'd be up for this in February if you don't mind a newcomer tagging along. I have to wait until then to pick up my license.

Brian

Hey Brian,

How is Portland Treating you? Did you finally get settled. I am in Boise, Idaho, and really missing the ocean, and weather. I hate the cold.....but Steelhead are right around the corner for me, now I just need the time to go.

skyboy
Joe

Hey Joe,

Portland is good.  I haven't been fishing here yet (hence my attempt to resurrect this thread), but I made it to the ocean last weekend with my wife and son (~1 hr 20 min away) so at least I know it's a possibility for me.   Maybe we'll catch up at some future NWKA event.

Brian

Hey all,

I floated the Sandy from Oxbow to Dabney with a Guide on Sunday in a raft.  The river was about 9.8 feet, and looked very doable from a kayak.  Was Spey fishing, but am pretty new to fly fishing and spent more time getting casting practice than actually fishing.  Didn't see any fish caught, but did get one strike (lost), so at least that's something.  I did mark some runs on my GPS, and there seems to be plenty of good runs to try. 

I'm pretty much a beginner kayaker and fly fisherman, but thinking it would be fun to do this run in a kayak still.  I'm not available next weekend, but may be the following Saturday (Feb 2nd) if anybody wants to give this a try AND if the water is not too high.

-= Scott

Scott,

I may take you up on floating on the 2nd if the water levels are right.   I've also earned some comp time at work recently that my boss would like me to use sooner than later, so if anyone wants to try a weekday I'm also game.

Brian

Scott,

Did you go Saturday? I completely forgot about it. 

Sounds like the snow level is moving higher and we might get a big plug of snow melt soon. 

I'm still interested in trying this this winter sometime during lower waters.

Brian

The water on the Sandy has dropped below 10 ft again so I thought I'd bump this back up to the top to see if there is still any interest.  I imagine it'll be a zoo unless we can figure out a day to do this mid-week, but I'm game either way.

Brian