Floating the lower Wilson

I'm looking for some insight on floating the lower Wilson, specifically from Siskeyville to Sollie Smith, and targeting some Steel.  Has anyone floated this section of the river in either a kayak or drift boat?  I use to bank fished the river years ago and have been wanting to float it for some time now.  I've been out to scout the river (where possible) and have read up and watched videos about the float.  So far it seems the lower section of the river is pretty tame; I have only found one real problem section called "The Minefield."  From what I've seen first hand and in videos, I should be able to maneuver this section without issue:







Has anyone floated this section of the river?  Any location tips or rigging suggestions?  Do you know of any other trouble spots to look out for?  Input, advice, and fishing tips are very welcome.  I have a good amount of small river/white water experience and know on my limitations...so hoping to skip   

I have floated the Guideshop launch to Sollie smith and below, but never above the Guideshop.  I've watched drift boats go through the minefield and have witnessed a few flip over.  Depending on your paddling skills, it may be doable in a kayak, but I wouldn't advise it.

The float from the Guideshop to Sollie Smith is very doable, with nothing that should give you trouble, aside from the first 90 degree turn to the right immediately after the put in. Watch your rod tips, and hug the inside of the turn and you will be fine.  Lots of great water along the way.

I'm in the same boat as Cos. Drifting from Mill Bridge to Sollie Smith is pretty standard. I understand the minefield varies greatly depending on water level.

I still have it in mind one day to put in at Sollie Smith and ride it down to the bay, then pedal up to Garibaldi. Timing it right to reach the bay at high slack will be the challenge, without knowing how long it will take to get from Sollie to the bay.

I was thinking the same thing Pinstiper.  Although going all the way to Garibaldi might be a little far... at least for me.

I was thinking the same thing Pinstiper.  Although going all the way to Garibaldi might be a little far... at least for me.

No problem. We just take Shannon and tow ropes. Let him haul us up the bay. i've had him haul me before.

Problem solved.

I was thinking the same thing Pinstiper.  Although going all the way to Garibaldi might be a little far... at least for me.

No problem. We just take Shannon and tow ropes. Let him haul us up the bay. i've had him haul me before.

Problem solved.

Haha!  Sounds good to me.

The float from the Guideshop to Sollie Smith is very doable, with nothing that should give you trouble, aside from the first 90 degree turn to the right immediately after the put in. Watch your rod tips, and hug the inside of the turn and you will be fine.  Lots of great water along the way.

Yea what Cosmo said, very doable & I actually prefer it a little on the high side. Let us know when ya go if you don't mind a wingman.
Hugh

Thanks for the input guys. I will defentity post up when I have a firm date planned...a wingman is always welcome.

Another +1 to launching at Mills Bridge and taking out at Sollie Smith. There's a rather fast section just below the put in you likely won't get back up, so best to plan for a one way trip.

Just be careful when the water is high and fast--the take out is on the inside of a bend and immediately above a bridge. Its substructure is a sideswipe hazard, which I've bounced off of in a drift boat and seen others hit.

Otherwise the biggest challenge will be getting away from the drift boat convoys and anchored hog lines at certain tight bends. At least during weekends during the fall.

Also add me to the Wilson river wingman roster. =)

I have floated the minefield in a driftboat. It is not a place I would take a Hobie. Float the lower river. I have caught several steelhead that way.


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Also add me to the Wilson river wingman roster. =)

Done.  Water levels are looking good, it's just so damn cold!

http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=pqr&gage=tlmo3&view=1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1

I have floated the minefield in a driftboat. It is not a place I would take a Hobie. Float the lower river. I have caught several steelhead that way.

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I've officially been talked out of the Minefield; my first float will be from the guide shop down.  I'm curious though, would portage past the minefield be doable?  I only ask because it seems like there is some good fishing spots just above of the that stretch of the river. 

Thanks for the input.

I have always been so focused on the minefield that I cannot tell you about the holes above or below it.  There are several nice holes below the guide shack. Focus on those.


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I'm in the same boat as Cos. Drifting from Mill Bridge to Sollie Smith is pretty standard. I understand the minefield varies greatly depending on water level.

I still have it in mind one day to put in at Sollie Smith and ride it down to the bay, then pedal up to Garibaldi. Timing it right to reach the bay at high slack will be the challenge, without knowing how long it will take to get from Sollie to the bay.

Holidays and all been busy.... let me know when you two want to try a test float launching a bit before high slack maybe? Anyone?Anyone?...... my rig in Garibaldi for return trip to grab "??" Rig

We need to figure out how long it takes from Sollie to the bay and leave to reach the bay just before high slack, I think.