Fly fishing kayak help?

I have burned an entire weekend doing research.  But there are no dealers/retailers in my area(near Spokane).  And it seems that there are no direct similar users out there for my intended use?  I see a million sound/gulf kayak fishermen.  All in their Columbia shirts and goofy hats.  Or the PA and VA smallmouth fishers, which are probably closer to what I would need.

But what happens when you are NOT wearing Tevas and hanging your feet over the sides?

In am wanting a kayak to fish the slower rivers of the Inland Empire.  The river closest to home that I would like to fish regularly is the Kettle.  This river, after it subsides from run-off, is many slow pools with a 100 yard section of riffles, and some just under "whitewater".  Not a rafter, but would guess them at under Class I.

60% of the time I would be fishing in 100 acres-ish lakes.  The other 40% would be slow rivers.

Anyone have experience with the Clark Fork, Flathead(near Glacier, MT) or the St. Joe in summer?

I see many solo CANOERS that run rivers.  So I am wondering why my idea of a Wilderness Systems Commander 120 has been unendorsed by some kayak companies I've called.

I have little to no experience with kayaks.

I see many suggest self bailing.  But those like the Tarpon 120 don't seem to be used for ANY river fishing.  Always some guys in San Diego or Port Isabel TX fishing out of them.

Am I way off base with my thoughts of a hybrid kayak for this use?

I really don't want a pontoon boat, which are so popular for fishing these rivers.  I'd like more speed, more use, not having to wear waders 24/7, more carrying capacity.

I am close to the Columbia, but way up from where most of you posters are from.  Wouldn't it be almost a no-brainer to get the Commander or the Ultimate 12 and be able to do a 2 day float near the edge and fish walleye and camp?

Again, it just seems I am really off base with this desire/direction.

Thanks

Jess

Hehehe, best shortened "recent" post title ever.  I've floated the Clark Fork and some forks of the Flathead.  You could float most of that water in any number of popluar fishing yaks.  Or a pink dragon-shaped inflatable pool toy for that matter.  Nothing special required.  I've done the lower Flathead (below Kerr dam - portaging Buffalo rapids) on a surfboard.  Didn't even spill my beer.  Just read up on general "moving water" kayak shapes, and you'll be fine.  If you want more info on the Flathead Valley waterways in the summer, PM me......

I agree with AJ about the best shortened post title ever.

On to the subject at hand:

I don't think I've ever worn a columbia shirt, I definitely own a goofy hat though.  I've taken a Tarpon 160 down a fast moving river SEVERAL times with not much problem.  It would be fine on a slower river, just so long as you are competent paddling it.  I've also taken my Coosa on the same fast river and on a lake.  It worked fine on both.  Please visit the Kayak Shed and do some more research.

Like AJ has already said, MOST SOTs will easily be able to do everything you said you want to do. 

Pink dragon-shaped inflatable pool toys don't mix well with hooks though, so don't try that.

So andy, this is NOT a stupid thought, question or idea?   Even with no kayak experience, I am not at all intimidated by the local rivers....

And I can see you are speaking from experience, the best "local" fly fishing river I have is the NF or the Couer D Alene.   And when I discovered that last summer(new resident), I had to drive 46 miles up river to escape the Pink Hippos, Yellow Gators and Silver Bullets.  Hence, not being too intimdated by the term "river".

And what am I missing with the shortened post title?  Did I do something wrong already?

No, you did nothing wrong.  The recent topic list cut you off 3 letters into assistance.  Anyway, the NF of the Flathead can be swift, and there can be a lot of deadfall.  You will have to portage a bit, so keep that in mind before loading a 17' kayak with a ton of gear.  This is especially true close to the border.  But the gnar-factor is pretty low.  Plus, you can get rad pastries at the store in Polebridge.  This all being said, get used to your boat before heading to MT.  Any moving water is a bit odd for a newbie, so don't rush into things. 

Howdy JJ,

I'm a 100 miles or so west of you on Hwy 20 in Okanogan county. I fish a lot of the same kinds of waters you're talking about, plus some salt water action a few times a year. I use a raft, pontoon boat, inflatable kayak, canoe, and 14' rowboat, depending on conditions, what I'm trying to do, and who's with me.

For flat still water and slow rivers the 2 non-bailing boats you mention would probably be fine 95+% of the time. Some thing longer may be optimal on the Columbia/Lake Roosevelt for more speed and carrying capacity.

If you think there's any chance you would want to do some WW or saltwater trips (or even big water like Banks Lake), I would definitely recommend looking at a SOT self-bailing boat. Packing for multi-day trips will be a bit of a pain compared to the open boats, but your gear will be secure and you won't have to worry about a swamped boat. A swamped boat is major bummer, especially if you're any distance from shore!

In the summer, when it's 80+ (or 100+) I want to get wet. (And the Columbia shirt and goofy hat are good for UV protection! ) The rest of the year I still wear waders with poly underneath.

Have you considered Freedom Hawk Kayaks?  They have a boat that folds out for stability, and they are made to stand up on, complete with handlebar if you want it.  I don't have one but have seen them.  Check out their web site if you'r interested.  Good Luck -

Alan

This sounds like a retail job for Alkasazi! hang on Jesse, i'll get him headed your way.....

Alkasazi is floating through the Grand Canyon for another 20 days for his big 40. 

 I'm sure if you dialed up to Hood River any of his knowledgeable/helpful friendly staff can hook you up. 

Jesse,
who and what we are talking about here , is a member [ Alkasazi] who works for www.outdoorplay.com these are good people who have a ton of varied waters experience, . might be a good thing to call theri toll free number
WR

Yep, alka is Good People. Never had the pleasure of doing business with him, but I know that he has The Passion. And by that, I mean that he gets the essence of paddling the Columbia Plateau. Their shop is top notch and they have a ton of suitable boats. But I've had way too much kava, and, for all I know, he may work for that sketchy truck stop in The Dalles. What's it called, Mr. Peeps? Nah, he's cool for sure. Call him. 

But I've had way too much kava

Remind me to tell you a story sometime, a story involving 2 shells of kava, a volcano in Vanuatu, and jungle music playing to all hours of the night.  And what's a good story without 3 nurses in it?  Oh, toss in a blue marlin or 2, shoals of yellowfin, and all the hungry wahoo you would ever want.

-Allen

But I've had way too much kava

Remind me to tell you a story sometime, a story involving 2 shells of kava, a volcano in Vanuatu, and jungle music playing to all hours of the night.  And what's a good story without 3 nurses in it?  Oh, toss in a blue marlin or 2, shoals of yellowfin, and all the hungry wahoo you would ever want.

-Allen

All ears!! 

Ah, buddy, I wish my Mahakea-fueled night was that cool. The mystic pepper hath brought the Jade many an adventure, but, alas, tonight was wrought with Chill. The only lesson derived from my night with the holy root......Timecop is a truly bad movie. And Dennis Haysbert is my new man crush. The Unit is just good television. I wish his Allstate commercials featured his bad mamajama persona. He could easily sell the company by shanking Flo and sniping the gecko from 500 yards. But, as usual, I digress...

To the colorful guy in El Paso-You must be having a blast kayaking the Rio......not!

Sicko-Have fished neither the Chewuch of Methow, but would like to do either.  I have driven along your stretch of the Methow at various times of the year.  I would guess my intended "rivers" are slower and deeper than your area.

Andy-thank you for the updates.  The Flathead is not on my immediate radar, but eventually.  Plan on turning 40 in Glacier this August if I get my choice for a BD party.

It seems lots are brand loyal here?  I think I see lots of Hobie users?

My thoughts for my choice are really torn between the Native Ultimate 12 and the Wilderness Systems 120.

Since I am new to your board, I will ask if there are archives I can search or reviews of either?  before I get yelled at.  And if not, it is OK to post trolling for users of either for their personal thoughts?

Again, I can YouTube videos of both.  But guys with those outrageous hats and sandals in the bass lagoon doesn't tell me much.