Can the lower Chehalis be fished with a drift boat very easily? I don't have a motor and was planning on trolling around with oars near the Montesano launch. Are the tide swings strong enough that you'd need a motor to get back to the launch?

I think you'd be OK. You might do better finding the ramp that's just above the Satsop, on the Chehalis. The further up tidewater you go, the less flow. But the times I've been there, the flow wasn't too extreme. I've only fished it three times, so others may know a lot more.

there is an excellent launch at Montesano and the currents never get very strong in the area. You might get a bit of a workout if you stray too far from the ramp but it should be plenty safe.

Just get off the freeway and head toward Raymond.......as soon as you are passing the sawmill there will be a turnoff on the left that looks like an employee parking lot or something.......it's really a boat ramp with a fair amount of parking.....good luck!

Thanks,
any suggestions on what to fish with and whether timing the tide matters .. do the fish bite better on the incoming or outgoing??

Fishlips...last season I launched my DB above Satsop. Just so happens we are on the lower end on an incoming. All I can say is...to blow water point the tail down and be ready to break some sweat. Not all that bad just twice the effort.

FJ...out.

Thanks for the Info!
I will be at F6.9 with the Big Ass Eastside. (18') I've got a 5 whorse kicker on it. This will be my first time out on the Chehalis.

Say hello if you see me!