I am looking for a book or information regarding drift boat fishing the Pennisula rivers. I have an 18' Eastside (named Fishguts). I'm trying to find out if I can make it down the Sol Duc without getting killed. Looking for info on put in's, takeouts and difficulty of drifts.
Has anyone read Steve Probasco's Olympic Penninsula Rivers Guide? or do you know of a book which might have this kind of info.

If you have been down this river and are looking for a ride ...

Steve P's book will give you a brief overview of each river on the peninsula. There is a map of each river pinpointing the various put in and take outs along the systems and who to contact in the area that could give you more info. He goes into more detail on his favorite rivers, Queets and Hoh, than on the others. In addition adds insght into effective techniques to use, flies, tackle, and species encountered at what time of the year. Like I mentioned, not a super detailed work on each river, but an insightfull overview hitting all rivers.

Check out his Hoh River Journal for a comprehensive guide to that river. Includes some beautifull photography and tons of pertinent info.

To do the duc in a 18 footer is a bit of a challenge. The duc is not a river for the rookie, and can be a challenge even if you are good on the sticks as the right way is not always obvious. If you want a fairly safe bet do the maxfield to witcomb dimmel drift. Ther's only 1 rapid to worry about and you meet if within the first mile of river. The take out at Witcomb dimmel is a little muddy and requires a taller 4 wheel to get out. Definatly don't do the bear creek run as it is a real butt kicker. The Bogie and Hoh are fairly safe bets and you should be able to get down them no problem. The Bogie has good launches and is a decent drift that isn't too hard. Float hatchery to the park. Other runs on duc may bang a boat up a bit espicially if you don't know the right way to go. Local knowledge is key and it isn't easy to come by. thus my name Rogue Runner.

Forgot to mention, if you are not familiar with the Sol Duc its an awfully good idea to hit it first with a guide or someone who knows the river very well (even if you are a competent oarsman). Its earned a good reputation for eating boats.

Herb Jacobsen, if he's still in the area, is one person I can reccomend. Of course its Bob's playground.

A month ago, I emailed Bob to ask him if he had read Steve P's Hoh River Journal. He said he had and added that the river had changed quite a bit since the book's publication. He also stated that guide Herb Jacobsen had moved out of this state some time ago. Nonetheless, Hoh River Journal is an informative and beautifully photographed book...a "reel" pleasant read.