During the last spring and summer, I have spent a lot of time getting to know my new drift boat..first one. I'd like to thank all the folks I met out on the Cowlitz, sledders and drifter alike. You have all been more than helpfull and most courteous to a beginner who had alot of fun and made some mistakes where you were very forgiving. Now I'd really like to float the HOH. Any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm comfy with the boat and ready to move on. Don't need raging water yet, and really want to do well.Suggestions?

Beaner, Go for it, The Cottonwood to Barlows drift is easy to intermediate depending on the water level. Most of the fast water spots and log jam corners can be walked if your not comfortable running them. It has actually gotton easier since last year. If you have been running the Sky, Green, etc. This is a good next learing step.

Beaner, the Hoh river is a great drift. Especially in the upper section above Morgan's Crossing. I think that you would do fine. There is a few tricky sections just before you head into the canyon and a few spots just below the canyon just above Oxbow launch. If you pay really close attention to what you are doing and maybe get out of the boat to look at a few sections you should do fine. The lower river is not so bad at all, just give yourself plenty of time to pick you path. Good luck!

Hey Qwiksticks,
How was the hoh this past weekend.My fishin partner Big Linx spotted rig's with ya one day.Good luck, STRIKE ZONE

I would disagree with Brian on the upper section above 101 being an easy float for a beginner. Theres a reason a boat or 2 are lost just above the Oxbow boat ramp every year. This section is Intermediate to advanced intermediate.

Strikezone, Linx and the boys are a fun group to drink a whiskey and sit around the fire with, I really enjoyed meeting them. As far as fishing, Thursday was slow, lots of fish nothing biting, Friday and Saturday we had'em dialed in and did very well for such scratchy conditions. Big fish for the weekend was a 40 pounder.

[This message has been edited by QwikSticks (edited 10-18-2000).]

Beaner,
I would suggest you go through the canyon once with a someone else to get a feel for the river. I consider it definately an intermediate float. I went from Morgan's to Oxbow twice with a guide before running it myself. There was a bit of a pucker factor getting into and out of the canyon the first time (everything else is relatively straight forward), but nothing that couldn't be handled (I have been rowing a drift boat for three years).

When it doubt, I usually walk the boat through ... more of a reflection on my conservative approach I'm afraid than a reflection of the boat's ability to take the abuse. Just remember to keep your the rod tips in the boat, your head up, and set-up early.

Yah, Big Linx had said that he had met ya and enjoyed the company that you and your father in law provided.Goodluck, probly see ya the weekend of the 27th if your around.
STRIKE ZONE

go from oxbow to G&L nothing to worry about, you do need to watch the river after it splits as there can be new log jams after each high water.

Beaner,

I'm going to have to side with QuickSticks. Morgan's to the Oxbow really isn't good for someone new to a driftboat, especially if you've only been to the Cowlitz so far. The Oxbow to G&L shake is better water to get the feel of the river. Not that you'd have any problems with the canyon, but why risk it this early in your "career". Get on something smaller than the Cowlitz, but not as challenging as the the Morgan's/Oxbow drift. The Hoh isn't going anywhere, so you'd probably be better off getting a little more practice on the sticks before you give the canyon a try.

Fish on.....

I'm listenin' to you all and thanks for the advice. I have gone down the Wynoochee(with very low water. I had a friend who went along who has done a lot of white water work. Got some great help and advice. The best so far from all of you is "get out..walk..and look". You betcha! What about the area between Oxbow and Cottonwood? Though I do enjoy fishing, I want to learn the river and concentrate on getting down safely and then try the hook. Keep the advice comin' . I appreciate you all.
Beaner

Beaner, there is one little tricky spot right at Cottonwood. In low water it's worth paying attention as you have to go right down the middle of a chute and it leads you right at a logjam. In higher water you can probably stay to the right and sneak around the whole situation, and you can always be cautious and drag it down the shallow side. Anyway, it's not too bad, but as I said, it is something to look out for.

Thanks to all of you for your help and encouragement. I'll be waiting to se how the current conditions pan out with the river and will let you all know how things go.
Beaner