Have a launch for the Smith River this coming Tuesday and the water level is currently 163 CFS. We have a 14 ft hyside and a 16 foot aire, are we screwed?
I've done it at 136, with a 12 foot bucket. Walked a lot but the fishing was great! after you hit Tenderfoot creek you'll have no troubles. But I'd pack lite, and get on the water early. You'll have some long days.
What might be the bigger issue is the weather. Snow Tuesday and cold nights in the 20's. We bagged a trip a week ago due to same stuff. I don't like dragging my boat in the snow.
Just got off the Smith yesterday. Put in Thursday at about 120 cfs. First 5 miles were okay, but miles 5-12 to our first camp were brutal. Probably dragging/pushing 100 times or more in that stretch. 14ft boat, pretty good gear pile...not so fun. Warm weather and some feeder creeks definitely helped reduce the dragging days 2-4 as flows prob hit 160 or so at Eagle Cr. yesterday.
I got off the Smith Sunday. Launched on Tuesday with 104 cfs and only made 5 miles the first afternoon...8 more miles the second day. Much better from Rock Creek on.
Had a great time but took one more day than planned. You can make it! Go for it!
Low water better than high. I went a few years ago when the epic flood hit. I took out at over 6000 cfs. Not as much fun, no fishing, but I can see the attraction of the float. Hope to do it again sometime at normal flowsl We did have the river to ourselves....
The smith has been open for fishing since we went 4/11.The creeks along the way however were not open. The rangers will inform you of the status of the creeks before you head out when they check licenses and do the pre trip meeting.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Mountain Buzz
639.4K posts
63.2K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to whitewater kayaking, boating, and rafting enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about safety, routes, gear, models, styles, gear swaps, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!