Hal
12/10/2007 10:37:00 PMTrust me , there is current there. Ive seen 6mph drifts. Your lucky they didnt open the flow more, I wouldnt suggest doing that again in a float-tube.
Anglinarcher
12/12/2007 10:56:00 AMI am going to second the last comment. YOU GOT VERY VERY LUCKY. I am a contractor that will be replacing the trash boom cable next year, and I have done a substantial amount of research on the current flows. I also watched it every day when I paved the parking lot area at the mitigation area. I know what I'm talking about.
Six MPH drifts are not at all uncommon. I have seen the lake raise, and lower, as much as 5 feet, twice a day, during the summer months. When they get a call for power and kick the turbines open, that water screams out near the trash boom. When they close the gates, the water almost stops as the lake starts to come back up.
Do not take a float tube out again near the trash boom. Brandt's landing is ok if you don't mind walking back to the put in point. You can always work to shore if the current kicks in.
Now, about the fish, you may have hit one of the big 15 # I have seen caught out of that place. You have got to love this lake.
Six MPH drifts are not at all uncommon. I have seen the lake raise, and lower, as much as 5 feet, twice a day, during the summer months. When they get a call for power and kick the turbines open, that water screams out near the trash boom. When they close the gates, the water almost stops as the lake starts to come back up.
Do not take a float tube out again near the trash boom. Brandt's landing is ok if you don't mind walking back to the put in point. You can always work to shore if the current kicks in.
Now, about the fish, you may have hit one of the big 15 # I have seen caught out of that place. You have got to love this lake.
jdawg
12/13/2007 2:08:00 AMAnglinarher, How safe is it to fish near the trash boom in an aluminum boat with trolling motor and 9 hp outboard? I haven't been to the lake yet myself, but I'm planning a trip in January. If you were coming from Spokane what is a good place to fish/ put in if your boat is SLOW? Thanks.
rodeobrandon
12/17/2007 9:10:00 PMWe're looking to take a couple 6 y/o boys over to Rufus Woods around x-mas in our 20' fishing boat. I've never been there, coming from Coeur d'Alene. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I've read through some of the posts and didn't see much referencing location? The kids thank you for the help! If you want to email it privately, you can to brandon@northwestcoverall.com
Anglinarcher
12/19/2007 6:31:00 PMjdawg, sorry for not following the thread for awhile. You should be ok at the log boom buoys if your boat moves faster than a fast walk. Otherwise, you will be pushed up against the buoys until the water slows down - not a good thing. At this time of year, you could put in at the public launch and boat upstream and be just fine. The current can be strong, but not dangerous, if you go upstream.
rodeobrandon, look for Bridgport Washington on the map. It is very easy to find your way to the launch from there. In fact, from the highway, turn left and you enter Bridgport, turn right and you are on the Corps of Engineers road that leads to the ramp.
rodeobrandon, look for Bridgport Washington on the map. It is very easy to find your way to the launch from there. In fact, from the highway, turn left and you enter Bridgport, turn right and you are on the Corps of Engineers road that leads to the ramp.
jdawg
12/22/2007 3:54:00 PMNo worries Anglinarcher. Thanks for the information. I think I'll take a little trip down there over the Christmas break. Hopefully I'll hook into one of those 15 pounders. I'll strap it to the front of my truck like a deer and drive through town nice and slow. ;-) Cheers and Merry Christmas to all!