Drift Boat On Upper Illinois?

[sean c]

I was wanting to do some smallmouth float fishing out of my drift boat and was wondering if it would be doable on the upper Illinois or any of the other smallie rivers in that part of the state. Any help would be much appreciated.

Sean

[OKFlyFisher44]

Just depends on the river level. This time of the year...the rivers are pretty low so it'd be questionable I'd think. There's some stretches where you'd be fine and other stretches where you might have to get out and portage a bit. Another thing is the drift boat might be a little "overkill" for floating some of the smallie rivers. Elk River would be fine for it but some of the smaller creeks/rivers....a canoe would be better.

I hate to report this because I'm looking at buying a drift boat next year and I'm starting to wonder if it'd really be worth it on some streams. Maybe be better off buying a canoe or a kayak...

[Spiritwolf]

I have also been thinking about getting a drift boat or a raft with a casting frame.Was thinking of using it on the lower section below the dam when there running water.Has anyone tried fishing for trout this way when the rivers up?

[DaddyO]

Hopper (Gregg) has a drift boat. I wonder if he has ever tried to float the Lower Illinois?

[Hopper]

I have not drifted the lower, Greg Dodds (checkurfly.com) guides the upper with a drift boat. I'm actually thinking about putting in at Gore landing this weekend and chasing some stripers. Fished the White river below Cotter two weeks ago, lots of fish (Pic)

Gregg

[sean c]

Nice boat Gregg! Thanks for the info.

Sean

[Damselflies]

  On 8/20/2010 at 1:00 AM, Hopper said:

I have not drifted the lower, Greg Dodds (checkurfly.com) guides the upper with a drift boat. I'm actually thinking about putting in at Gore landing this weekend and chasing some stripers. Fished the White river below Cotter two weeks ago, lots of fish (Pic)

Gregg

Driftin' the White River was great, Thx, Sherrill

[Zack Hoyt]

Gregg, we need to get together on one of the waters.

[Hopper]

Zack,

sounds like a great idea, I fish almost every weekend anyway so lets plan something, I'm heading back to the white this weekend and plan on drifting from wildcat to cotter, have'nt drifted that section yet.

Gregg