Big River around Jefferson County

[jak1717]

Would getting around in a 17-52 w/ a 90/60 jet be do able?  Thanks for input.

 

 

[Cwallis]

We run all the way to Cherokee landing in jets up until the low waters of summer. Pretty easy running from Browns ford down river. Around Washington state park and upriver It takes some experience in a boat. 

[Al Agnew]

Cwallis is right, it's seasonal...though I hate to hear he's running all the way to Cherokee Landing...in my opinion, the river above Blackwell should be off-limits to jetboats because it is so narrow and the wakes can cause a lot of damage.  There are narrow riffles with logs and such throughout Big River, requiring a lot of experience to run safely when the water starts getting low.  And those riffles change from flood to flood.  I have run it below Washington State Park quite a bit over the years, and it's not unusual to come upon spots that are downright scary in normal water levels, where you have to jump logs or make very precise moves to get through.  As a general rule, look at the Richwoods gauge, and if it's flowing less than about 300 cfs, it's going to be really tricky.

[Smalliebigs]

13 hours ago, Al Agnew said:

Cwallis is right, it's seasonal...though I hate to hear he's running all the way to Cherokee Landing...in my opinion, the river above Blackwell should be off-limits to jetboats because it is so narrow and the wakes can cause a lot of damage.  There are narrow riffles with logs and such throughout Big River, requiring a lot of experience to run safely when the water starts getting low.  And those riffles change from flood to flood.  I have run it below Washington State Park quite a bit over the years, and it's not unusual to come upon spots that are downright scary in normal water levels, where you have to jump logs or make very precise moves to get through.  As a general rule, look at the Richwoods gauge, and if it's flowing less than about 300 cfs, it's going to be really tricky.

agreed there Al.....isn't there a bridge you have to portage around about half way up from Blackwell to Cherokee???...or I guess you guys are putting in there?? if so  that's kinda lame.

My wife and I have looked at the land for sale at the low bridge twice.....and it just seems like a weird spot but we like it

[Cwallis]

If you’re talking about the bridge by tiff/Blackwell around the Dickinson farms. We just duck and go under it. I used to live on the river right above there. Believe it or not it gets quite a bit of jet boat use. No different then the guys running the upper meremac or any other smaller river. Understand the concern but I have sold my jet regretfully and was looking at buying a new one but figured I’d try kayaking for a bit. 

[Cwallis]

What do you mean that’s kinda lame. Am I seriously going to be ridiculed because of running a shallow water boat in shallow water. Isn’t that the purpose of a jet. I take it either of you have never went through a narrow shallow spot in a river sending devastating wakes. If you have shame on you for throwing rocks in a glass house. Mind blowing. 

[Flysmallie]

3 hours ago, Cwallis said:

What do you mean that’s kinda lame. Am I seriously going to be ridiculed because of running a shallow water boat in shallow water. Isn’t that the purpose of a jet. I take it either of you have never went through a narrow shallow spot in a river sending devastating wakes. If you have shame on you for throwing rocks in a glass house. Mind blowing. 

You aren't the one being lame. 

[Cwallis]

Thanks pard. I must have missed the purpose of a jet boat. Back to the original question. I know this river like the back of my hand from council bluff to Merrill horse and fish it A LOT. I would assume if you have any experience running a jet you’ll be fine. From browns ford down at least. 

[Cwallis]

Not to beat a dead horse but I am curious Al.... how much of a wake do you really send in shallow narrow water?  If memory serves me right it seems like I’ve always noticed a lot bigger wakes where the river widens and deepens a bit. You know where they have a chance to build. If that’s true I would think a person is causing more damage in the bigger parts of a river. Enlighten me please for I’m misinformed. 

[Chief Grey Bear]

3 hours ago, Flysmallie said:

You aren't the one being lame. 

Not being lame at all. 

Fishing the exclusive private waters of the club without being granted membership - guilty. 😘