Shallow water and rapids - how to get above them?

[catfighter]

So there's a place on the river near me where the musky fishing is really good, but there is not really a great way to get to it. You can't get above this area because there is a waterfall, so the only plausible way is to go upstream through about 3 rapids.

Problem is, I have an outboard and, although the boat can travel in about 5" of water, the motor will not.

Most of the water is knee-deep and traversable, but there are parts where the propeller is too far in the water. I do have a trolling motor that can be place just a few inches into the water, but the current is too powerful for that motor.

So what is the proper (or BEST) way to get above these rapids? In the summer time I can jump out and push/pull it, but that won't help me when the water is 30 degrees.

Other than getting a jet boat, let me know if anyone has had any experience with going up rapids.

Thanks!

 

[allinmygarage]

Re: Shallow water and rapids - how to get above them?

I have no experience with going up rapids but I do in shallow waters. They make air cooled outboards that we use on duck boats in MN to get in the reeds really well. Might not be a cheap answer for you. I know the air cooled outboards don?t even need to be in water. They can be treated the same was as a trolling motor only with more HP.

 

[allinmygarage]

Re: Shallow water and rapids - how to get above them?

Again not sure if this would work in rapids but here is what I am talking about. They go up to 35HP

http://www.beavertailfounders.com/motors.html

 

[catfighter]

Re: Shallow water and rapids - how to get above them?

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Shallow water and rapids - how to get above them?

The motors that can be run out of water, such as jets, air cooled, go-devils, etc. are better suited for light or no current, such as cutting through weeds. Regardless of the motor type, you have to have power in the water. If you are bucking current, and pull your motor out of the water, you will stop and turn immediately--and that means perhaps rolling, pinning on a rock and swamping, etc. You then have 20 minutes to live in 30* water.
Also, whether air-cooled, go-devil, whatever, if the prop hits a rock (as opposed to mud, weeds, even stumps) it breaks and off you go downstream.
Bottom line: bad idea.

 

[catfighter]

Re: Shallow water and rapids - how to get above them?

I see what you're saying. It's probably best to pull it from the bank it sounds like.

If I do end up trying to get upstream it's probably going to be for an overnight trip, in which case spending all day pulling it upstream [may] be worth it. . . .

Well, catching a 48" musky would definitely make it worth it.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Shallow water and rapids - how to get above them?

I see what you're saying. It's probably best to pull it from the bank it sounds like.

If I do end up trying to get upstream it's probably going to be for an overnight trip, in which case spending all day pulling it upstream [may] be worth it. . . .

Well, catching a 48" musky would definitely make it worth it.

Theres your answer

 

[rbh]

Re: Shallow water and rapids - how to get above them?

set up pull ropes and long line it through the rough parts

 

[catfighter]

Re: Shallow water and rapids - how to get above them?

RBH, that is genius, actually. I may have to go this route!

If I get knee boots I can probably pull the boat through all the rough parts with relative ease, come to think of it. There's only 3 rapids of any consequence.

The boat is also light enough to pole, though I haven't tried that in any kind of fast water yet. Might not be the best idea.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Shallow water and rapids - how to get above them?

Other than going to a jet, which works very for this application, it looks like you're walking it through that area.

 

[pmillar]

Re: Shallow water and rapids - how to get above them?

waders and a canoe? Or two kayaks maybe... one for you, one for the fish

 

[River - Runner]

Re: Shallow water and rapids - how to get above them?

If I get knee boots I can probably pull the boat through all the rough parts with relative ease, come to think of it. There's only 3 rapids of any consequence.

Sometimes I'm in similar situations on the upper Mississippi river. I'll get out with hip boots on and especially for cold or freezing water and do whatever it takes... pull, push, even lift my boat where I can through the shallows. When over and the boat will float, walk it to the shore line if needed to get further upriver to get in the boat before the current takes you back in the shallows. Don't use chest waders and wear a life jacket.
It works for me.

 

[catfighter]

Re: Shallow water and rapids - how to get above them?

Yelp, sounds like where there's a will there's a way. . . . push, pull, or tow.

Kayaks are an idea, but a 20" catfish will drag you around the river. I can imagine what a four-foot eating machine like a musky would do.

That was the reason for trying to get my tri-hull up there.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Shallow water and rapids - how to get above them?

There are outboard jet engines just for this purpose. They are horribly inefficient, but if you need to get through skinny water, you NEED a jet. A prop of any type will not work, the instant you smack it in to a rock once you are done for good.

 

[catfighter]

Re: Shallow water and rapids - how to get above them?

a OBJ would be the ultimate solution.

like this guy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKWSCH4iDPo&feature=related

Exactly what I'm looking for.

I'll start saving my pennies. lol

 

[nlain]

Re: Shallow water and rapids - how to get above them?

Check this guy, both ways in rapids

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpduQSVgt64&NR=1&feature=fvwp

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Shallow water and rapids - how to get above them?

This may sound on the bizaar side, but a buddy asked me for a couple of alarm panel batteries for a rig he put together for a similiar purpose. He re-spooled a light weight winch with longer smaller diameter cable, made a carrying case for it (with batteries), and now stands upstream and winches the boat towards himself. Works for him. Age and arthritis made it hard to do it manually.