Floating the Smokey - Raft or drift boat

[LorneH.]

Thinking of making a plan for next fall to put in at the Grande Cache bridge and take out at the Sheep creek campground. Just wondering if this stretch has any dangers to look out for(doesn't seem too bad from driving the highway)? Also would it be suitable for a Hyde drift boat or if a raft would be better?
Thanks.

[3blade]

Do a search on here. Comes up every year.

You MIGHT get a raft down, but you should be physically able to do some wading and dragging. You also might get stuck and have to walk out. Depends on the day. You’re close enough to the highway all the way that it won’t be life threatening, just a long walk.

Take a serious rifle for the big furry unicorn bears “that don’t exist in Alberta” according to the government, they dump the problem ones from k-country in that neighborhood.

[Fingerling]

Such a big, mysterious turquoise river!
Drifting through the mine section, in September, would be sublime: an abrupt clash of resource extraction/industry vs. wilderness. And spectacular angling!

Go!

[1/2 oz Bucktail]

Easy float for a raft. May need to walk the boat around the Hell's Creek rapids at the gun range if water levels are low. I have personally done that float at least a dozen times in both large pontoon/rafts and single man inflatable boats.

[Outbound]

How long would this float take? Seems like it would be a fun trip.

[nicholast]

Seems fun af..

[1/2 oz Bucktail]

The float would take anywhere between 4-6 hours. All depends on how much time is spent fishing each run, pool, etc. The gate to the Sheep Creek campground is usually locked sometime around mid October, so late season floats would require carrying the boat out to the gate. I also wouldn't worry too much about dangerous wildlife, unless you plan on wandering away from you boat.

[MooseRiverTrapper]

Originally Posted by 3blade

Do a search on here. Comes up every year.

You MIGHT get a raft down, but you should be physically able to do some wading and dragging. You also might get stuck and have to walk out. Depends on the day. You’re close enough to the highway all the way that it won’t be life threatening, just a long walk.

Take a serious rifle for the big furry unicorn bears “that don’t exist in Alberta” according to the government, they dump the problem ones from k-country in that neighborhood.

Have you been on this stretch of river before?

[Outbound]

Originally Posted by 1/2 oz Bucktail

The float would take anywhere between 4-6 hours. All depends on how much time is spent fishing each run, pool, etc. The gate to the Sheep Creek campground is usually locked sometime around mid October, so late season floats would require carrying the boat out to the gate. I also wouldn't worry too much about dangerous wildlife, unless you plan on wandering away from you boat.

That's not bad. I have a FishCat Cougar would which would be perfect for this trip. I'll have to add this to the list.