Potholes Tips

[ST42]

Gents,
I'm planning my first run, Ever, over to the potholes / win. waste way  next week. I mostly hunt down on the Columbia out of Cathlamet. My boat drafts 4" loaded with two guys, deeks, and dog. I'm running a short shaft prop. Is the prop going to be a huge handicap? A fellow at work hunted out there about 8 years ago, and said he was able to run a prop on the north end of Winchester WW. I've been hitting google earth pretty hard and it looks like there is a launch south of I90 on Dobbs Rd. Can a guy run a prop in those channels? Anyone ever camp and launch from the State Park on Potholes? Any tips on launches, water depth, and etc. would be appreciated.
Thanks,
STS

[Mfowl]

The launch is off Dodson Rd. On the south side of I-90. I've never run my boat there but plenty of guys do. You may want to do a daylight run first to scout it out. Somewhere back in there there is a refuge as well. So scouting will help you there as well.

[Skillet]

I put my jonboat with a shortshaft prop in at Dodsond  before.  The main channel is fine, but if you stray from it in some of the flooded areas you'll get stuck (I'll give you one guess how I know).  There were a bunch of guys hunting out of there when I was doing it, so you have to go dang early to get a spot.  I wouldn't even try it without scouting in daylight and laying a GPS track first, tho, unless you have a clear sky and full moon.

Just my 

[Bill W]

Only two car/trailer rigs in the Dodson parking lot last Saturday.

[LndShrk]

Size of boat?

Here is my advice take it for what it is worth.

Go Scouting prior to just running over there and running in blind. There are a significant number of hunters that visit the area and most already know the area well and have plans. Nothing disrupts the day more than someone with no prior knowledge coming through / getting stuck in the middle of a hunt.

As far as a prop in the Winchester can it be done? I am certain someone has and will do it. Is it recommended by me? Nope lots of mud and shallow areas out there. Sure you can do it depending on the size and type of boat but one wrong maneuver and it is going to be a looong day.


As for the main reservoir it is a big lake and again will be dependent upon boat size etc.. It can and will get windy and can stir up the lake real good. At any rate. Go out and learn the navigation paths during the day prior to trying to run it at dark. It will save you allot of time and headache.

If you intend to hunt this area plan to spend several years in scouting mode. It is a big place and there are many things that will have an impact on where birds are / arn't

State park is a good launch I am not sure what the water level on the big lake is at the moment but it should be on the rise.

[hntrspud]

I would stick with the north end of Winchester right now. I am not 100% sure of when they start letting water into the upper potholes, but its still a bit shallow on the northern end of potholes. I do see a few guys hit Upper Crab creek with boats.

[ST42]

Thanks Gents. Yep, I will absolutely be making my initial runs in the day light. Ducks are a labor of love, and I have no intention of being, "That Guy" and screwing up a guys hunt. Believe me, I've seen it many times. I'm not to overly concerned about the bigger water as I run a TDB. It has proven itself many times chasing sea ducks and in the bigger water of the Columbia.

[Brad Harshman]

Sounds like you're getting good advice here.  Let me help you harvest birds.  Bring your decoys - all of them.  Many guys run 6-10 dozen decoys.  The area is so big and there's so many hublnters you have to have lots of decoys for the birds to even look your way.  And finally be prepared to increase your tolerance for early shooters and skybusters.  Its a zoo.  I live in Moses Lake and rarely hunt it for these reasons. Hope you find success.

[Badhabit]

Check the Quality Hunt areas in the Basin. Once you have scouted them and know which ones have birds be prepared to spend the night in your truck at the gate to get a good spot. Be prepared to move out once you turn the truck off cuz the other vehicles behind you will probably have a runner to beat everyone to the x blind.

[Bill W]

Gents,
I'm planning my first run, Ever, over to the potholes / win. waste way  next week. I mostly hunt down on the Columbia out of Cathlamet. My boat drafts 4" loaded with two guys, deeks, and dog. I'm running a short shaft prop. Is the prop going to be a huge handicap? A fellow at work hunted out there about 8 years ago, and said he was able to run a prop on the north end of Winchester WW. I've been hitting google earth pretty hard and it looks like there is a launch south of I90 on Dobbs Rd. Can a guy run a prop in those channels? Anyone ever camp and launch from the State Park on Potholes? Any tips on launches, water depth, and etc. would be appreciated.
Thanks,
STS

Was your work buddy talking about the north end of Winchester Wasteway or Winchester Lake?   I've seen prop boats (and had them out) on Winchester Lake.   It's north on Dodson, then a left on Road 3 and a long "wiggle" back to Winchester Lake.    It's an excellent spot for a dedicated coot hunter.

[BiggLuke]

The launch is off Dodson Rd. On the south side of I-90. I've never run my boat there but plenty of guys do. You may want to do a daylight run first to scout it out. Somewhere back in there there is a refuge as well. So scouting will help you there as well.

If you've never hunted the north end.... you can get lost VERY easy in the dark. There are lots of beaver dams and shallow sand bars that can destroy a boat, or get you stuck. I've been hunting there since I was a little boy, and can say that I can get out there wth no difficulties.... but, It took lots of practice. You really should try launching at noon and going for an evening hunt to famillize your self with the water.
If you go to the south end... water is much deeper. And much easier.