Late Archery Float/ Upper Yakima River Elk

[Bighorse]

Hello,

I've been thinking about using the upper Yakima river durring the late Archery Spike/Cow season the first part of Dec. 

Are there stretches in there of major concern  (Sweepers, rapids, waterfalls, jams,ect...) That I wouldn't be able to navigate with Pro Pioneer Inflatable?

Are there animals in there say between Cle Elum and Thorp on the Yakima River durring this late season? 
I'm thinking that around Thorp there is nothing  and I should be pulling out about the level of the Teanaway. 
 
Where would a good put in be?

If I seriously persue this I'll be doing a scouting run.

I have experience with float hunting too and have run the Farmlands of the Yak a few times.

I don't mind the traditional aproach of getting back on foot but I thought the potential for a really nice hunting experience might be had durring a float.  Any feedback will be appreciated.

Thanks

[boneaddict]

Well, I've done some insane things, but this might rate up there.  No info for you other than that stretch of river can be very dangerous.  Good luck!

[Cougeyes]

Sent you a pm, lots of elk during that time there, but yes....can be dangerous!

[Little Fish]

Sounds like a great way to get away from people. If it were me, the first thing I'd do is call one of the fly fishing shops in the Ellensburg area and ask your questions. Those guys can probably give you a pretty good idea of what you are up against. You might even arrangement a shuttle for your truck so it is ready and waiting for you at your pullout.

[jackelope]

http://www.tightlinesangling.com/index.htm

they will be able to warn you of issues on the river, and they do shuttles.
they know their stuff there.
thats a cool boat you've got.

[boneaddict]

It seems a couple pontoon boats went down in there this summer and a couple folks drowned and one or two went down back to back and they go out.  I don't know, I might b getting my stories mixed up.

[jackelope]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,676.0.html

[Bighorse]

Thanks for the suggestions.....

I'll be contacting the eburg fly shops and see what I can figure out for common access points.

I've got another person onboard for this hunt so I've got a shuttle system planned.

You people are great.....Thanks

[M_ray]

I have floated it but it was 10 years ago so I wont be much help for you on current trouble spots as it is allways changing up there. I can tell you unless you are very experienced and have highly maneuverable watercraft (probably pontoons)I wouldn't suggest trying it, I worked my tail off just to get through most of it in a drift boat. And another thought is that allot of the shoreline is private you need to be aware that if you drop something you will most likely be tresspassing to get it back to the boat. I have a friend that has lots of property lower on the river and constantly has to deal people down there doing this he finds wounded animals on his place that guys are not able to retrieve. Not trying to rain on your parade just something to think about.

[bankwalker]

may be alot higher up river then you want. but i seen a few elk around the nelson siding road exit along the river on the unit 335 side of I-90 and usually see alot of elk in there when the heavy snows hit which well...they are now. so the elk should be on the move this week bigtime