Chehalis basin rivers

[kbyers]

I was wondering if anyone had any input on running a sled on the Satsop or the Hump.  I have drifted the Satsop a couple times in a drift boat but my buddy just sold his and I was hoping to fish either of these rivers in the next week or so.  What I have seen of the Satsop it can be done and I was thinking a launch low and run up type of thing.  I would like to have options when I go over there so I was wondering if anyone had any tips for the Hump, like where to launch and how far up I should run if I can't make it all the way to the hatchery.  Thanks guys, and I might have an open seat if anyone wants to pitch in for gas money.

[Button Nubbs]

I wouldn't run a sled on the hump. It can get a little nasty in spots espically if the water drops. Plus you'll probably have some trailer bearings packed with sand when you return

[WSU]

Sleds on the hump are definitely frowned upon.  The satsop has sleds from the west fork down.  Many run up past the west fork, but that is frowned upon (although less than sleds on the Hump).  There are some skinny spots on the Satsop, and watch for the submerged concrete blocks just up from the highway launch.  Looks like it could sink a boat if you aren't careful.

[sirmissalot]

Sleds are always frowned upon by bankies and driftboat/pontoon guys. If you take a sled up the hump you are asking to get shot, and you might get your wish. The satsop you'll just piss a bunch of guys off, but like said above parts of it are doable, maybe not the best idea though. Run up until you start seeing bank fisherman and drift boats, be courteous and don't run over their holes. Both rivers are doing well.

[BigGoonTuna]

no matter what you do, you're always going to piss someone off on the river.

i see sleds on both rivers.  it's more widely accepted on the satsop than the hump, but there are a handful of locals that fish their small sleds(14-16') down on the lower river.  don't think you'd be making too many friends if you tried going upriver where the drift boat circus goes on, though.  word to the wise, the lower hump is pretty gnarly, down by the rayonier hole there are some really nasty log piles that i can barely even maneuver my 14' alaskan through...couldn't imagine doing it in a "normal size" sled!

you won't have a problem on the mainstem satsop, but the east fork is a tiny river, i wouldn't recommend going up there if you have a big boat(and i don't care much for taking mine up there anyway).  lots of productive water on the main part of the river.

the wynoochee isn't a bad bet if you don't mind playing bumper boats, from january onward it's a real freak show, crawling with big guide sleds.  i don't bother taking my boat there usually, i either fish the upper river from the bank or wait until summer runs show up.

[kbyers]

Thanks for the words of wisdom guys.  It sounds like if I go it will be the Satsop and probably mid week.  Don't know if mid week will matter but I would assume there will be less people.  Thanks again and I will post pictures if I go.

[WSU]

Or don't post pictures that show where you went.  I love seeing pictures, but not with the place identified.  There are enough people that fish these rivers.....

[kingpin]

What's the big beef with running a sled on the hump these days?? Been fishing it for over 20 years. Always a sled or two above Reynvans. BIG DEAL!! There is plenty of water here. I just don't see the issue.   

[BigGoonTuna]

it's a river that draws mobs of pugetropolis fishermen and they think outboard motors aren't supposed to exist off the I-5 corridor

you'll never hear anyone complain about running sleds on the wishkah or hoquiam rivers...

[WSU]

My complaint on all those rivers is they get damn small in places.  Last year I about got run over floating just below Schafer. 

[eggster]

I like to fish the satsop in my sled between the chehalis and the forks. Theres a ton of productive water between those two spots. Were usually done before the drift boats show up down by the hiway launch. And half the time itll just be us and a couPle other boats working the area. The chehalis is a good bet to. Launch at the confluence of the satsop and run up. The nooch gets crowded but it can be lights out if you hit it right. Good luck where ever you go, post some pics.