Saw A Boat Flip On The Cowlitz Today

[highside74]

They were following us heading up river at the slot where the split at Blue Creek is. We were mid way to the next shallow spot when my boy shouts "That boat is flipping!" I glance up as it was turning sideways and starting to tumble. We did a quick 180 and started heading for them. The boat was completely under and being pushed by the river and the guys were swimming with everything they had to get to the shore at Blue creek. They were very lucky because they were fly fisherman wearing full chest waders. They were both wearing their belts which kept a lot of the water of the their waders. Once we were sure they were out of danger we went after their gear. We were able to save quite a bit actually. Then we went and gave them a ride back to the boat launch. Their was so much water in one the guys waders that I had to lift his legs in the boat one by one. Serious adrenaline rush for a few moments.

[Blacktail Sniper]

Good thing that you guys were there and seen it! 

Good job!!!

 

[TVHunts]

Crazy!  Glad you were there and they are safe.

[Platensek-po]

Wow!! Just fished it yesterday! Always soemthing crazy going on at blue creek

[zwickeyman]

Wow!! Just fished it yesterday! Always soemthing crazy going on at blue creek

Thats a fact

[TommyH]

Good on you for helping out. Good karma and tight lines coming your way.

[h2ofowlr]

Is that a small jet sled?  Did he slow down to quick and take a big gulp over the back?  Definately no flotation foam in that boat.

[highside74]

Is that a small jet sled?  Did he slow down to quick and take a big gulp over the back?  Definately no flotation foam in that boat.

Yeah 15ft boat with a 40hp outboard. He went to wide to the left  hit the bottim and pushed nose right, the the boat caught bottom again as it was turning sideways in the faster water and tumbled it right over

[Wa hunter]

Crazy, good job Highside.  Things happen quickly on moving water. Do you think they were overloaded or picked the wrong line?

[MtnMuley]

Goes to show how dangerous river running can be if you don't know the river. Even with a 40 hp. Glad you were there to help them out.

[highside74]

Crazy, good job Highside.  Things happen quickly on moving water. Do you think they were overloaded or picked the wrong line?

Wrong line missed the slot. After we picked them up and ran through the spot where he flipped he said he was a lot further left than our line.

[BigCutty3]

Your a stand-up dude highhside, way to set an example for your son, and some good karma coming your way.  The river claims boats every year, particularly in low flows.  She’s a different animal every day, can’t ever take her for granted.  I fished it on Saturday when it was 2500 and puckered up in a couple spots.

[2MANY]

Accidents happen but more frequently with bug chuckers.

[jamesfromseattle]

I don't always wear a wading belt...good reminder that I should. Stuff happens fast.

[Buckjunkie]

Nice work and quick reaction!