Wooden Boat People

By McKenzieDriftBoat.com

Owyhee River Info Needed!

Some boating buddies and I are trying to plan a Rome to Birch Creek float somewhere around the middle of May. None of us have ever been down this river before, so we are gathering info on this section from anybody who has. From what I heave read, our mid May launch is somewhat late for this runoff only river. Would anybody here hazard a guess as to what kind of flows we may be looking at? We're also looking for a reliable shuttle service if there is one?

Mike

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Permalink Reply by E. Landis on March 18, 2009 at 3:11pm
You will want about 1,000 CFS on the rome guage. Higher is fine because the rapids are not much bigger in this stretch at higher flows. We have done it as low as 400, but it is very boney, and rubber boats are a better option. Mid May may still be fine depending on the speed of the run off. The River went from 300 CFS to 7,000 CFS yesterday. You may want to call Dan Thomas the river ranger at the BLM Vale office about shuttles.
Permalink Reply by Mike Dearing on March 18, 2009 at 3:18pm
Thanks for the info. I will be floating in my raft, it hauls way more gear. We got some info yesterday from somebody else that said 800 was the bottom for rafts?

Thanks again,

Mike
Permalink Reply by David Jensen on March 19, 2009 at 9:26am
I have used Kenny Haylett of Jordan Valley for many shuttles. I do not have his number here, but information or google should hook you up. Another source of info is Mitsy, the longtime owner of the JV Club, who knows everyone in the county. Mid May should be a good time. The Big Loop Rodeo is in May, and the little town of Jordan Valley is alive with Buckeroos and Basques.
Permalink Reply by Mike Dearing on March 19, 2009 at 3:19pm
David,

Thanks for the information I really appreciate it.

Mike
Permalink Reply by David Jensen on March 20, 2009 at 10:07am
Mike, Kenny Haylett is living in Homedale, ID the last info. we on the McKenzie have. It is close to Rome, and he is still doing shuttles. I'll try to check tonight with Jeff Helfrich to get Kenny's phone.
David
Permalink Reply by David Jensen on March 20, 2009 at 8:55pm
OK, Mike, what I won't do to help someone adventurous to do the Owyhee in spring. Haylett is in Mountain Home, ID. Shuttled last year for Jeff Helfrich on a commercial trip. $125/rig. 208-459-1292.You will love the river. I've boated when it snowed on us one morning, 70 degrees next day. Spring in the desert! Green canyon, blue canyon, and black canyon are spectacular. Tell Kenny hello, have a few rounds at the JV Club, a nd enjoy an experience you won't forget.
Permalink Reply by David Jensen on March 20, 2009 at 8:59pm
OK, Mike, what I won't do to help someone adventurous to do the Owyhee in spring. Haylett is in Mountain Home, ID. Shuttled last year for Jeff Helfrich on a commercial trip. $125/rig. 208-459-1292.You will love the river. I've boated when it snowed on us one morning, 70 degrees next day. Spring in the desert! Green canyon, blue canyon, and black canyon are spectacular. Tell Kenny hello, have a few rounds at the JV Club, and enjoy an experience you won't forget.
Permalink Reply by Mike Dearing on March 20, 2009 at 9:08pm
Thanks a ton David, this is exactly the information I needed.

I really appreciate it, now as long as the snow gods keep the river flowing long enough to be up when we want go I should be set.

I actually wanted to run the upper section, but was vetoed by the rest of my crew, oh well maybe next year.

Thanks Again,

Mike

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