Drifting the Mokelumne (sea lion free?)

**Desmo13** · 01-21-2018, 07:42 PM

Drifted the American Saturday. 1 Fish, 4 Sea Lions.

Thinking I want to try the MoKe. any advice on Launch/Takeout/shuttle, flies etc?

Mokelumne River day use area to Stillman Magee Park / Mackville road?

**POPPOP** · 01-21-2018, 07:55 PM

You have to put your drift boat over a wood gate then drag to over the rocks and gavel for about 60'. Then you have to make arrange ments with caretaker at take out for him to open the gate (20 bucks) or drag the boat 150 feet up hill. So it needs quite a bit of planing and work to plan the trip

**k9mark** · 01-22-2018, 01:11 AM

My advice is to drift it in a kayak or pontoon. Drift boat is too much for that river.

**Bill Kiene semi-retired** · 01-22-2018, 09:22 AM

Small raft, canoe, kayak or pontoon boat sounds good.

Floating from the Hatchery to Mackville Road in canoe...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl_2ZSJhosQ&t=2s

**JayDubP** · 01-22-2018, 10:06 AM

Hard shell is better than inflatable on the Moke -- depending on flow, there could be lots of branches, etc underwater that could puncture an inflatable. It would be a difficult hike out.

Moke is gentle float, but lots of snags.

Canoe would be best and SOT kayak would be great.

**Bill Kiene semi-retired** · 01-22-2018, 10:40 AM

I think they get a caddis hatch in March/April.

Maybe a Baetis hatch on foggy / overcast days in Jan/Feb.

Should have juvenile salmon in there now?

Do people get out of the PFD and wade fish?

.

**Rossflyguy** · 01-22-2018, 11:54 AM

River looks big enough for a Clackacraft. I’ve watched a video with a guide using a 16’ Jon boat with a jet drive to go up the Moke for Stripers. I’d use a power drifter to cruise that place.

**stefanoflo** · 01-22-2018, 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by Rossflyguy

River looks big enough for a clackacraft. I’ve watched a video with a guide using a 16’ Jon boat with a jet drive to go up the moke for striper. I’d use a power drifter to cruise that place.

Flows are too Low for any Drifting on a boat. 99% of those that I see are Kayaking or fishing In One. Did see a Fish and Game in a Driftboat Counting salmon carcasses last week ,but they where Dragging it allot in certain Spots . and they where in a Alumaweld Driftboat. Better play it safe in a Kayak or Canoe, You might end up Working harder and getting tired sooner from Dragging that drifboat than casting a Rod!!!