Jim Allen
Steelhead
Floated the Farmlands section of the Yakima River yesterday in my 9ft Watermaster pontoon. I have floated this section of the river hundreds of times in all conditions in my driftboat, but choose to get the old pontoon out for the day.
It was a beautiful day on the river and fishing was good. I was enjoying my day until.....I under estimated the force of the flow in a pinch point with a branch/log projecting out about 20ft and about 3ft above the river.
The branch was blocking all but about a 10ft section of river. Within seconds I was in trouble. I was quickly pinned up against the bank with the front of the pontoon under the large branch. The flow was trying to swamp my pontoon. I very quickly bailed off the pontoon and scrambled onto the bank. After the panic settled. I was able to shimmy out on the branch and recover my equipment and rods.
I then herd a voice yelling "are you ok?". It was a lone fisherman in a driftboat who stopped to help. In short I shimmied back onto the log and was as able to use my legs to push my pontoon under the log. As the pontoon popped free under the log I was able to rope the pontoon so this individual could secure it on the opposite bank. Then this individual rowed his driftboat into a small opening just down stream from me, secured his boat and came to assist me with my gear and get me out of this very dangerous situation.
I was so very lucky my stupidity didn't cost me so much more possibly my life. In hind sight I could have so easly got off my pontoon and walked it safely past the danger as this is what I would have done if I was in my driftboat.
This individuals name was Mr. Will Beggs. He is very new to the area (15 days). He told me that he has been a guide for 10 years. He was learning the river. Mr. Beggs actions were a direct reflection of his character. I have no idea what I would have done if Mr. Beggs had not been there. I have to give him a shout out. So if your looking for a guide with exceptional character on the Yakima River here is Mr. Beggs contact information:
Will Beggs
Chasingnativetrout@yahoo.com
770-561-1245
Thank you Will I am indebted.
It was a beautiful day on the river and fishing was good. I was enjoying my day until.....I under estimated the force of the flow in a pinch point with a branch/log projecting out about 20ft and about 3ft above the river.
The branch was blocking all but about a 10ft section of river. Within seconds I was in trouble. I was quickly pinned up against the bank with the front of the pontoon under the large branch. The flow was trying to swamp my pontoon. I very quickly bailed off the pontoon and scrambled onto the bank. After the panic settled. I was able to shimmy out on the branch and recover my equipment and rods.
I then herd a voice yelling "are you ok?". It was a lone fisherman in a driftboat who stopped to help. In short I shimmied back onto the log and was as able to use my legs to push my pontoon under the log. As the pontoon popped free under the log I was able to rope the pontoon so this individual could secure it on the opposite bank. Then this individual rowed his driftboat into a small opening just down stream from me, secured his boat and came to assist me with my gear and get me out of this very dangerous situation.
I was so very lucky my stupidity didn't cost me so much more possibly my life. In hind sight I could have so easly got off my pontoon and walked it safely past the danger as this is what I would have done if I was in my driftboat.
This individuals name was Mr. Will Beggs. He is very new to the area (15 days). He told me that he has been a guide for 10 years. He was learning the river. Mr. Beggs actions were a direct reflection of his character. I have no idea what I would have done if Mr. Beggs had not been there. I have to give him a shout out. So if your looking for a guide with exceptional character on the Yakima River here is Mr. Beggs contact information:
Will Beggs
Chasingnativetrout@yahoo.com
770-561-1245
Thank you Will I am indebted.
