Lehigh River Float Question

[Stimey]

Some of you replied to my previous question in the gear section about buying a used drift boat. Thanks for all the recommendations, I ended up buying a used Hyde. Now another question:

I wanted to get out and start practicing driving the boat on the lehigh. My buddy will be helping me out, as he has experience in drift boats (mostly on West Branch). I researched some sections via a whitewater rafting website and it looks like the West Bowmanstown to Walnutport section would possibly be a good starting point (didn't look like there was too many rapids). One question I had though was (and it probably is a stupid one), it looks like there are Dams on most sections. Are there side channels that you could take drift boats or do you actually have to get out and portage the boat

Any thoughts on sections to start with and dealing with Dams would be appreciated.... Not concerned about fishing, not looking for "secret spots" just want to be as safe as possible

Thanks

 

[TDB]

Glen Onocko to Lehighton is a nice float with varying types of water that would be good for "practice". The problem you are going to have in the short term is WATER. I would recommend waiting for at least 800 cfs at Lehighton.

Congrats on the new rig.

T

 

[vcregular]

Like TBD said, wait till at least 800cfs on the Lehighton gage. There are no dams in the popular floating stretch from Glen Onoko to Walnutport.

 

[RyanR]

Stimey wrote:
Some of you replied to my previous question in the gear section about buying a used drift boat. Thanks for all the recommendations, I ended up buying a used Hyde. Now another question:

I wanted to get out and start practicing driving the boat on the lehigh. My buddy will be helping me out, as he has experience in drift boats (mostly on West Branch). I researched some sections via a whitewater rafting website and it looks like the West Bowmanstown to Walnutport section would possibly be a good starting point (didn't look like there was too many rapids). One question I had though was (and it probably is a stupid one), it looks like there are Dams on most sections. Are there side channels that you could take drift boats or do you actually have to get out and portage the boat

Any thoughts on sections to start with and dealing with Dams would be appreciated.... Not concerned about fishing, not looking for "secret spots" just want to be as safe as possible

Thanks

The dam information you have is probably old, in recent years several were removed (though maps on some of the agency websites still show the dams.) Now somebody correct me if I'm wrong but from the France E Walter Dam in White Haven down to Northampton I believe the river is now dam free.

I know if you float from Bowmanstown down to Walnutport you will no longer encounter a dam (the Palmerton area dam, which was removed, is one that still shows up on some website maps.) I've heard the ramp in Walnutport is not very good or easy to use. However they have been building a new ramp right below the bridge in Lehigh Gap/ Slatington. If its finished, that's not a bad first float from West Bowmanstown. Keep in mind there is a decent rapids section with larger rocks near Palmerton, its not rough boating but can pose obstacles to hard boats, especially in low water.

 

[afishinado]

Try floating a section of the D River. Don't forget to take your SMB rod and flies!

 

[SBecker]

As everybody else noted, there are no longer dams on the Lehigh from FEW-Northampton/Cementon. I think a good float for you would be from Bowmanstown - Walnutport but the water is low right now and could be problematic in a couple stretches. There are some good rapid sections in the Palmerton area and at Szoke Iron so just be careful. I do not think the boat ramp is finished at the Gap. The Boat ramp at Walnutport is horrible.

 

[gfen]

FWIW, I will gladly sit in the drift boat and help show you what its like to row some guy around in it all day long.

To sweeten the experience, I promise to not do a single helpful thing but offer plenty of critical advise on how you could better set me up for casts and how you caused me to miss that fish.

Let me know, I'm hoping to be that sort of helpful.

 

[trowpa]

gfen - be sure to make sure you have him untangle your line and re-tie for you. And then curse him out when you break off because his bloodknot didn't hold.

Perhaps he could also serve you some sandwhiches while you wait for risers.

 

[gfen]

Its like you've done it before, uncanny!

Tell ya what, you and I both can give him expert advice. In?

 

[trowpa]

in.

 

[FishOnCamp]

I wouldn't launch from Glen Onoko for your first trip, you will run through some heavier rapids then you will find down river. Try the drift from Lehighton to Bowmanstown or from Bowmanstown to Walnutport until you get used to the boat.
Enjoy your new boat.

 

[CLSports]

I would not launch your boat at Glen Onoko or Jim Thorpe. There are some tricky rapids past Jim Thorpe and then again just before Bowmanstown. The Bowmanstown one is very tricky. The river narrows and curves just beofre the bridge. I went through there in a kayak and a friend of mine as well as another person behind us bit it in that water.

Launch at Bowmanstown like you suggested. No dams and easier water.

 

[vcregular]

I would agree that the LR immediately below the Glen is sorta tricky and so is that rapid above the Bowmanstown bridge.

If you are really jonesin to get out on the LR, just splash the thing at the new ramp on river right below the Bowmanstown bridge. There is a big pool, and you can ge the manuevering/oar stroke situation down. Or just put the thing in a lake.

A few rock dings add character anyway...