Chris,

Take the Hwy 12 Exit off I-5, go a few miles and turn right on Jackson Hwy and then left on Buckley rd. to get to the takeout (Mission Bar). Then when you leave, turn right on Singleton-Spencer Rd, which parallels the river. Put in at the trout hatchery just above Blue Cr. or, if you want a longer drift, put in at Barrier Dam. If you put in at Barrier Dam, you'll have to side drift and keep moving to cover the drift, although there's plenty of daylight this time of year. The guys above gave pretty good bait advice. If you're going to side-drift, tie your leaders LONG (5-6 ft) and use just enough lead to tick bottom every so often. Sometimes I'll drift down to Anderson bar across from Blue Cr. and get out and bank fish for the day and just blow through the rest of the drift to the takeout, since good numbers of fish stack in the hole there. The water is no sweat, but mind where you drop anchor, as the water moves pretty fast and DON'T anchor where the sleds are side drifting, unless you want to be glared at all day. Guys tuck tight up against the clay bank across from Anderson and drift fish, but the bank has sunk numerous boats in the past when chunks come down, although that happens most when it's raining. Anchoring along the clay bank and tossing a float/jig combo can also be productive.

Good luck


Fish on..........