20 Mile--Twenty Mile River do's and dont's???

[pedro]

20 Mile--Twenty Mile River do's and dont's???

Posted in fishing with no response...

So...I've been to 20 mile a couple of times in a couple of different boats. Did ok, but am looking for a general consensus or protocol for timing of launch and return as related to tides as I don't want to make the news. The "ramp" was in pretty rough shape last time I was there. Is it typical to put in on a rising tide and get out before the water is too low to make it difficult?
Was also wondering from those with experience when you found the action to be the best. Seemed the last time I was there we had launched just before high tide and the main river and sloughs got pretty cloudy. Maybe I just need to go further up? I've never been more than maybe 4 miles up. Don't need particular holes, but an "area" would really help and my wifey might be impressed...sloughs and tributaries or main river channel?

Pm or reply-thanks!

 

[slickwilly30]

I have only ran the 20 mile a few times. First time we went to Carmen Lake and then up the glacier fork and into the glacier. Glacier fork is not for people who value the bottoms of there boats unless they have plastic and carmen fork is easy for really any jet boat. The launch has never really been an issue even at low low tide for me. Its so hard packed that its possible to do right where the tidal flat almosts hits the road there is a relatively smooth launch there unlike the drop offs for the remainder of the bank at low tide. Never fished that area but have heard there is a hole on the northwest bank right below where the 20 Mile and Glacier forks come together. Which is about 6 miles up from the bridge. Hope this helps, what boat are you running.

 

[Kyle Negri]

I've never had an issue launching or trailering my 16' jon at peak low tide. I've seen people with larger rigs get their trailer tongues hung up pretty bad in the silt while trying to retrieve their boats. Some areas of the launch have 6-8" silt "cliffs" and as slick mentioned the silt there is pretty hard-packed. Just poke around for the gentlest sloping area to launch and you shouldn't have any issues in that regard.

As far as holes go, here's a number of shallow, clear-water sloughs that hold fish. Just check Bing Maps (better satellite imagery of the 20mile than google earth.) Regarding timing... just go further up. Once you get a couple miles up river the main channel isn't as tidally influenced.

Cheers.

 

[Daved]

Depends on your boat. The glacier side has lots of skinny sections. The clear side is good to run up, but gets skinny fast the further you go. It is pretty tight in some places and I have heard a few accounts of people having trouble with corners and obstacles when traveling back down stream. The inboards can go a ways up, trailering is harder. The smaller outboards give a little more wiggle room in navigation and trailering.

 

[pedro]

Thanks to all who responded. I currently have a 16' tunnel with a 60/40 jet and it is well suited to the river. I have a been able to get it in the water down there a couple of times since posting.
It is my understanding that the silver run can be bit later than other areas...? True? Due to my work schedule, I'm still hoping to get out within the next week and hope to find some fish. Again-any technique or areas to focus on this late in the season appreciated. Have had hit and miss success with spinners.

 

[FishGod]

I saw Beluga Whales a few days ago in Turnagain Arm. They are definitely chasing coho headed towards 20-Mile.