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Hooking Up Anglers Since 2011.
Fishing boats have been used on rivers across the world for thousands of years. A drift boat is an evolution of the open-water dory, converted for use in rivers. The design is characterized by a wide, flat bottom, flared sides, a narrow, flat bow, and a pointed stern. A rocker style design describes an arc from bow to stern along the bottom of the boat. It is this constant rocker that allows the boat to spin about its center for ease in maneuvering rapids. Drift boats are used across the West these days, especially on rivers like the Snake River. Prior to drift boats, rafts were the primary source of fishing western rivers. Rubber was used from military style boats and formed into smaller sized boats. Boat Design and River Conditions Modern boats are constructed of wood, aluminum, fiberglass, or polymer. Side wall height varies depending on the river: High-sided boats — best for whitewater or larger groups, while keeping guests dry Low-profile boats — great do-everything boats that can handle a class 3 rapid or a small creek Skiffs — the optimal small-river boat, usually with a square bow and stern; they also perform well in windy conditions thanks to the low profile These boats are commonly used on guided fly fishing trips throughout the region. Wooden Drift Boats Wood boats offer a classic look but are heavier and require a significant amount of maintenance. The term Mckenzie River Boats described some of the first wooden drift boats that were invented on the McKenzie River. There is a wooden boat festival each year towards the end of April, where guides showcase their designs and construction materials. Aluminum Drift Boats Aluminum boats are used a lot in the Northwest for steelhead fishing, these predated fiberglass and were found to take the hit of a rock much better than their wooden counterparts. The other major advantage is the heaters that can be embedded into the boats to keep people warm during winter months, which run off of propane and can really make a difference on the water. Disadvantages are that they can stick to rocks in certain places and are noisy, which can sometimes spook trout in riffles. Fiberglass Drift Boats Fiberglass has become the more popular choice for its durability, ease of maintenance, and quiet ride, making it a good all-around option. All of the drift boats used at Wandering Angler are fiberglass. The Clackacraft Drift boats that we primarily use have dimples on the bottom that create an air and henceforth less resistance to the water. The three rod holders on each side of the rower have also really helped give the guides more options fly choices. Polymer Drift Boats Polymer boats have come onto the market in the past 20 years with mixed reviews. With a double sidewall and a foam core, some of them retain water within the walls, making them very heavy. Heat can also cause the plastic to melt if the boat were to come in contact with it. Boulder Boat Works and Hog Island Drift Boats are great options in this category. Choosing the Right Boat for Your Fly Fishing Trip No matter the boat you choose or the boat your guide uses, all of them work great for accessing more miles on the river. At Wandering Angler we offer various sizes of fiberglass drift boats, so give us a call to discuss what size is best for your trip. If you’re planning a day on the water, check out our guided fly fishing trips or connect with our team on the contact page. Frequently Asked Questions About Snake River Fly Fishing Boats What is a drift boat and why is it used for fly fishing? A drift boat is a flat-bottomed river boat with flared sides and a rocker-style hull that allows the boat to pivot and maneuver easily in moving water. This design helps guides position anglers in the best spots while floating downstream, making it one of the most popular fly fishing boats in the West. What’s the difference between a drift boat and a skiff? A skiff is generally lower-profile than a traditional drift boat and often has a square bow and stern. Skiffs perform especially well on smaller rivers or windy days because they sit lower in the water and catch less wind, while drift boats offer more sidewall height for bigger water or whitewater sections. Which material is best for a drift boat? Each material has its advantages: Wood — classic look, higher maintenance Aluminum — durable and great for rocky rivers Fiberglass — lightweight, quiet, and easy to maintain Polymer — modern construction with mixed reviews At Wandering Angler, we prefer fiberglass boats for their balance of comfort, performance, and quiet handling on the water. Do I need experience to fish from a drift boat? Not at all. Most anglers who fish from drift boats are beginners or intermediate fishermen. Your guide handles rowing, positioning, and river navigation so you can focus on casting and enjoying the water. Why choose a guided fly fishing trip instead of fishing from shore? Drift boats allow you to access more miles of river, reach untouched water, and fish productive runs that are difficult to reach from shore, all while your guide handles rowing and navigation.
The post Types of Fly Fishing Boats on the Snake River appeared first on Wandering Angler.
This Fishing Report was submitted on 12/30/2025 7:46:31 PM by Seamus and last updated on 1/3/2026 8:52:26 PM.
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