Near fatal Accident Fishing at Klamath River

[sky]

info outdated

[Fisher-of-Men]

I've read about and witnessed a couple of people being swept away by a strong under current on the Kern River. What seems like calm water on the surface, can have a powerful undercurrent.

I remember once while white river kayaking on the Kern River, I was maybe two feet from the pullout area, which was backed up with other kayaks, and rafts pulling out onto shore.

I paddled further down river a few yards and went to step out of my kayak, but the undercurrent was so powerful, it knocked me over - thankfully into my kayak, but I lost hold of my paddle. If I hadn't grabbed hold of a tree branch I would have been swept down river, and gone over the waterfall, (if I didn't grab onto the safety line stretched accross the river.)

The other thing to take into consideration when fishing from in a river, is the rocks can be slippery from algae, or you can twist your ankle and fall, and knock yourself out cold, and drown.

In this guys situation, he almost drowned, when he lost his balance and his waders filled up with water which made him sink like a rock.

http://www.sonomawest.com/articles/2007 ... dates2.txt

Very good point Sky.

Many lives are lost every year at the Kern. It is a dangerous river if not given the respect and caution it deserves. Many deaths are attributed to the consumption of alcohol while in the water or near its edge.

Be very careful! And never think you are such a good swimmer that you don't have to worry!


Fisher-of-Men