Sacramento River - Redding to Anderson

Is it practical to float the Sacramento from Redding to Anderson on a 15' Kayak such as the Prowler?
I know the current can be swift. I powered by way up 2-3 miles from Anderson late September one year with my Zodiac then floated back.
When floating down current, I was able to position the Zodiac with an electric trolling motor in reverse (to miss bridge abutments and such).

Anyone done it, or seen people do it?


Thanks

I've done a fair amount of kayaking in rivers using  boats from 14-20'. I find that swift water is not an issue, but the lack of maneuverability of boats with a long water line can be. I'd be leery of Class II water if you're just starting out in rivers. That said, I've used Google Maps to look at sections of rivers that have class I-III water, and the rapids definitely are visible. I see nothing that even looks like it approaches Class II on the Redding-> Anderson section of the Sac.

The distance certainly looks reasonable.

Can you talk to drift boat captains to get an idea of other potential hazards?

Regards,
Scott

 I dont know that stretch of water at all, but I am with thornley on paddling a big SOT in II+ water.  Its challenging to wrestle a big boat and concentrate on fishing, then when you do hook up it distracts you from your kayaking and you find yourself swimming or pushed hard outside and headed into strainers.
legs straps will increase your agility and give you a stronger brace. A longer paddle with fat blade can also help you take control of the big boat so you can set up a good line and charge. I also like to lay my seat almost all the way back so I can stretch out my center of gravity if the need arises. speaking of, keep the boat light and balanced.
 boats like the mini-x, Riot, T-100, Frenzy, ect., IMO are the boats of choice for fishing II+ rivers, but a tandem, with the right crew, can be a blast too.
looking forward to your report and pictures.

 

You may want to try putting in at Anderson and paddling upstream.  Make it a workout - paddle up a few miles, stopping to fish where you want to, then drift back down.  That way you'll know exactly what water you're going to traverse rather than finding that out as you go. 

Thank you all for your comments. After thinking it through, I've decided this is not the place to use a P15.

My other craft is a 10' hypalon inflatable kayak which I've used in Class III. Thinking of rigging outriggers to allow me to fish without concentrating on remaining upright.

Smokie,
I've fished the area you mentioned several times. For the most part it is a pretty easy float, but I would not attempt it in a sot. They are built for flat water and to go straight. When you try to manuever, they are like trying to turn a log. There are a few spots to be concerned with. One rock and your over. I too have an inflatable kayak made by Hyside and it's designed for rivers. It's slow, but very manueverable, and self bailing. I wouldn't hesitate to take it down the lower Sac. I also made an anchor set up that allows me to fish mid river as long as the current isn' t too strong. I'd recommend staying with what the boats' are designed for. 2Cents...