Ultra-Versatile River Fishing Boat "Magnum Power Drifter" by Clackacraft

River fishing presents a unique challenge to anglers. On the most basic level, it's flowing water, requiring taking into consideration the flow of current. Beyond just the differing flows, there is depth changes and structure to account for.

Bank anglers can find success by walking in to prime holding water for Trout, Steelhead or Salmon. Driftboat anglers can choose a "float" and fish from put-in to take-out, perhaps anchoring in between. When it comes to "ultimate" water access, on rivers that allow it, the "sled" is the undisputed king. 

Though rafts and driftboats have given anglers amazing access to difficult water, there are rivers that host large jet-sleds moving down and back up again. These rivers are often larger, with enough water to comfortably provide sleds fishable water, and runnable rapids.

But is there something in between? 

Thanks to over 30 years of premium fiberglass boat-building, there is. The Clackacraft Magnum Power Drifter.

When I first set foot in a Power Drifter, I just "knew" that it was the boat I would choose given the chance. When I first got to captain one, running briskly underneath the I5 bridge on my local river, that feeling was cemented. Catching my first fish in it, was just the icing on the cake.

Versatile boat = versatile fishing for Brad Melville and many others.

The Power-Drifter Concept

Both a "drift-boat" if necessary, and a "jet-sled", the Power Drifter concept is popular in the Great Lakes region, and becoming more popular every year on the Pacific Coast. While many large "sleds" have impressive low-water abilities, the Magnum Power Drifter is both durable and agile in skinnier water. While it should not be taken in ultra-skinny rapids, it can fish at flows that many other sleds cannot. Need to remove the motor and row it down a non-motor stream? It can do that too. If that's your primary water, the Power Drifter design is not going to row as well as a Clackamax, but it can do the job. And the fact that it can rip upstream and do another pass...changes the game.

At 17' in length and 54" of width, with a surprisingly roomy space, this river-boat can fish 3 comfortably. It can be taken onto a lake for a Kokanee or Trout troll, or anchor up to run plugs for Salmon. With two motor options, the 60HP is more ideal for 3 anglers when running up river, but it can be done with the 40 if needed.

Need to bobber-dog a long run? With a veteran on the tiller, you can get excellent presentation and the right speed.

Need to run up-river to get back on that pod of Salmon? It can do that - and stealthily. 

A Successful Trout Fishing Trip in the Magnum Powerdrifter

River Uses

The Magnum Power Drifter shines on "sled" rivers. As flows decrease going in to summer, you'll find that it can still fish a number of areas that other sleds may choose not to. It has an excellent casting platform that is equally at home trolling in a lake, and fly anglers have made excellent use of them. The sides are high enough to feel comfortable, yet you can step out of it fairly easily.

There was a time that a new owner had not remembered to fill up the gas tank and near the end of the trip, we sputtered out. Thanks to a good set of oars (Clackacraft offers many options) we were able to row comfortably back down to the takeout. The owner, who I won't name, never made that mistake again - but we laughed about how perfectly we had a solution for the issue. 

For an angler like me, who prefers tributary fishing, the Power Drifter is the ideal option - and on my personal Christmas list when the time comes. I've had the opportunity to fish out of it many times, as well as take it for a spin with friends who owned them. It's surprisingly responsive and easy to run, without being overly reactive. 

Construction & Options

The Magnum PD is built from highly durable fiberglass with hull designs that track well in a variety of water flow types. 

Standard package includes the boat, trailer, 4 Stroke Tohatsu 60/40hp, oars, rower’s seat, and two movable front angler seat boxes or a Megabox that can accommodate one or two angler seats. 

The Author filming Nick Amato with a trout, with the Power Drifter pulled into the shallows. Brad Melville Photo.

Safety

Always use caution and only run this boat where you are very confident in your abilities. Although I haven't always in years past, I've started to wear a life-preserver no matter what on any boat trip. It's worth it to take that extra step of safety to ensure great fishing trips for decades to come. This boat is capable, but you must be very cautious with any boat and river.

Clackacraft will take potential buyers out for test runs, and they can help provide resources for learning how to operate a specific type of boat. If you've not ran a sled in a river before, try it in a lake first, then a slow and deep river section, before moving to your target water.

Where to Purchase a Magnum Power Drifter 

Clackacraft is based out of Clackamas Oregon, where you can visit and purchase a boat. However, they do transport boats to Idaho and other locations. You can visit their website and get in touch to discuss particulars https://www.clacka.com/