[BMRENN]

Hello all,

Finally pulled the trigger on my first (and hopefully last) jet boat... I will primarily be launching and running around my cabin in Tidioute but my only experience on the river is with canoe or kayak. I really don't want to run aground on the first trip and would like to have some idea of where to run other than where I see other boats buzz past my lot.

Is there a map or chart of this area available that anyone is aware of?

Or would anyone that knows this section of river want to go for a ride sometime?

Thanks

 

[bassnleo]

You will not find a map of the Allegheny that details depth very far above lock 9 (East Brady-Bradys Bend area). The shallows of the Allegheny change yearly, sometimes more frequently, depending on rainfall.

My advice is to find someone in the Tidioute area who knows the river up that way and have them take you out. That area can be tricky and you can get into big trouble in a hurry if you take the wrong path through or around the numerous islands. I'd offer, and have been from President all the way to Warren, but I cannot say I know it all that well. I just know how to read the water and make the best of it.
It's critical to lLearn how to read the river. V's, chutes, riffles, swirls created by large rocks under the surface. That's my best advice. Never rely on a sonar unit while running. It's all about reading the water, much like it is in a kayak or canoe.

Best of luck with that new jet. They are a blast.

 

[BigCountry27]

i second what bassnleo said. I run the river around tidioute and west hickory almost exclusively. It takes some getting used to but youl get the hang of it and learn the river. I recommend getting out there a lot when the rivers up a foot or so to get a feel for the shallow area's. Also doesnt hurt to run it in a kayak first and make mental notes. Its amazing how little water it takes to run those things on 3-4 inches is plenty. But the key is you have to go full steam ahead to stay up on plane. If you try and do things half speed you will have more issues. Really between a mile or two upstream of tidioute and at least halfway down to tionesta there are only 2-3 "tough" area's that you really have to know what your doing to get through. Youl have a lot of fun once you get the hang of it.

 

[bassnleo]

It's up now, perfect time to learn it.

 

[BMRENN]

Thanks all for the advice, I think I am going to attempt this weekend, I'll be on watch for some other boaters to follow.