Danger Do Not Enter - Policeman's Flats

Danger Do Not Enter - Policeman's Flats

More new signs at Police

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Rowing out at Policeman's Flats at 200 cms

This is how an experienced rower exits the river at Policeman's Flats in high flow conditions. Today, July 10, 2014. Flow rate 200 cms. 

Last week, an aluminum drift boat capsized here after hitting a rock while trying to cross the eddy line.  The occupants were shaken and wet, but unharmed. However, the boat, rods, nets and equipment drifted downstream and have not been seen since.

Landing at Policeman's Flats

Landing at Policeman's Flats

Many drift boaters have described the difficulty of getting into the 'pond' at Policeman's Flats, even at current very low water levels.

There are boulders extending into the current just a few feet above the narrow opening in what's left of the rip rap that fronted Policeman's prior to the 2013 flood.

And, because it's an outside corner, the current pushes the boat towards all of that rock. Once you miss the boulders, you have to very quickly punch through the eddy line in order to avoid being swept into the boulder rapid that is just downstream, in the main current.

This boater makes it look easy. Well done, Jeff!

Recommended reading

"Float-Fishing Strategies: Tactics and Techniques for Drift Boats, Rafts, and Pontoon Boats" (2011) by Neil Streeks

Available at your favourite Calgary fly shop

Looking back along the Bow River - 2012 Season

Click on photo for larger image and read the plaque

Policeman's Flats. Background information - read the plaque. May 2012

Police to Mac - Looked good - Today Along the Bow River - April 2012

Ready for pickup at Police.  All photos: Copyright © Bow River Shuttles All rights reserved

Mud dried up!

Lots of room between the ice packs for take out at Mac