Q: What are the rules for jet boats from Conant to Byington on the South Fork of the Snake in Eastern Idaho?

How can we make sure that river doesn't become unsafe for non-motorized boats?

I was floating the South Fork last weekend and was nearly swamped by a few high-powered jet boats.

Each time they passed us, they had no respect for our safety or our fishing.

From my perspective, their presence seemed really dangerous. Their wakes could have easily capsized a canoe or small boat and rocked our drift boat enough that we had to brace ourselves.

In addition to that, the wake crashed the banks and messed up the fishing for us. Some of the banks collapsed and became so muddy that I have to think it was horrible for the fishing as well as detrimental for the riparian area.

What can be done before there is a major accident?

BUMMED DRIFTBOATER, e-mail

A: I’m surprised by your experience because most jet boaters know how to act courteously and safely on the river around rafters and drift boaters.

But, there are a few bad apples in both the motorized and non-motorized groups.

According to the Bonneville County sheriff’s office and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, there are no special rules for jet boaters on that stretch of river.

I’m from both a jet-boating and floating family, so my take on it, based on what you said, is that the jet boaters should have slowed down when passing your drift boat.

They are responsible for their wake and any damage or injury that it may cause.

That’s plain common sense and courtesy.

Here are some tips on motorized and non-motorized boating on rivers from state and federal officials:

At the ramp

Æ Be organized before you get to the ramp so your group, whether in drift boats, rafts or jet boats, can launch or take off the river quickly.

Æ Don’t set up or take down your float equipment, or load and unload gear from your powerboat on a ramp if other space is available. Do not eat lunch on the ramp.

On the river

Æ Generally, power boats should slow down when passing other boats and give them a wide berth.

Æ Slow down when approaching an area where rafts and other boats may be beached at a camp or lunch stop to avoid any damage or disturbance from the wake.

Æ Parked boaters also have the responsibility to be seen so that the operator of a boat on the water can see them and slow down.

Æ Common courtesy and safety calls for boaters who can easily move out of the way or hold steady in the water to give way to other boaters.

Æ As a general rule, craft moving downstream have the right-of-way. Craft moving upstream and approaching a set of rapids, should eddy out when possible and let the downstream craft pass.

Æ An exception is when a boat has either committed to or entered a rapid from upstream or downstream. In this situation, all other craft should wait until the boat is clear before proceeding.

Æ Floaters should be aware that powerboats can only travel in narrow channels in shallow sections of the river. When you see a powerboat coming, pull to one side of the channel, if possible, and let it by.

Æ Jet boats draw less water at higher speeds when the boat is on plane, and they can’t always slow down in shallow water. Floaters and drifters should give the powerboat the deep channel if they can.

Æ Anglers shouldn’t stop in the middle of a channel to fish and block navigation.

Æ Powerboaters must slow to a “no wake” speed at docks and boat landing facilities.

Get a DVD

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation has a really good DVD that addresses boating safety and etiquette in rivers. It’s free.

The DVD was produced with Idaho Power Company. It has safety tips for all river runners.

It also addresses leave- no-trace camping and river-flow fluctuations.

For a copy, call 514-2426 or email gaillyn.jorgensen@idpr.idaho.gov.

WHERE ARE THE WOLVES?

Q: Are there any hunting units in Idaho that don't have wolves?

HOYT MICHENER, e-mail

A: I just drove the whole Stanley-Landmark Road in Central Idaho hoping to see a wolf and didn’t.

We hit about 80 miles of backcountry road on our drive that went through a couple of hunting units where a lot of wolves are supposed to roam.

They know I’m still trying to get a good photo.

Aside from that, Idaho Fish and Game says most of the game management units south of the Snake River are “void of wolves,” including most or all of those in the Southeast Region.

However, there may be a small number of wolves spread throughout the Southeast Region units, but “very, very few,” according to the agency.

© 2011 Idaho Statesman

Pete Zimowsky: 377-6445