By the time I reached my early 20s, I imagined fishing from a drift boat as big dry fly eats occurred off the bow on a pristine trout stream. Previously a pipe dream, I eventually bought my first drift boat in 2018 when I decided to chase a goal of becoming a fly fishing guide. She was an old girl; paint worn from use and sun stained leather on the cushions. As a 2001 model, it lacked rod holders and boasted pedestal rather than dry-box seats in the front and back. The high sides caught the wind a bit more than the gunnels of the skiffs and low sides I shared the river with. It was old, but it was mine and I cherished it. Numerous of my friends and I learned to row the rivers of the Greater Yellowstone in this boat, and more big fish than I can count landed in the bottom of a net bag while using it to float down the river in fishy pursuits.

I grew to appreciate the maneuverability of my drift boat more when I purchased my first raft: a 14.5-foot blue rubber vessel with a fishing frame (a captain’s seat plus fishing seats in the front and back). A fine first raft, but it had marginal space, comfortability, and it stuck to the water like a magnet when rowed through a river. I realized that owning a raft served a convenient purpose in terms of access because rafts could go anywhere, but the comfort and maneuverability of a drift boat was uncomparable when juxtaposed to the raft. Western fishing guides, such as myself, preferred the amenities of a hard sided boat, and I would go as far to say guide culture looked down upon those in rafts rowing drift boat waters. Fiberglass ships were the kings of the Greater Yellowstone's watersheds, and most guides scoffed at the idea of a client climbing aboard a rubber boat unless they were venturing down a system that required it. Plus, we wondered why anyone would choose rubber over fiberglass when given a choice.

The adventurous do-it-yourself (DIY) anglers loved the soft boat as I discovered. He or she could haul it in a variety of ways: on a trailer, in a truck bed, or in the panyards of pack mules. The DIY angler could launch where drift boats dare not go: on treacherous, rock filled streams, white water rapids, or where improved boat launches didn’t exist and the only choice was to drop it off a highway bridge or drag it through the brush. Rafts served versatile roles and could go anywhere a drift boat was capable with a reduced threat of damage (rocks dented, scratched, and, worst case, punched holes into drift boats while rafts bounced off like an over inflated basketball); however, anyone who spent time in both types of crafts knew the superior internal comfort and control behind the oars hard sides provided. Because of this, I refused to let go of my drift boat for years and tolerated my raft when it served a purpose on rivers my drift boat couldn’t go. I reluctantly used my raft out of necessity rather than preference – typical guide.

Today, I reconsider my position. Today, I realize there is another option; today, I know about Streamtech, and since I see the value in owning one boat with the best of both categories rather than two, I’ve decided to convert.

Streamtech designs top of the line rafts with fishermen and whitewater rafters in mind. Numerous rafts are engineered for paddling rapids, and after-market frames strapped to the top of the tubes to convert these vessels into fishing boats. Reality-check: these are not fishing boats; rather, these are paddle boats modified into angling vessels. Don’t misunderstand me, these boats have kept anglers in the game through arduous rivers for decades and serve a purpose, but are not ideal if fishing is one’s priority. Not to mention the lack of comfort and hindered rowing efficiency.

Streamtech, a Boise-based raft company founded in 1997, operates with one goal in mind: make the highest quality and the most durable rafts on the market for whitewater enthusiasts and fishermen alike, but unlike certain rubber boat competitors, its vessels are made with both parties in mind. The bow and stern (rockers) elevate at sharper angles than other whitewater boats, so rapids and large waves are eaten alive by the raft and keep waves from drowning it. Channels between the tubes and floor suction the boat to the water, so it’s not only harder to flip, it tracks with ease. This is where my interest, as an angler, peaks. Experience as a guide and drift boat fisherman shifts my boat bias toward the aforementioned maneuverability and comfort; Streamtechs offer the best of both categories.

Additionally, the frame fits to the raft in a way I’ve never seen before. Scott Pentzer, Streamtech’s current owner, boasts, “This raft can row through heavy rapids without the straps tying the frame to the boat.” At first, this concept seems impossible, but not so fast. When fully inflated, plastic lips grip over the bottom rails of the frame internal to the boat. One may easily observe the strength of this feature when the straps are removed and an attempt to wiggle it free is initiated. No straps and it seals tight to the tubes no matter how intensely one tries to rip it free. Scott boasts enough confidence in this feature to “take it through a class three rapid strapless,” and has on numerous occasions. When the straps are tied from frame-to-d-rings, it becomes a part of the boat. This is crucial in the Streamtech’s efficient rowing because no energy transfer is lost when the driver powers a stroke through the water, which isn’t the case with typical fishing frames tied to generic whitewater rafts. Normally, these boats lose rowing power on an oar stroke through the straps and frame no matter how tightly cinched.

Streamtechs row better than any raft I’ve ever operated. Although no raft can perfectly replicate the easy handling of a drift boat, Scott’s rafts are the closest approximation in existence.

Comfortability is the final piece that won me, a drift boat man, over. When fully inflated, a Streamtech’s floor is so stable a Yoga instructor can enact a crane pose on one foot, close his or her eyes, and meditate peacefully through the bobs and sways of the current. For those of us with less zen and balance, lean bars (that come with drift-boat-style thigh hooks courtesy of Hyde upon customer request) add the final element of confidence to stand and fish as we could on a hard side. Wood decks burned with customizable artwork allow for ease to step in and out of the vessel, and a cooler deck gives one’s Coleman or Yeti a stable platform rather than an awkward wobble or slide throughout the float. Additionally, these boats have plenty of room to lounge around while enjoying a day on the river whether it be white water, fishing, or a pleasure cruise.

Streamtech perfectly combines the versatility of a raft and ergonomics of a drift boat. Instead of filling parking spaces with two boats that require separate maintenance, trailer registration, and accessories and rather than confusingly dictate what boat I should take for a trip, I only need one for all situations. One that fills both roles well with immense customization options, armor coating over the tubes and floor, and world class rubber engineering courtesy of Maravia. I’m a drift boat guy who is converting to the Streamtech club. I’m not the first and I certainly won’t be the last, and my vision of owning one boat, the ultimate fishing vessel, is now reality.