Removing root balls and debris from creek?

[wvhandyman]

I am trying to clean some creeks on my place that have not been maintained in years. The are about 15' wide 5' deep. I am able to cut back the brush, but there are some dead brush piles and root balls right in the stream my mini excavator and thumb can not reach.

Since I am a one man operation,I have been thinking about some kind of treble hook on a chain that I can swing into the brush piles to pull them out. Anyone done anything like this or have any better suggestions?

 

[Jonas302]

You might be able to grab something with the thumb to reach otherwise the hook idea sounds good
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/productlist?k=grappling+hook

 

[Dr. Ernie]

Umm, get a machine with more reach...