Re: Alton pools in Missouri/Illinois
The Alton "lake" a/k/a as Pool 26 starts at the Alton, IL dam (Dam #26) and extends upriver to the Winfield dam.
Generally low velocity current, very scenic, and popular area. Sand bars draw many boaters to gather together. Learn the channel markers and proceed very cautiously out of the channel and learn to recognize the rock wing dikes. (Rocks are dangerous and cause expensive repairs.) Lower reaches of the Illinois River from Grafton, IL to above Pere Marquette Park are also considered parrt of Alton Lake and are popular cruising and sightseeing stretches.
It is a BIG area and hence pretty safe for boaters who learn the basics and are intelligent, cautious, and sober.
Refer to
www.riverbills.com for more info. It is a good Alton lake focused website.
Don't skip over the boater and navigation education opportunities listed on riverbills.
Good Luck, Ed
