Kaskaskia River Newbie!!! Any Tips?

[cturboaddict]

Hey guys,
I live in Ofallon, Illinois and have yet to boat in Illinois as I've been restoring a boat for almost 4 years. Finally its finished!! First maiden test voyage was out at Carlyle Lake, and didn't go so well as apparently I had motor issues that were unknown. Now those are fixed and I'm ready for round two.
Carlyle for the first time out was a bit choppy, and definitely busy as can be! I'd like to try the Kaskaskia River ramp down near Fayetville, Illinois instead......

Do you have any tips for me heading out in Kaskaskia? Is it shallow, are there alot of logs? Alligators? Any place to head to or stay away from?

Boat is a 72 Sidewinder 18SS, with a 76 Merc 1150 outboard.

 

[swtws6]

Re: Kaskaskia River Newbie!!! Any Tips?

Hi there, fellow Ofallon,IL (actually Fairview) boater here. Normally head to Carlyle but also opt for the river sometimes. We drop in at New Athens, has decent ramp/loading dock and large parking lot, as well as a small marina and bar there on the water. We normally head downstream from there, few times all the way to the Mississippi thru the lock. The whole lower river is a Army Corps engineered river so its very straight and pretty deep the whole way. It stays the same level pretty much most the time except for flooding in which you don't want to be on the river. Most the time not much to be too careful of I have bever run into much of any debris, although theres always the possibility, so keep an eye out. Stay towards the middle awat form the banks as this is where you might find something you don't wanna run into. Lots of off chutes along the way whatever you call them, that's part of the old natural river, this provides areas to anchor and swim or fish or just hang out. Also people will anchor right on the main channel in the no wake zones.

 

[cturboaddict]

Re: Kaskaskia River Newbie!!! Any Tips?

Yeah, I scoped out the Fayetville ramp and it's not really designed for my boat. Since then, I have used the New Athens ramp which seems to be pretty nice. I like the calmness of the river vs the choppy water on Carlyle and its closer for me. It's really good for me as I'm still working out the kinks on my boat. Only downside is the "spectacle" that goes on with the people at the bar. I'm still getting used to my boat/trailer combo and last time out down there I scraped her a bit putting her on the trailer. Needless to say, the bar patrons seemed to get a kick out of it. I've never tried going through the lock. Never even been that far. I'm hoping to get back out down there this weekend if my lower unit checks out after sealing it up. And as you said, I did notice some trees floating. I avoided them. If you ever need any help on your boat, feel free to ask- I'm nearby!