Question on open water????

[sparkyaber]

I know some of you have been out on the rivers lately, and down to red wing. I need a place that I can take my boat out to in the next few weeks. I have a fishing get together in Iowa 3rd week in april, and I don't think that is a good time to become aquainted to my first boat. Especially one that is capable of 70mph! I would like to take it out somewhere that has a nice (non-busy) access, has the calmest water possible, and is fairly close to home. I know it is a dumb question, but I need to get used to a boat and I would like to make sure everything works before heading to Iowa.

Thanks in advance.

Abe

[Dave B]

get out on Pool 2. The stretch from downtown St Paul to the Ford Dam doesnt have much traffic, it is always calm. If you need a dock to launch, you need to go further down river to 494 in St Paul Park. Otherwise, you can launch at Lilydale off 35E or Hidden Falls by the Ford dam.

[sparkyaber]

How about debris floating in the river? I have worked at the upper landing right next to the high bridge and have seen lots of stuff floating in that section of the river. Not being familiar with Mississippi, where is pool 2?

[Dave B]

The winter and early spring is pretty debris free. Until the snow melts up north and brings some higher water that picks up the wood that fell during the winter, the water has been running clean and clear for 6 months.

You ALWAYS need to be more cautious on a river, but now is as good of a time as any.

Pool 2 goes from the Ford Dam in St Paul to the dam in Hastings. It is open year round for bass, walleye and sauger, but it is 100% catch and release. Pike/Musky are off limits until opener.

[sparkyaber]

Dave, could you tell me where each pool ends and begins. Like I posted before, I know nothing about the Miss.. I am always game for learning new information. Thanks.

[EBass]

I'll see if I can help.

Pool2 starts at the lock and dam of the Ford Bridge. So right next to the Ford plant in St. Paul. This goes all the way down to Hastings lock and dam which is the beginning of Pool 3. Pool 3 goes all the way down to Red Wing lock and dam which is the start of Pool 4. From Red Wing it goes down to Winona I think (Haven't been past Pool 4) Then there's pool 5 and pool 5a and I think that may go to the IA border. Not sure, I'd have to check a map.

Any who, pool 2 would be the best option and yes always watch out for debris. It doesn't matter what time or season.

[walleyeguy7]

I have been launching at the hidden falls access in St. Paul located just off of ford parkway. that is a very nice launch and a very nice strech of river, i was out last weekend and there was a little bit of debris coming down but not much, if you just take a jaunt slowly down river to check thing out first you should be ok. directions from 35e south- exit west 7th street, take a right, go to 2nd stop light (5-way), go right up the hill on montereal follow that until it the road comes to a T that should be cleveland ave you will see the ford plant baseball fields in front of you, there take a left onto cleveland, take your first right on McGoffin on the corner you will see a brick building with spiral staircases outside. follow McGoffin until it comes to a T, take a right and you will see hidden falls public access immediately to your left. When you launch the ford dam is only alittle ways up river so you are better off going down river. If you do decide to go there on saturday you will probably see an orange chevy with an empty karavan boat trailer at the launch. hope this helps.

[OnTheWater]

Is there a dock at either lilydale or hidden falls?

[HaywardBound]

Do they take out the channel markers in the winter in the Mississippi?

[walleyeguy7]

there is no dock at the hidden falls landing but i think someone said ther is one at the lilydale launch. and on the stretch from the ford dam down to the 35e bridge there are no markers, but if you stay in the middle you will be fine.