lock and dam ?

[john c]

Going to be fishing on the Mississippi later in the month, and wondered if small boats could get thru the lock dams, or are you just regulated to the pool you start out in? Dont know anything about it and cant find any info except to ask you guys. Thanks.

[Jimmy]

Depends on how small a boat you are talkiing about, a 12 foot flat boat would not be a good idea to lock thru but most other boats its a pice of cake and easy to do. Just be prepared to wait a while if there is alot of barge traffic.

[buzzer IA]

Hey John C,
Being a "River Rat" all my life, I guess we take too much for common sometimes..As posted above, yes you can lock through and a marine radio would be a great help, but most of the time on the Mississippi (man that's a lotta s's and p's and i's) in the fall you just stay below one particular dam and if so desired, it's generally easier to just pull up camp and trailer to the next dam rather than running up and down river..Most dams are 10 to 15 river miles apart (of course there are exceptions) and although it can be done most of us just trailer up and go..Be interested to know what pool or lock you're planning on starting at..Best o' luck and enjoy some fine fishing..
Tight Lines,
buzzer

[Fin Addict]

I see canoes and very small craft using the locks all the time. I run my boat through several times per week, usually about 15-20 minute wait to get into the lock and another 10 min or so to move up or down so round trip you kill a good chunk of time. Pretty cool though and worth doing if only to check it out. If you are unsure of how to do it, the guys running the locks are VERY helpful and will tell you what to do.

[john c]

Thanks for the info. I think im going to put in at Saverton which is pool #22 and it is also the closest. Although Canton and#20 is about the same distance. Ive got a 19 foot river john with a 25 horse yamaha. do you think the walleyes will be biting and do you have any hints. If not ill just try for catfish. Im 3 hours away and ready to give it a try.