Any Dardenne Slough boaters here?

[trace]

Wondering if there are any Dardenne Slough boaters on here. Was going to ask where the best launch ramp was for inboards on the Slough?

[Duncan]

We rode the area from Portage des Sioux up past Grafton (i.e., Mississippi and Illinois river confluence). Had a lift slip at My River Home for two seasons. The restaurant there has crazy good wings and chx sandwiches. Mostly we rode the little ski chute just north of My River Home. If that water was bad, we would head past the confluence and around the bend on the Illinois river.

I went to several events at Yacht Club of StL run by State-a-Mind Water Sports (a former Tige dealer). They have a nice setup, including pool. Dardenne Slough was ok riding but it gets crazy in there during the weekend and the current is much faster.

Nicest marina is Grafton Marina but it is expensive and maybe on the wrong side of the river for you.

As for just boat ramps, there are no good public ramps on the MO side of the river that I know of (but I never looked).

[trace]

I had a Yamaha jet boat last year, and we always launched at eagles landing, and run either the slough or the Illinois up above the ferry, but I don't recall if eagles is safely deep enough to launch an inboard from.

[Duncan]

I had a Yamaha jet boat last year, and we always launched at eagles landing, and run either the slough or the Illinois up above the ferry, but I don't recall if raffles is safely deep enough to launch an inboard from.

Try running this little ski chute next season. It was usually good deep water.

[trace]

Next season my a $$. I get my new Z in a week or so, we intend to run it late into October, November if we can stand it. Lol

[Duncan]

Next season my a $$. I get my new Z in a week or so, we intend to run it late into October, November if we can stand it. Lol

Good luck with that. Since you have been on the river, you know it drops temp like a rock. First cold rain (or worse, snow) up north, and all that cold comes flowing down in just a few days.

[007]

Trace, isn't there a power plant lake close to STL? Stay toasty warm in the winter and not have to worry about floating trees and new A.C.E. wing dams that are not on the map that way!

[trace]

Clinton lake, been talking to boaters there too, the wife and I have been mapping it out as well. Duncan you are right the water Temps drop fast, was why we all bought dry suits this year.

[ricsha91]

If you do plan on going to Clinton Lake and want to wake board. You will want to go on a weekday or earlier in the morning on the weekend. The lake gets pretty busy on the weekends and the water gets tore up. Since you have dry suits you should you should be able to find calm water away from the discharge since everyone will be up in that general area since the water has cooled off. Let me know if you have any questions about that lake. I'm usually up there in early spring or late fall when the river temps are unbearable for me which at the pace will be really soon.

[Duncan]

Clinton lake, been talking to boaters there too, the wife and I have been mapping it out as well. Duncan you are right the water Temps drop fast, was why we all bought dry suits this year.

Whoah, that is a long haul from StL. If you have dry suits and want a short trip, I would just head to Litchfield and go on Lake Lou Yeager. That too will get cold but not nearly as fast as the river. You can make Yeager in 45 minutes -- easy for a day trip.

If you want an inexpensive overnight, near Rend Lake (90 miles east StL), Whittington Woods campground has a nice little cabin. VERY nice ramp within a mile or two of the campground. There is actually a new clean, inexpensive hotel right here though it does not show on old map.

[trace]

Been to Yeager a bunch, was just there last weekend. Was planning on going there some till I couldn't stand it and then take a few follow on trips to Clinton trying to stretch out the season. Been to Rend a bunch over the years 2.5 hr drive for me. Love Shelbyville, 3 hr drive. So was thinking Slough till too cold, then Yeager or Shelbyville till too cold, then a trip or two to Clinton to stretch out the end of the season.