Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

[mike64]

The last couple times I headed to my favorite lake on a weekend day to go fishing, I got a "boat launch full" sign. This was 2-3 pm, so I figured it's because it was later in the day. I usually get to the launch before noon. So I have family in from out of town and I'm going to take them tubing this past Sunday. I get to the launch site at 11 am and...boat launch full!

I couldn't believe it. This lake is the biggest in the area, and has a huge parking capacity. I never had a problem getting on the lake before, even when I took the family out on the 4th of July weekend. this is my first boating season, so I'm still learning-- I guess a lot of boaters don't get their act together until late July/early August.

We ended up going to a lake I'd never been to before, which turned out to be a good find. Not quite so crowded and a nice landing area for boats next to the beach. A good time had by all.

How about you guys? Do you have to get to your favorite lake early or you're SOL, and does it get busier as the boating season goes on (for us northern boaters)? Do you need a backup plan in case your first choice is full up?

 

[BamaAlum97]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

I keep my boat in a slip at the local marina so I don't have to mess with the crowds at the ramp. I'd be seriously upset if I got there and the ramp was closed...

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

On nice weekends, the ramps around here are usually full, even on smaller lakes. During the week, it's no problem at all.

On many waters around here, there are also marinas with ramps who charge for launching. Their lots are usually not full, if you don't mind the fee.

Since I can, I boat only on weekdays.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

We use a private ramp so it's not an issue...................

 

[tommays]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

The big problem is around here there are town ramps and state ramps


Most of the town ramps are resident ONLY and while i guess it is fair it sure makes it hard if your visiting and area

This whole deal makes boating on the north shore of Long Island a REAL PITA

The Town ramp in my area has MISSED the dreging deadline two years in a ROW making for a NO_GO at low tide and cutting me off from northshore launches


The good news is that there are a bunch of STATE ramps open to all that are also the best ones for the most part BUT happen to be all on the South Shore

My favorite is in the town of Riverhead which is on STATE DEC land so for the very fair fee of 15 dollars a year anybody can use it and park there

 

[mike64]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

We use a private ramp so it's not an issue...................

Lucky you, smiley

Yeah, wish I had access to a private ramp, or weekdays free like CATransplant. Oh well, got some vacation days left, think I'll be burning a few more this August...

 

[Devious]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

i have access to a pretty nice state launch. there are some weekends where it gets very very crowded but they don't seem to care if people park on the grass. only 2 rigs can launch/retrieve at once so it takes a while if everyone decides to come in at the same time (t-storm)

 

[Saddle Up]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

Haaay,
Fortunately where I'm at [Socal] SRA the small lake I go to quite often living only 20 minutes from, takes boat launch reservations. I was refused entry 1 time after that I make reservations whether I go or not,, they cost me $3. It's no fun dragging out in 90+ degree temp told "the lakes full" and have to drag back

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

Not around here! They don't care how many boats are on the lake, as long as you can find a parking spot and feel comfortable parking there. I've never heard no such thing as ramp full. If that ramp is a state owned public one then it probably illegal for them to denied you access. If it's private then they can do whatever.

 

[mike64]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

If that ramp is a state owned public one then it probably illegal for them to denied you access.

gonfishie, it is state owned, it's in a state park. Guess I'll have to write an angry letter to Governor Granholm

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

Well, the designated parking area by the ramp might be full but you should still be able to use the ramp. You would have to find an acceptable place to park the trailer. Maybe Michigan DNR have some funky rule that restrict the number to boats that can be on a given lake at the same time.

 

[mike64]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

Well, the designated parking area by the ramp might be full but you should still be able to use the ramp. You would have to find an acceptable place to park the trailer. Maybe Michigan DNR have some funky rule that restrict the number to boats that can be on a given lake at the same time.

They must have been restricting the # of boats, because I even asked if I could launch, then have my wife drive my Jeep and trailer home and come back in her car (we're just 10 minutes away). No go.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

They must have been restricting the # of boats, because I even asked if I could launch, then have my wife drive my Jeep and trailer home and come back in her car (we're just 10 minutes away). No go.

I can maybe see that as some sort of safety factor but it sure inhales to get there ready to enjoy some boating activity and told to go home.

 

[srothfuss]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

Which beach? I'm also local to the area and have never had a problem getting out on the water (stony creek / metro beach)

 

[mike64]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

Which beach? I'm also local to the area and have never had a problem getting out on the water (stony creek / metro beach)

Cass Lake, Dodge Park #4 is the always full boat launch lately. The lake we ended up going to with the family last sunday was Pontiac Lake.

How's Stony Creek lake for boating/fishing, srothfuss? I spent a lot of time at Stony as a teenager but never did any boating there. Lake St. Clair is a little bit of a drive, and I think I'd be leery of the bigger water in my little 16'. Any other lakes you like for fishing/tubing/etc. in the area?

 

[tommays]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

They limit the amount of poeple at all of are DEC freshwater fishing sights



People get in line at 3am like a Golf course

 

[srothfuss]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

I've not tried Pontiac Lake yet, but could see how Cass would fill up. You'd have to get in early at the ramp to claim your spot. But then again, you're cruising around with a bunch of other boaters and that is sometimes not fun.


Stony Creek is a 10MPH lake so there aren't too many power boats that go there.

Metro is a whole new experience for me. I've been out a few times in my 15' sail boat and love it. The water isn't too choppy and the wind is great.


Edit: I haven't fished the area... Recently moved here from the other side of the state

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

They limit the amount of poeple at all of are DEC freshwater fishing sights



People get in line at 3am like a Golf course

Thats just not right...........................seems a lottery or some kind of even odd............revolving weekend plan would be in place....................theses are PUBLIC lakes for crying out loud...................first come first served just doesn't cut it.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

Around here I've never encountered a closing. Busy ramps from sun up to even after sundown on weekends. I keep mine in a slip, but I always get there early as the beach goers park in the spots designated for the dock patrons.

If all the parking spots are taken, you will see people parking in the grass or wherever they can.

 

[tommays]

Re: Boat Launch Full AGAIN??

You have to get a permit here to walk your dog in the DEC dog area here