Where to boat in chicagoland

[tbebko]

We live 30 min west of chicago (lombard) and have a 16' Quantum w/ 125 hp on the back. I am wondering what are some good places to take the boat to. We have been to Shabbona (10hp max motor), we fish the Illinois River by Starved Rock (best fishing for us newbies). But I'm wondering if there are slips we can use to get into Lake Michigan (might not be a good idea w/ our bass boat). Also we would like to go tubing (did the Fox River in downtown St. Charles unil we hit the mud our 2nd time there).

Can you guys help. What are some nice places to fish / tube. Its our second summer with the boat - still new at this.

 

[nick232]

Re: Where to boat in chicagoland

The chain of lakes are fun and lake geneva is great too. You should take a weekend vacation and go down to Central Illinois to Clinton Lake or Lake Shelbyville. Clinton lake is a little smaller but has a very nice and clean campground. It's also a good choice for the spring/fall season as it is a nuclear cooling lake( always warmer). Shelbyville is great for fishing and is a big lake....it almost seems endless..lol! I live about 60 miles south of Chicago and will probably be planning a trip up the chicago river, through downtown, and out to lake michigan in my boat this summer. You will be fine if you stay inside the break water and go on a nice day.

 

[itsaboattime]

Re: Where to boat in chicagoland

I live about 2hrs west of Chicago and have been to the same places you have. take a day trip to the mississippi. Highway 30 west (Shabbona is on 30) until you hit the mississippi. you can tube for hours and never worry bout hitting mud, plus, the fishing is topps!!! Catfish, large & small mouth bass, and of course carp and sucker.

The Rock River is good too. Thats where I go most of the time. Again, hwy 30 will get u there. Launch in Rock Falls. Sand bar parties all weekend. vollyball and frisbee. Just be sure to be off the river before dark. It can be tricky after dark.

 

[Tabes117]

Re: Where to boat in chicagoland

I live 5 min from ya. I keep my boat in a slip in Seneca on the Illinois river. I have never boated past the lock in the Starved Rock Pool, but I love my stretch of the river. You can use the public ramp at Morris or Seneca and I believe there is one in Marseilles. I think you could rent an overnight slip at the Seneca yacht club. We are regulars at "Little Beach", which is just past the railroad bridge. A lot of people still beach at "Big Beach" down toward Morris.

Any questions just ask.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Where to boat in chicagoland

You really should go through Starved Rock Lock and Dam sometime, and you can go all the way to Peoria. There are a couple of cool beaches and places to raft out in shallow water right in Peoria. Plus there's the restaurant on the river in Henry, Henry Harbor Landings.
I recommend everyone from Chicagoland to see the real Illinois!

 

[Tabes117]

Re: Where to boat in chicagoland

Some of our friends make the trip to Peoria once a year. I will have to catch a ride with them to experience the locks. I have not done it yet.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Where to boat in chicagoland

Big pond, Michigan. There's a lock down there somewhere for that experience.
I was out for about 2 hours in the early afternoon yesterday, twas beautiful.

Chain of lakes is very popular and probably very busy as well.

 

[tbebko]

Re: Where to boat in chicagoland

You really should go through Starved Rock Lock and Dam sometime, and you can go all the way to Peoria. There are a couple of cool beaches and places to raft out in shallow water right in Peoria. Plus there's the restaurant on the river in Henry, Henry Harbor Landings.
I recommend everyone from Chicagoland to see the real Illinois!

So you mean I can go through the Lock and Dam up the river. Is there a cost to that, how do I do it? It sounds like fun. Do we just pull up to the lock and yell?

 

[tbebko]

Re: Where to boat in chicagoland

So where would I launch on the Mississippi if I'm coming from Chicago. Also, where would be a good spot to fish. I'd like to leave Friday evening, spend the night in the car and go fishing very early in the morning.