here was a fair amount of dunnage coming down yesterday on a rising River. Forecast calls for Action stage on Pool 9 by Thursday.

Action stage is when some boat access points close. No big deal on the Wisconsin side with 8 ramps from very marginal to not so bad.

Things are drastically different on the west side of the River with the Lansing bridge being closed for TWO FULL YEARS. There is an outstanding access on the south side of Lansing @ Village Creek–roughly 13 river miles from Lock & Dam 8 at Genoa. This ramp provides access well into moderate flood stage. In fact it’s easier to get the boat in then than at normal summer pool where a big mud flat/sandbar puts the pin in the party hog just past the railroad tracks if you aren’t paying attention.

The next west side ramp is at new Albin, a solid 10 River miles north. This ramp is adequate. But you’re gonna need knee boots until the courtesy docks go in–and this won’t happen til the River comes down out of Action stage.

At Action stage access @ new Albin is truly a game of inches. Judicious placement of a few loads of gravel will allow folks to launch with another 6 inches of River rise. But @ 7 inches, the gate closes with hippers more for function than style at two truly marginal points between New albin and Lock & Dam 8.

Spent over two hours replacing the impeller on my jon boat after getting off the water yesterday. This craft is not suitable for hire, but okay for a River Rat who will not be denied.

Water temp jumped to a solid 42 yesterday, up from 35 just 3 days prior. Perch are cooperating, pike are active as the spawn winds down.

Yesterday the 21′ contour was holding walleyes. They wanted 3-ways but all the dunnage coming down made it challenging to keep a pulled rig mission capable. Casting/dragging produced a couple of decent fish–but when they respond better to a 3-way its usually better to pull off weeds.

Almost dawn. Thank You, Lord for another day! One more cup of coffee and its time to see what the River and those scaly critters have to say.