Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

My Sister has recently moved to the Dubuque, IA area. We are heading up that way this summer for a long weekend. Pretty sure I've decided to take the toon along to explore the Mississippi. I've heard the UMR is more lake like than down here in the Alton pool.

Anyone boat on this pool south of Dubuque?

I've been looking at the river charts and it looks like there are several marinas, islands and backwaters.

I know that you have to study and follow the charts to stay away from rock dikes. Does anyone have any advice on marinas or hazards along that stretch?

We might be staying at Eagle Ridge (Sisters boyfriend works there), which is by Galena.

Thoughts, suggestions, Thanks in advance!!!!

Yes, we do! We are in Pool 13, but lock through into 12 all the time! Not much for gas/marina's but the water is good until you get down to Lock and Dam 13. You have to pay attention to the bouys, lots of wingdams and tree stumps. Buy a good marine radio to monitor the dams, for lockage. Fun to explore the Mississippi! PM me anytime you want!
Bryan

Thanks, sounds like the normal river stuff. Follow charts and stay between the buoys!

There's a couple marinas on the east side, south of Dubuque, gotta try to find a placed to keep the boat while we are there.

Well Bryan, we didn't end up taking the boat. Figured we would have plenty of other stuff to do. Wasn't really worth taking it. Did have a good time. Stayed at the Galena territory, it was a bit ritzy for me, but what the hell.

On a positive note, we took the booze cruise from Catfish Charlies. Like 1.5 hr happy hour cruise on the river with all you could drink Busch Light!!!
So I at least got a little bit of my river fix. I was busy pointing out wing dikes, everyone else was like what the hell are you talking about.... Good time though.

Excellent! Catfish Charlies! YA!!! I bet you had a great time! Sure wish we could have met ya abd showed ya around our part of the world! Let me know when you are around, again. We can lock through 13 and see ya! Love Pool 12! did you get to Chestnut and ride the Alpine Slide to the river? Another "MUST DO!"
Bryan

Bryden24shp wrote:Excellent! Catfish Charlies! YA!!! I bet you had a great time! Sure wish we could have met ya abd showed ya around our part of the world! Let me know when you are around, again. We can lock through 13 and see ya! Love Pool 12! did you get to Chestnut and ride the Alpine Slide to the river? Another "MUST DO!"
Bryan

Yea we even had an anchored boater trying to earn some beads with encouragement from some fellow passengers. Luckily our kids were driving the yacht at the time. My sis's BF had a buddy working on the cruise, so it was definitely a good time. Luckily my Mom was along and doesn't drink so she drove our drunk asses back to the resort. My wife was wanting to do the Alpine slide at Chestnut, but didn't have time cause it rained the day we could have done it (Aug 1st - 5th). My exact words while we were cruising the river were "next time the boat is coming along".

Be sure to let me know when you are back down, even if you don't bring the boat! I'll try to meet you somewhere... We have a cove where no beads are needed, they whip em out for free! Bless their hearts!
Of course, I never get there! , with the wife along!