North Marina

[hogstalker]

Is the Willard north marina open yet? Or did the gas spill put the kiebosh on it? Thanks for any info.
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[fish_fear_me2]

Nope not open yet. They claim there have been 500 barrels cleaned up with another 150 barrels left. There will also be some mitigation activities after the clean up. Might be awhile yet. The south marina is open now.
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[DKStroutfitter]

Last week, I heard that it could be up to 6 weeks for the North Marina to open.
I was also told that you can launch from the South and motor inside the North Marina though.

I'm sure this all will change weekly so don't hold any of this to be true this week.
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[k2muskie]

We've never launched from the South only North...heard horror stories of the South and boulders in the channel...any truth to that rumor of boulders as we'd like to get on Willard but don't want to take out a prop or lower unit...I guess I could drop the bow mount and toddle out that way...but would really like to know about the rumored boulders at the South...any intel on the boulders greatly appreciated as we're antsy to get out and catch some Walleye the old fashion way...[shocked][shocked]
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[DKStroutfitter]

I have launch from the South Marina a few times last year with no problems. There are boulders that could create a problem for you that are located south of the ramps and more in the cove. The channel from the ramps to the bay is alright. It could use a dredging but I have not had a problem myself.

I have fished inside the marina and found the boulders on my sonar but I was using my electric motor and simply went around them.
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[k2muskie]

Thanks for the info DKS...we shall see what the final decision is here in the very near future...dropping the bow mount until we are familiar is probably the best option...[][]
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[mike4cobra]

They dredged the south channel last year. There are no more problems in the south marina than the north. Get too close to shore, your gonna whack bottom. The only problem now is they didnt drag the docks out with the hurried oppening of the south. My prop found out the hard way today that it is only about 2ft deep at the end of the dock. Just be sure to trim up and there should be no trouble. The officer I spoke with today said there is no entry to the north marina even by boat. The crappie may go unmolested this year for their spawn, I'm sure the walleye are jealous......[fishin]
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[WiperMac]

[font "Calibri"]I’ve launched out of the South marina hundreds of time and never had any issues. The only area to truly avoid is the far North ramp. That point comes out a good bit and has munched its fair share of props. [/font]
[font "Calibri"] [/font]
[font "Calibri"]Launch out of the middle ramp, stay in the middle of the channel, and keep your trim up. [/font]
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[WiperMac]

[font "Calibri"]So did your day go any better after finding the bottom? [/font]
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[k2muskie]

Thanks for the 'additional' info Mike and WiperMac...I know M4C knows (I believe) what our boat looks like so WiperMac if you see us out and doing old fashion fishing say hello. We really are friendly gals...[angelic]

Again appreciate the South Marina info on the boat prop including lower unit season $$$$ breakers...sorry M4C to see your post on bumping the bottom hope not to serious...[:/]...being old bitty bags we err on the side of caution always with 'das' boat so may launch and drop the bow mount and watch the finder until we get our over 50 old lady bearings...but I asked for directions....[cool][cool]
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[wiperhunter2]

His motor was not in gear, so it wasn't too bad. As stated, stay in the middle as your going out of the marina and the channel and you will be fine. Wipermac isn't kidding about not launching on that North ramp, yesterday I found a whole blade from a prop laying on the shore there. Water level is low in the South marina but the center has been dredged so, it is all good as long as you don't come up close to the dock with your motor trimed down. Catching was poor today but water is clearer than last fall, the big groups of shad are gone, water temp was 44*-46* today. Good luck if you gals get out there, it was fun just being back on the solf water again today[].
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