Do's and Dont's at the Chain of Lakes in Illinois
#32
Registered
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH / Pewaukee, WI
Posts: 5,872
Received 365 Likes
on
209 Posts
The ramp at the hotel is on the river. It is going to be a challenge to say the least. FYI the hotel is under a renovation the last time I passed by it. Port of Blarney and Watts are both great ramps. Not alot of "modern" hotels in the area near the water. If your up to it Port of Blarney's even rents slips with power for the night instead of staying at a hotel.
If you do stay there you MUST go to Epic Deli across the street from the hotel in Johnsburg. Places to go I agree on Snuggery is a must. Famous Freddies has a great outdoor bar and good piers. For swimming Pistakee Bay is very nice. If your looking for people watching then Petite Lake, Channel Lake, and Columbia Bay on Fox lake are all good.
Yes it isnt ocean blue water by any means. In fact I dont think it is even a shade of blue. You would really have to try to not have a good time on the Chain.
If you do stay there you MUST go to Epic Deli across the street from the hotel in Johnsburg. Places to go I agree on Snuggery is a must. Famous Freddies has a great outdoor bar and good piers. For swimming Pistakee Bay is very nice. If your looking for people watching then Petite Lake, Channel Lake, and Columbia Bay on Fox lake are all good.
Yes it isnt ocean blue water by any means. In fact I dont think it is even a shade of blue. You would really have to try to not have a good time on the Chain.
Thanks, Jr.
#33
Registered
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH / Pewaukee, WI
Posts: 5,872
Received 365 Likes
on
209 Posts
Be careful by the waterfront hotel. I stayed there years ago, when it was paradise motel (total dump, I slept with my shoes on in that place). Looks like the new place is nice though. Anyhow, we went out for a ride on my buddy's 21ft deckboat and we were coming back to paradise, and getting off plane in the river out front when he smacked a rock/stump right in the middle of the river. He had started the weekend with a 3 blade prop, and finished the weekend with a single blade prop after that, and a half a skeg.
At that time I had a Four winns 241 Liberator. I was lucky and didnt hit anything that weekend, but I kinda followed the advice from some locals. I remember going to blarneys island, and had to trim the drive way up to get in there, lots of mud splashed all over the transom.
I did a night cruise on the river down to Vicki's place for a bite to eat and a few beers. That was fun. I wouldnt be afraid to go back for a day or two if I had a smaller boat. You're still on the water getting some sun. I wont take my Fountain there, because for starters I dont know the lakes that well, and I am not gonna tear up my speedmaster style props, they simply cost too much. I dont want to be dodging jet skis, and all kinds of boats when I am trying to run mine. Lake michigan you get wide open area to sit back and relax and enjoy the boat. Im all about relaxing on the weekends.
Hook up with one of the guys from here if you can. Have them lead you around a bit. Thats what I did, and had an uneventful weekend as far as hitting anything. I think you'll have fun with the scout there. Be sure to bring something to clean the yellow stains off the hull though when you pull it out.
At that time I had a Four winns 241 Liberator. I was lucky and didnt hit anything that weekend, but I kinda followed the advice from some locals. I remember going to blarneys island, and had to trim the drive way up to get in there, lots of mud splashed all over the transom.
I did a night cruise on the river down to Vicki's place for a bite to eat and a few beers. That was fun. I wouldnt be afraid to go back for a day or two if I had a smaller boat. You're still on the water getting some sun. I wont take my Fountain there, because for starters I dont know the lakes that well, and I am not gonna tear up my speedmaster style props, they simply cost too much. I dont want to be dodging jet skis, and all kinds of boats when I am trying to run mine. Lake michigan you get wide open area to sit back and relax and enjoy the boat. Im all about relaxing on the weekends.
Hook up with one of the guys from here if you can. Have them lead you around a bit. Thats what I did, and had an uneventful weekend as far as hitting anything. I think you'll have fun with the scout there. Be sure to bring something to clean the yellow stains off the hull though when you pull it out.
#35
Registered
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH / Pewaukee, WI
Posts: 5,872
Received 365 Likes
on
209 Posts
I run a 36 footer out there every weekend. Been out there for 25 yrs. Sure it is muddy/murky water, but it is water with no speed limits and the cops leave you alone on the noise as long as you are not completely ignorant. There are some nice spots to anchor/float or even get out of the boat and stand on the bottom. I can give you some general ideas of where to go/not go. PM if you want to discuss anything.
Smitty
Smitty
#36
Gold Member
Gold Member
#37
Registered
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The chain rocks!!!! Was out there this past Thursday with my 32 Sunny. I've been boating at the chain for the past 20 years. Stay in the channels and don't be an explorer. You will be fine. Water is good this year because of all the rain. Shouldn't have any issues.
#38
Registered
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Im close to water?
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Call Wild Bill. I think his brother Johnny moved back into the house on the river. I think its like two lakes down from Blarneys and you have to go through a couple locks to get there. Be safe.
#40
Registered