Illinois Trip Reports anybody? Vary many strainers? Advice?

[TonyC]

I'm in the midst of planning a Memorial day float trip for 12-15 coworkers/friends, and I'm trying to pick the best river that matches the groups varied ability level. We'll be in canoes. It's been a year and a half since I was on the Illinois (Chambers Springs Rd. to Fishers Ford), and back then we found a few strainers but could dodge easily or do a very short portage.

I'm also considering putting in on HWY 16 near lake Weddington and taking out either at Chambers Spring or Fishers Ford. Has anybody done any of this since the January ice storm? I'm betting the water will be up enough on the Illinois while it most likely won't on the Frog, Mulberry, White, Buffalo, etc. It will primarily be a rec trip, but people want a few rapids for fun. I just would like to know we won't be constantly portaging around strainers, etc. Worse case, I suppose we could do the OK side of the Illinois somewhere.

What do you all know? Whatcha think would be best?

Thanks,

Tony

[unicorn]

The OK side will be crowded and gross this weekend. I'd do the chambers springs road section or run the kings.

[gnick4]

We floated from 16 to chambers back in February and there were no problems. There was one set of strainers between 16 and robinson that was tricky but we had no problems with either canoe.

[gnick4]

I am going to float from chambers springs to Fishers ford this afternoon and I will give an update on that section this evening.

[TonyC]

Thanks for the updates!

any reason not to put in at justbefore weddington on 16? I was hoping for a longer all day and more remote trip. Wondering how many people we'll see.

Happy floating everybody!

-Tony

[gnick4]

Ok, here goes, we floated from Robinson road to chamber springs road. Water was great, no dragging and pretty good flow through all the pools. There were numerous trees down but most were out of the way. Really only three spots that were not terribly tricky but required some simple moves to negotiate. One spot there was a tree over the river and we just floated under it with plenty of clearance. Another spot might become trickier as the water level drops some but none were dangerous.

I have floated from 16 to chambers and with the water and air temp that could be a day long float. Especially if you are getting wet and stop to cook lunch. Water was a little muddy due to the rain but is starting to clear up and shouldn't be an issue.

Good luck and have fun! Didn't see anyone else on the river so you shouldn't worry about the crowds.

[TonyC]

Thanks Gary!