I spoke with Mike Hurless and Bill Guerrini of the SVWC this morning and both indicated that the DNR should be opening up the river today. The tentative plan is to open up the river at noon today with both Barto and Hennepin boat ramps opening up then as well.

We are planning on hosting the tournament as long as the river stays open. If the river rises again to make Barto Landing unavailable, then we will make the decision to move the launch and weigh-in to Depue. This will be determined either Wednesday or Thursday depending on what Mother Nature does. If there is so much rain that the DNR closes the river again for the weekend, then we will have to cancel. Both Mike and Bill feel as though the worst of the flooding is behind us and even with additional rain, they don't think the DNR would close the river as the extreme conditions have passed.

For more updates on the river conditions, click HERE

Thanks,
Jeff Ahlstrand
Events Manager
Cabela's MWC

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Talia Carpenter,

quote:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2009



Watercraft Restrictions Removed on Illinois River
Public should always use caution when recreating on public waterways

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) at 10 a.m. today announced that it has removed the remaining recreational boating restrictions it authorized last week on the Illinois River. Rising water levels and swift currents led to the department restricting recreational boating on several rivers last week including the Illinois. IDNR has been monitoring the situation and believes conditions have improved to the point of being able to safely reopen these rivers to recreational watercraft.

IDNR has authorization to designate restricted boating areas when navigation is deemed significantly hazardous. For more information about river restrictions, go to the IDNR website at www.dnr.state.il.us/law3/

Barto landing was above water and the ramps appeared to be usable when I checked this morning. The SV Walleye Club has said in the last week that they will check for damage and start preparations for the tournament.

Good luck all, and be careful. The river is still pretty high.

The fish have been left alone since Thanksgiving or so, they will be hungry.