what a load of BS....when did the cement mill do this ? Thanks for the heads up John, must have happened after the publication of Svob's book. Bastards !
From Mike Svob's "Paddling Illinois" page 106-- "put in downstream-right from the graceful arches of the Lowell Bridge. At the end of a short road off Highway 178
( Co. Rd. N2249 ) " This puts you on a 7.5 mile stretch the includes class 2-3 Wildcat Rapids, a portage around a dangerous dam and "The Narrows" with large waves.
Mike calls it a "great destination for skilled whitewater paddlers " Be careful.
Here is Bucky Halker's "Fish on a Line" Shakespeare and Buddha in a song about fishing. That's me on the bass----uh, bass guitar.
http://www.we7.com/#/song/Bucky-Halker/Fish-On-A-Line
Mike Svob's "Paddling Illinois" ( highly recommended--I've worn out his 2 books on Wisconsin ) puts the first take out at 5 miles at the Copeland Bridge which on on road 1800E. Next takeout is at 12.5 miles at the Moore Bridge, although that a looooong float for a days fishing. More important might be the water level, the USGS gauge at Shelbyville is at 46 cfs ( which seems impossibly low if the gauge is below the dam--unless they are NOT releasing any water) 22 miles downstream at Cowden the reading is 328 cfs. Svob says in his book "locals indicate the river gets low at 600 cfs" Something seems off here if the, river is indeed that low a float would be impossible. Best to call somebody local.