gardyloo

I am supposed to be camping and fishing on the Beaver Tailwater over Memorial weekend. I called the booth and they said they were open; however I have read and seen otherwise. Was the lady at the booth mistaken about camping and fishing below the dam? Is fishing restricted to float fishing because of the water level? The significant other will be mad as all get out if we show up next Friday and the park is closed.

My experience on the Lower Illinois is that there are three blasts before they start releasing water. They are within a short period of time of one another. You should get out of the river after the first blast. Every year someone gets hurt or killed on a tail water by failing to be cautious and evacuate the river when the horns are blown. Also every tail water is different the Beaver tail water gives one short blast then a second; however the second one signals that the water has been released and is coming up. It is not worth trying to time the horns and releases. A few more casts sure can be tempting but not worth the potential risk. Hope I answered your questions and did not preach to much about safety.

From the gravel pit parking lot where is the car hole located?

I think that the 9' #4 or 5 is the best route in terms of rod. I personally own several Sage rods and am very pleased with them. I also own several Redington rods and they are a great value and fish excellent. St. Croix also makes great rods. Reels I would look at Ross CLA, Orvis Batenkill Barstock, or a G. Loomis East Fork. Personally I have used and would stand by the Ross CLA for the money it is a great value and will last forever. I have owned and fished the others but prefer the Ross drag and the larger arbor. On ebay check out the Angerls Habitat store.