Boating

[BentRod]

If you’re considering pleasure boating over the next 48hrs, DON’T.

[mwardncsu]

Was just going to post something to this effect. It’s not only the incredible amount of debris, but with the lake up so high above docks, any wakes will create more damage to property.

Best to stay off the lake or if you have to be on be VERY mindful of your wake - you are responsible for damage caused by your wakes even in times like this

[jmr04]

Agree. The lake is up so high and holding pretty steady as of now. If there is heavy traffic this weekend it will do incredible damage to the shoreline and property.

[flyrod]

No doubt, too bad there’s not some way to let weekenders know they should stay off the water. I am sure that some yahoos will be pulling tubes and running wake boats oblivious to the damage they will cause. Hope law enforcement is out heavily and actually stopping foolish behavior.

[mwardncsu]

May 22, 2020 14:02:00 GMT -5 flyrod said:

No doubt, too bad there’s not some way to let weekenders know they should stay off the water. I am sure that some yahoos will be pulling tubes and running wake boats oblivious to the damage they will cause. Hope law enforcement is out heavily and actually stopping foolish behavior.

have seen pics / video of water skiing & tube pulling already. However its not technically illegal - as long as their wake is not directly creating damage - which is highly possible with the water up so high.... stupid, yes - illegal - unfortunately, no

[jb4sml]

Wait till Tomorrow......

[bigun3]

  I've seen several jetskis and boats on the water thru out the day. Unfortunately, some of the boats were empty. 

[flyrod]

Of course it’s not illegal to be on the lake in a boat. My point, perhaps poorly made, was that the police should be out in force and stopping boats that are being careless about their wake particularly in coves and creeks. You are indeed responsible for your wake but most folks are clueless about it since it’s behind them. There is also no way as a home owner on the lake to hold a boat operator responsible in most cases. Law enforcement on the other hand can observe in real time boaters who are not being careful/respectful of people’s property and “educate “ them.

[flyrod]

Just heard but don’t know if it’s true that Fish & Game has designated the entire lake as a no wake zone until the water levels recede.

[jmr04]

That’s what they are saying on the news. Smart, however, I’m sure there will be tons of tubes and surfers out tomorrow. Don’t live on a very busy part of the lake but it is main channel b23, and I’ve seen only a few boats making wakes today. Hopefully the message is out.

[flyrod]

Also heard that Bridgewater and others will not be renting boats or jet skis this weekend. That makes sense given how much debris is in the lake. Probably more about protecting their inventory than it is about the shoreline.

[jmr04]

Sort of weird today. This morning no boats out at all. Saw fire and police boats going up and down the lake at no wake speed with their lights on. Was cloudy and kind of looked like rain until about 2. Was thinking this no wake thing is really working. Then it got sunny and hot and all hell broke loose. Wake boats tubes jet skis all over the place. Water was still over the docks by a foot at that point. Not sure if they lifted the restrictions on wakes at that point or not. Then around 6 it got really quiet again and barely saw a boat even though it was a really beautiful evening. Anyway looks like the water will be under the docks by tomorrow morning and things will get back to crazy with no more damage to property. Man 2020 is interesting to say the least.

[mwardncsu]

There were no restrictions in place. No lake-wide No Wake as any were spreading on FB. Just recommendation from
DGIF to stay off or travel at idle speeds. But some misquoting in news articles and lots of people spreading incorrect views had many adamant that there was some new no wake rule across the whole lake.

I did read where people in beckys were out with air horns and sirens and yelling at anyone transiting in their cove - not sure that’s the way to handle it either.

[CarolinaAngler]

May 23, 2020 22:44:10 GMT -5 jmr04 said:

Sort of weird today. This morning no boats out at all. Saw fire and police boats going up and down the lake at no wake speed with their lights on. Was cloudy and kind of looked like rain until about 2. Was thinking this no wake thing is really working. Then it got sunny and hot and all hell broke loose. Wake boats tubes jet skis all over the place. Water was still over the docks by a foot at that point. Not sure if they lifted the restrictions on wakes at that point or not. Then around 6 it got really quiet again and barely saw a boat even though it was a really beautiful evening. Anyway looks like the water will be under the docks by tomorrow morning and things will get back to crazy with no more damage to property. Man 2020 is interesting to say the least.

Yep, I'm right by you across from B22A and there were tons of boats. A few idiots made a point of driving close to the docks...Water levels are under most docks now.

However, woke up this morning and thought I was looking at sand on the dock...nope, it was shad roe. Tons of it! Our dock must have been the hardest bottom they've found in years lol. 

[buckeye]

Indian Creek is a log jam this morning.  Be safe out there.