New Klondike Ramp on MO River

[perchplucker]

Stopped and checked out the new ramp on the way home from Cabela's and Bass Pro today. Well it should stay clean now but holy crap that thing is steep. Nothing along the edges either. Just a few rocks that drop pretty much straight down. Nowhere to stand really and hold a boat in that current. Guess I am just hard to please. Wouldn't be a ramp for the faint of heart to use.

[south point]

today, I asked a fellow I know what he thought of it, he said he wouldn't use it twice and that he hit a big rock or something with his trailer wheel. thats the only report I have of it. I saw the ramp in progress from the water level looking up and yes, looked steep. I'll still use it from time to time this winter. sure beats putting at washington or weldon and running back to the kolondike area. those boat-rides are brutal this time of year!

[perchplucker]

Looks like it might be hard for 1 person to use. didn't see a very good spot to land a boat while you parked. Also no place to stand while holding a boat. I wonder who planned and built it? The Conservation dept. or St. charles county. The roundabout at the top is strange. you are taught to go to the right but if you go to the right you can't launch your boat. You have to go left so you can have a shot at the ramp. Also can't see if anyone is using the ramp until you are in place to back down and then you are in the way and have to pull around to lot again. They is no edges. It pretty much drops straight down from sides of ramp. Maybe I am just being REALLY picky but it is 1 of the worst plans I have ever seen. The steepest ramp I have seen. I drive a clutch and that would be a big challenge on that thing. I don't thing they will be able to launch BIG boats there. Time to get off of my soapbox. But I think there was a better plan.

[south point]

I agree with you that it doesn't look well thought out, and I believe that st.charles county was who did it, but not for sure. I know when I call the phone number to see if that ramp is open, I get the st charles county parks department. the only real issue I saw when I was there, was that there wasn't much for a current break in front of the ramp, and like you said, not too much for rocks on the sides of the ramp. looks to me that if we get a good flood, the current will really roll through that area, and all the rocks are gonna wash out. I guess time will tell. for now, at least there is a usable access. even if its difficult to use. I'll let ya know if it's usable solo or not, because not too many people want to go with me when its so cold I am dodging ice chunks, but thats when I really like to fish that area.

[south point]

well I have heard good and bad about our new access. so I went and tried it myself today. I agree with you Perch on the way theu want you to enter and use the ramp. that's gonna start some fights come summertime! it is steep and intimidating from the top looking down. I wouldn't use it in icy weather. but its really not too bad, once ya use it. I unloaded solo while I waited for the my buddy to get there, and anchored/beached the boat to the right of the ramp, on the rocks. all in all it worked out good. the river stage at washington is half foot below zero, and judging from my fishfinder there is plenty of ramp left before the drop off. I'd say we can use it until the river drops to -3ft at washington.
the fishing was good today, we anchored to the tips of dikes and fished the scourholes and current seams. caught 10 blues, all under 10lbs and all on frozen cut bait.

[perchplucker]

Good job. Ya I can see that ramp will have problems in the summer when it is busy. I can see someone pulling up the ramp and having to go around the wrong way because that is the only way you can go and some looky lou(?) pulling in and blocking your only route you can use with a trailer.

[beagle man]

nice looking cats, look like good eating size for sure,,,

[south point]

nice looking cats, look like good eating size for sure,,,

thanks, beagle! they would be some fine eateing but we were feeling lazy..... maybe I'll clean some next time!