what is the procedure for going thru a lock and dam? i often fish on pool 2 near the ford bridge, and have always wondered what its like going thru the lock. can any boat go thru? do you just go up and pull on the rope and they let you go thru? what is the process like?

1.Motor up and pull the rope (depending on ambient noise levels, you may/may not hear your rope pull trigger a horn up in the lock's control tower).

2. Lock personnel will inform you via loudspeaker as to approx. how long it will be until you're allowed into the lock. Wait for green light and horn to direct you into lock.

3. On green light and horn, motor SLOWLY into the lock and grab rope(s) offered to you by lock personnel.

4. As you're being lifted (slowly) to the upstream side of the river, gather excess rope into your boat.

5. When upstream doors open and personnel say it's o.k. to exit, throw rope(s) over railing. NEVER ALLOW LOCK ROPES TO GET WET--lock personnel hate this.

6. Repeat from upstream side (here, of course, you're being lowered as opposed to lifted)

Check the Army Corps of Engineers website for specifics. However, when river is considered open to navigation, locks operate 24/7, and just one craft, of any size, can request lockage at any time. You will have to wait until barges and tugs are discharged, as pleasure craft are not allowed in locks with commercial craft. Barges and tugs have priority, and they can "cut" in front of you.

Don't be afraid to ask questions of the workers. They are usually quite helpful.

Chief-Thanks for all the detailed info! Now I just need to get a reason and the balls to go thru the lock. I don't know what it is about it, something just scares me.

I too was reluctant (scared) to make my first lockage. I s'pose I figured my pitiful, tin can of a boat, and I, weren't worthy of consideration. Trust me, though, it's a piece of cake. Do it just once and you're an expert.

As for good reasons to head upriver, try these: You'll get away from seventy percent of boat traffic. The smallmouth fishing, in my opinion, is far better.

i think it would be fun, bet the other boat captains are jealous as they are working the barge and you get to go fishing. can a guy troll off a barge? always wondered that.

jwmiller, if you would like I have been looking to go down to fish the river. You can ride with me to get a handle on now it works.

This is something we do frequently. We put-in at the landing in north Minneapolis and go south from there. The people working the locks are great, interesting talking to them.

I will say its very cool going thru the Upper St.Anthony. Thats a massive lock. Amazing that they will run the locks for 1 small boat.

jim-i'd love to ride with you sometime and go thru the locks. i also wouldn't mind learning a thing or two about the river and fishing it if you didnt mind. i'm still new to river fishing. i really want to experience going thru the lock. lets try to get out sometime!

Jw- I've been fishing this stretch a fair amount this year, if you ever want I'll show you a few spots.

The Ford dam is a great one to lock threw. Highest lock on the river system it think. Most only go a few feet. Im guessing the ford dam is close to 40'.

Never tie the ropes to your boat or your self. This would not be good for you but may provide good entertainment for the boat around you.

I am planning on fishing tomarrow near the ford dam. Anyone one else going?

I'll be out there Sunday with a few people.

How is the bass fishing above the ford dam?

Quetico what time will you be out sunday. We are thinking about going back tomarrow(sunday) to try again.

We were there in the middle of the day. We headed back north by 130. The fish have moved off our spots for the year. We ended with 1 in an area we can usually get a dozen.