Boat launch near grey cloud

Hey guys, figured I did post this here because I need a quick answer, otherwise I would’ve posted it in the River forum. My brothers, who I have not seen in five years, are coming up to visit from Florida today and I would like to take them fishing around Grey cloud area. What is the nearest boat launch? Anything closer than lions levee? Are these launches even above water now? Prefer a public access, but am willing to pay if it means less of a boat ride and more vehicle security. I just want my brothers to have an enjoyable outing. Thanks a ton!
Jake

How big of a boat do you have and how much are you willing to tear up your gear to save a little time?

There is a crappy launch on the western side of the lake, sorry I can’t recall the name but it’s on the DNR maps. It’s reached through an often washed-out and rutted road that’s hard to find. The spot is popular with high school drinkers and I’ve heard of a lot of vehicle break in issues. The actual “ramp” itself is poor and water conditions can make it tricky to use, either too much water or too little. I personally would not even try to go in there now with all the rain we had unless you’re driving a giant mud bogging truck with a winch.

IMO it’s not worth it. Either run down from Lions, or run up from Hastings. Even with my little boat and 25 HP, its not that bad.

Grouse

Thanks grouse. I have a 16′ alumacraft with a 25hp merc and pull it with a v6 Tacoma. Sounds like I may have to try lions. Just hope I don’t get there only to realize it’s underwater…

Be careful out there. Lots of trash is going to be in the water. Wear your PFDs and IMO in higher water I don’t like being out there after dark, which comes early these days.

Grouse

Levee is your best shot.. You can try to take the short cut back through Baldwin and Moores lake and shoot the culvert into the backwater…. you will get down it but not back up. So have to take the long way out of there anyways.

Why the need to get back in there?? Bass are overrated and can be found in a lot of areas on the way down to GCI.

Water levels are no issue at the launch.

buschman wrote:

ou can try to take the short cut back through Baldwin and Moores lake and shoot the culvert into the backwater….

Yikes. With this much rain you think the culvert is run-able?

Just my opinion, but for a beginner I’d say stay away from the culvert until you’ve run it in normal water conditions. I can see bad, bad, bad sh!t happening if anything goes wrong in your approach to that culvert in fast water. I don’t know how the current river level impacts the water at the culvert, but I’d be really cautious.

Grouse

Thanks guys. I was thinking about looking for some crappies back there. Figured the main river would be too fast, but what do I know…

And I appreciate the in-depth responses!

I have mainly gone out of Lions. Never have I attempted the old dirt road landing, and after reading more about it, I don’t think I ever will!

What’s the best way to get to Grey Cloud from lions levee? Do you need to go south and through Moerrs lake? I usually fish north of downtown but would like to give it a try down there.

I have not launched out of spring lake for many years but don’t think it has changed much. The road is well marked as public access. People live along the road and is pretty good until the last mile or so where it gets rough but is certainly passable especially with your truck. The landing is shallow but your size of boat you should have no problem launching there and you are right there in spring lake if that is where you want to fish. If going out of lions you would head south and is a bit of a run but you will be at head of spring lake if you stay to the right and go through the channel by the barge gas fill up. I do not see any advantage going through baldwin and moore lake through the back channel. If you want to fish Moore lake, 20 years ago or so it was hot for monster bluegills and have thought a lot of going down there and see if they have grown back up again but have not head any reports of the big fish being back but enough time has passed there may be a few in there again.

Jake, did you make it out? Curious if you found much back there.

I did not make it out, but I hope to soon. Thanks again, guys!

Has anyone used that Lower Spring Lake landing? I think I have seen it from the water and wondered what it was. Is there parking there? I have an Explorer and 14′ boat. That is actually close to my home in Eagan and would be fairly convenient for hitting the lower end of Pool 2.

Dave,
See TheFamousGrouse post above. It’s not the best launch, but for a small boat and truck with 4WD, it’s doable. There is parking for about 5-6 rigs. The duck hunters will be using that launch here in a few weeks.

-J.