Though I’ve spent a ton of time on the river, I’ve never gone through a lock to travel between pools. Can anyone describe for me the procedure? Will they operate the lock for just one boat? Are there hours during which the lock is open/closed? Does it cost any money? I imagine the answers might vary depending on which lock you’re referring to, but I’m thinking of the locks from LaCrosse on up, and especially between St. Paul and Red Wing, including the lock at the Ford Dam. Thanks!
John
On both ends of the lock there is a rope to pull which will signal the lockmaster to open the chamber. Once in, they will slide down a rope for you to hold onto. DO NOT tie it to your boat. Just hold on and let the procedure begin. There’s no fee and I’ve not heard of any hours of business.
And yes, they will run the lock for one boat.
They also monitor one of the marine channels but im not sure wich one.Make sure you have boat bumpers with you as the sides of the locks are slimy.
I believe it is channel 14…I could be wrong on that but that is what I am remembering.
If your the only boat they will let you just float in the chamber too..
I locked through with my flattie one time and almost got swamped. Make sure you have plenty of side on your rig before attempting to use the locks. I find it easier to just launch on the pool I want to fish.
Just a thought (from experience). Keep in mind if you do lock through, your return trip could be delayed by barge traffic. 
I saw a kayak lock through here at Dresbach last month. Nothing like moving tons of water (and a couple of walleye jiggers at the lock door) for someone in a 20 pound boat 
. Probably would have been faster for them to pick the kayak up and “portage” around the dam…
Anyway, they will lock through one boat, regardless of size.
I’ve never locked through before and Briank is trying to get me to lock through in the dark [to go night time catfishin next year one night he says] with him for my first time ever. Anybody here think he can be trusted? 
Think maybe the ”one night” would be my last night seen?
Thanks, Bill
Ps…I was trying to find a copy on the web, but failed. If you can pick up a Boater’s Safety/Rules handbook somewhere, they have all the info a person needs to lock through.
From notifing the lockmaster your intentions, to the signal lights, to waiting for the horn before you leave the lock. Once you’ve locked through once you’ll be an expert.
But as mentioned above…you are always taking a risk if a barge is coming through when you want to lock up or down. They take priority. Some large ones have to break up, send half of the barge through…then come back and get the rest. A normal lock through takes about 30 miniutes…with a barge…depending on the size, I’ve waited 2.5 hours. I does help to contact the Lockmaster via channel 14 on your marine radio and ask about barge traffic. Also listening for barges will tip you off about one on it’s way.
Good Luck!
Army Corps has a booklet called “Locks and the River” a boaters guide for travel. They should send it to you out of the St. Paul District try calling 651 290 5200.
BINGO! D Man!
I spent an hour looking for this the other day…(got wrapped up in all the other info I was finding).
Here’s the link to Locks and the River!
Click Here for Everything you wanted to know about Locking Through!
Thanks for the info., guys. I took the opportunity on Saturday to lock between pools and it was a whole lot easier than I thought it would be. I locked up with the coast guard and came back alone. Very smooth process. It was a cool experience, too!
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