Osceola Launch

[MuntzAngling]

Never launched here before. Can I go a ways upriver from here with a shallow 16-V boat with current levels? Also, what can I expect for bottom types and depths up to below the rapids at Saint Croix Falls, if navigable.

Clouds and rain this weekend giving limited visibility so any help is appreciated!

[LightningBG]

Might be better off going to Franconia, but it is a semi-steep gravel launch. Not sure what it takes to get your boat in the water.

Not sure of the water level, but its normally a mix of deeper rocks and shallow sand, including sandbars that shift. There are plenty of 14-20 ft boats in the area around opener.

[MuntzAngling]

Thanks,

I didn't know Franconia was more than a canoe landing! I could go with a stealthier 12 ft jon instead. 16V provides ease, that's all. Looking more for 4-8 feet depths with the low light for navigating...

[StillwaterAaron]

That entire section of river is no wake and to get into the Taylors Falls area would take forever. If you plan to fish the rapids and canyon area then you will want to launch in one of the State parks "Interstate"

The river can be sandy then go to rocky with no warning.

[FearNoFish]

still,

the river is no wake around the franconia area? its the only strech that I fish with a 16' lund and 20hp yammy. the Warden aroud there has never said anything about no wake when I see him down there even the feds in there flatbottom and 50 hp run fast around that area. great area to fish.

ssminer I have seen everything from a kayak to 2o ft tyee up there fishing. Have to watch the depth it changes quick in places. You can be trolling along in 5 to 6 ft then in a blink be in 8 inches of water.

[StillwaterAaron]

Yeah it is no wake but hard to enforce. It is federal controlled water and from the Tallors falls dam to the Arcola sandbar it is no wake. I am thankful that all jet skis are also banned north of the Boomsite launch. I know all this is online but can't remember the site at this time but when I have time I will link it.

[SteveD]

Yeah it is no wake but hard to enforce. It is federal controlled water and from the Tallors falls dam to the Arcola sandbar it is no wake. I am thankful that all jet skis are also banned north of the Boomsite launch. I know all this is online but can't remember the site at this time but when I have time I will link it.

Aaron - It is a "Slow Speed Zone". Here is an excerpt from the St Croix Boating Rules:

Regulations and Where They Apply

The St. Croix River is a special area, and boaters using the river have special responsibilities. The water surface use regulations that are in effect on the St. Croix have been adopted by the Minnesota DNR, the Wisconsin DNR, and the National Park Service in order to make the river experience more enjoyable for more people. Please obey all the rules. VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED! Please read all the rules before venturing out on the river.

The regulations create one slow speed zone where motorboats must be restricted to operating “at a leisurely speed, less than planing speed, whereby the wake or wash created by the motorboat is minimal.” This slow speed zone extends from the dam at Taylors Falls south to the Arcola Sandbar at the mouth of the Apple River, about 1.5 miles north of the Arcola High Bridge (Canadian National Railroad). The sandbar is marked with two buoys.

Here is the link to the St Croix Boating Rules: St Croix Boating Rules

[StillwaterAaron]

Thanks Steve!