Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

Sikiguya · May 9, 2009

Yes, I know that Lake Geneva is like a hot tub in the summer with all the summer traffic. However, I live right by there and just got a boat. Drove around looking at launches and there is only 2?!

The one is William Bays look great but parking look to be limited.

The one in downtown Lake Geneva look good...except it is off a busy street?!! WTF?! Where are you suppose to park?!

I plan to go during th week when traffic is down...anyone with a better suggestion?

windsors03cobra · May 9, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

Good suggestions ? Lake Delavan maybe ?
I've never launched on Lake Geneva before but that downtown ramp looks like fun and I bet its all of $15 or 20 to launch.

Sikiguya · May 13, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

I had heard from one of the local marine shop that Lake Delevan was filthy with a lot of run off from the farms nearby....

akorcovelos · May 14, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

You two should come down to the chain, lots of ramps here.

doggreen13 · May 14, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

Where are the free launches on the chain ? i have only been to ben wats but he wants 20 bucks to launch,not that i mind because it also comes with a safe place to park, but what i really want is a camp site up there where i can leave my boat in the water all weekend any suggestions ?

tbebko · May 15, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

That would be a great idea - camp and boat. I'd get in on that.

akorcovelos · May 15, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

doggreen13 said:
Where are the free launches on the chain ? i have only been to ben wats but he wants 20 bucks to launch,not that i mind because it also comes with a safe place to park, but what i really want is a camp site up there where i can leave my boat in the water all weekend any suggestions ?

well, you can put in for free at the state park on Rt 173 in Antioch, you can camp there also but you'll need to pull the boat out at night as it's just a in/out launch, no slips. That launch puts right onto the Fox River where it lets out into Grass Lake next to Blarneys Island.

Sikiguya · May 25, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

How many ramps and parking spots are there at this ramp? Also, what is the traffic like at this spot?

Tabes117 · May 26, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

Blarneys Island, brings back memories............

Sikiguya · Jun 2, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

No launch fees...but I heard that the chain requires a permit or sticker...can anyone confirm or deny this?..infor?

marinebucaro · Jun 3, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

If you are going to lake Geneva during the week, you should have no problem using the launch downtown. There is also parking right behind the Bella Vista hotel that also comes with the paid launch, less than a 1/2 block walk. I much prefer lake Geneva To Delavan because it is alot cleaner. And compared to the chain it is alot deeper. I wrecked my brand new prop on the chain trying to go to Blarneys island for the 1st time. I stayed with in the markers and still messed it up. I do believe that lake Geneva has 4 launches tough 1. down town 2. Williams bay 3. by Gordys in Fontana (across the lake on west side) and another by where the old Northwestern military School use to be (south side of the lake by the old ski hill) hope this is helpful!

jmarty10 · Jun 5, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

All right! Northern Il/Souther Wisc boaters! Just got off the lower fox, upper fox and chain of lakes today. Great Day

1. Fontana is another ramp but I heard its tough to get down for the big boats. Go early on Lake Geneva

2. I really like Lake Delevan. Dont confuse it with Lake Delton by the dells. Its off Route 50. They have a really nice launch with 6-8 ramps. The fee is about $10.50. I'm heading back up to Delevan at the end of this month to really open her up

3. Free launch fees in the chain? Unheard of!? If someone found one congrats.

4. Yep - river and chain are shallow. I think a depth finder is a must out there. But after you get to know the area its really no problem. Love the lower fox!

jmarty10 · Jun 5, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

and yes - you need a fox water agency sticker for $60. Dont think they offer temps. You can get sticker at most (key word most) river/chain marinas

Jstep · Jun 25, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

I live off the lower Fox, so I'm familiar with the Fox Waterway fees. A season permit for the Fox River and Chain O Lakes is $60. For out-of-state boaters, there is an additional $20 charge, for a total of $80.

Alternatively, you can get a 1-day temporary permit for $10, or a 10-day (consecutive) permit for $30.

Here's a link for the Fox Waterway Agency's fee schedule: http://www.foxwaterway.org/user_fees/main.cfm

Launching at the Chain O Lakes State Park is free, but is usually pretty crowded.

Here's a link to the Illinois DNR page for the Chain O Lakes State Park: http://dnr.state.il.us/LANDS/landmgt/Parks/R2/CHAINO.HTM

Here's a link to an aerial view of the launch at the park: http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=r26v0z7njdsf&style=b&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&scene=24679232&encType=1

--John

sox 1 · Jul 18, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

Sikiguya said:
Yes, I know that Lake Geneva is like a hot tub in the summer with all the summer traffic. However, I live right by there and just got a boat. Drove around looking at launches and there is only 2?!

The one is William Bays look great but parking look to be limited.

The one in downtown Lake Geneva look good...except it is off a busy street?!! WTF?! Where are you suppose to park?!

I plan to go during th week when traffic is down...anyone with a better suggestion?

Williams bay has the best launch but small parking lot, fontana has a large parking lot. Last time i was there it was $7 to use the landing.

gcisko · Jul 23, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

There are supposedly 6 or 8 public launch areas on lake geneva. I forget the exact number. Many of them are not well known. We have boated there the last 2 years. We bought a relief map of the lake. It comes complete with locations of the other ramps. I have no idea if they are easily accessable. But I know there is one in cicso bay between williams bay and lake geneva near the narrows.

south texas · Jul 23, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

I've boated in Lake Geneva several times and it sucks. TOO many boats and crazy chop from all directions. The ramp situation sucks too. I had to wait for a long time to get my boat in and the others waiting are super impatient asses while you're launching. Nothing worse than some tool blowing the horn and yelling because you took more than 30 seconds to launch your boat!

I recommend the chain of lakes, way lower stress and a lot of fun. Also Illinois river is cool. I kept a boat near Starved Rock for a season. The family really liked it.

gcisko · Jul 23, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

south texas said:
I've boated in Lake Geneva several times and it sucks. TOO many boats and crazy chop from all directions.

The past 2 weekends it was smooth as glass and not many people there.

My biggest problem was docking with my wife and I. She is short and did not get the line thrown around the dock post very well. If you have someone on the dock to catch the line you are golden. If not it is iffy. Would a boat hook help? Is there anything else?

south texas · Jul 23, 2009

Re: Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

Boat hook would work, or you could just ease in to the dock.

I can't believe it's smooth as glass up there. Must be from the crappy weather and cold temps you're having. The only time I saw it smooth was at 6AM!

Good luck!

Where to launch in Lake Geneva?

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