This morning the pros were informed of a rule that was inevitable. When the Mississippi River reaches the 10-foot stage within La Crosse County and the City of La Crosse a no-wake zone is in effect.
Those no-wake zones dot the map, covering docks and other property most sensitive to boat wakes in the narrow channels defining the pool. One particular stretch could be troublesome for some anglers. Whether or not it will be a game changer is unknown at this time.
“Impacts should be minimal, but the residents along the Black River can get testy,” said Rob Abraham, assistant chief of police. “It’s a very populated area and doesn’t take much to create problems for the homeowners.”
The area in question is the Black River, just north of the launch site at Veterans Freedom Park in downtown La Crosse. The off limits area extends to both sides of the bank, laying down a speed bump of sorts for anyone choosing to travel to the Onalaska Dam and Spillway.
“It could add 15 minutes of idle time for the guys who will fish up there,” said Ott DeFoe, who won here in 2016.