Illinois’s Forgotten Waterfront
While the Mississippi or Lake Michigan are wonders to behold, the Ohio River makes up a small but beautifully majestic part of Illinois’s border with bluffs that overlook the scenic river valley. Fishing, tubing, and powerboating through a wonderful weekend awaits you on Illinois’s share of the deep, wide Ohio. Find information on river stages to make your weekend on the water a success.
Powerboating
Broad waters mean no speed limits with several convenient inlets and coves for sport fishing. Rent a powerboat for the weekend or dock your own at one of the wonderful slips at the marina. Zoom down the current in a personal watercraft, or make a day of tubing the highlight of your kids’ summer vacation.
Boating
Golconda is the capital of Illinois’s Ohio Riverfront. Its marina is perfectly suited for the party pontoon as well as powerboats. With ice cream, beautiful views and live music, everything made to delight the senses is happening in the little town of Golconda at the Golconda Marina.
Fishing
Here we speak bass. The Smithland Pool has caught the attention of Fishing League Worldwide and World Bass, which often hold bass tournaments there, but bass isn’t all. A variety of sporting fish can be captured in the Ohio River. We’re also the home of Lusk Creek and a forest-full of other honey holes waiting to be the source of your next tall tale.