A question for Wisconsin sailors.

[Geoff in Ann Arbor]

I'm thinking of a cruise to the Green Bay area, and am wondering about the navagability of the Fox River down to Lake Winnebago. I only have limited charts of the river at the moment, and am wondering if it is navigable -- mast up (I need about 57' of clearance), for the entire length of the journey. Some of the bridge clearances are not marked on my charts, and I don't want to bother buying more accurate ones if it not do-able.Thanks.

 

[J. Gilmour]

That would be up

to lake Winnebago. There are a number of locks in the river but they have been closed for several years. Canoe or similar portagable craft would be the only way to negotiate the Fox at this time. As with many things governmental, there are ongoing rumors about reopening the locks but no real plans.

 

[Geoff in Ann Arbor]

Heh heh, my mistake -- down not up.

Seems such a shame that the locks have closed. It looks like it would be a great trip.I did do a little research and it seems that there are two sides to the issue of opening the locks. On the one hand it would improve tourism and commerce. On the other hand it would open Lake Winnebago to invasive species of fish and aquatic plants.