Illinois River - Reports
March 20, 2004, 3.76 ft, 847 cfs, 60F. Put-in: Round Hollow public access. Take-out: No Head Hollow public access. 13.8 river miles. We had no trouble finding water to float. Found lots of riffles, lots of strainers and no white whitewater. Tallest waves were estimated to be 8 inches.
Class II because it fails “Few or no obstructions” in Class I. Maneuvering was required to avoid frequent strainers and other obstacles.
Personally, I think this section was suitable for novices but not beginners. I found a back ferry and draw stroke very beneficial in several places. Turning to avoid strainers and other obstacles would have been difficult if paddling faster than the current. Saw two freshly caught rental canoes separate strainers. They were both facing the swift current like open buckets.
- Chris Collins
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