IGetWet

Castle rock has been on our list to visit for some years now. Very nice area. Maybe this year with the jet boat vs the big boat for the first time. The level can fluctuate correct?

CheckmateScarab

Castle rock can definitely fluctuate, it's not a terribly deep lake and has some shallow spots. Never an issue with DNR or speeds though, there are usually some big power boats on there whenever I'm out on the weekends

​​​​​​I can definitely see Madison lakes having issues with noise, the DNR is very active on mendota as well. See them constantly in people's faces, mostly about drinking and operating. Don't buy a house on the water if you are scared of V8 boats, that's the way I look at it
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J-Bonz

Yeah, I have heard Madison lakes can suck for those with thru hulls, I would be open to castle rock. I have been wanting to check it out, I would take the lead but I have k ow knowledge of the lake, ramps, things to do, etc

1Zoom

I also live in Illinois, but have a home about 20 minutes from Castle Rock. I usually launch at a restaurant/bar The Dirty Turtle. There is also a state park launch near. I am currently putting new engines, drives and transmissions in my Cig but hope to have it back in the water by August. If anyone is interested I would like meeting up.

CheckmateScarab

Sweet deal! Dirty turtle is one of the better ramps, especially for larger boats. I have a place on the northeast side of the lake and use one of the smaller launches. August would work for me as well!

CheckmateScarab

We could aim for a get together aug 23-25 Weekend before labor day. it gets insanely busy (like most lakes) on Labor Day weekend

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cloudmaster_321

Howdy all, just happen to run across this thread.

As a resident of Sun Prairie, i'm 15 mins from being able to drop the boat in the Madison lakes. I mostly run Mendota. Yes, if you run open exhaust, you will have a problem if you run across the Sheriff's boat. I run out the back, with mufflers. I haven't been hassled yet; knock on wood.

There's a couple of good spots on Mendota yet, 3 foot bay, picnic point. Lately, the blue/green algae has been an issue. I typically take the boat to Lake Wisconsin. About a 30 min tow from Sun Prairie. Or I'll take it down to Dubuque, IA. They have their Hydrostream Rally that starts in Casseville the first weekend of August. That's a good get together with some fast boats. Hydrostreams are typically the minority. I usually go to that every year. People either camp on the sand bar in tents, in their boat, or get an air bnb in casseville, guttenberg, or stay in the tiny homes at the marina @ Dockside.

-Ryan