Anyone been out thru Braddock Bay Channel Recently

[MrKato]

I know that the lake level is down 1.75-2.0 ft from its maximum (246.16) in mid July 2024 and is now at 244.36 ft (Oct 31st reading).

With the lake level being down nearly 2 feet over the last 3 months, I was wondering if anyone has been out thru Braddock Bay channel recently and what the depth of water might be in the channel.

I was thinking of doing some near shore fishing for browns in November but did not want to spend the time/energy launching my boat at Westpoint Marina if I can't get thru the channel to the lake.

I have a 21 ft Crestliner with a 120hp outboard and 9.9hp trolling motor but if water level in channel is low I might not be able to navigate safely thru the channel.

If anyone has any recent information on depth of water in the channel I would appreciate it.  Thank you.

Mr Kato

[EKoselny]

I was out last weekend in an 18' bassboat and it was even tough getting that out, but I was able to make it. I don't think you're going to get anything much bigger than that through the channel. You can get past the first sand bar by staying way to west side of the channel, but the two sand bars between the 2nd and 3rd channel markers are only a little deeper than 1' deep. 

 

I would try Sandy Creek

Edited November 4 by EKoselny

[LazyRiver585]

Docks come out at sandy soon

[Shakemsam]

That Crestliner shouldn't draft more than a foot. Throw on some waders!

[MrKato]

I appreciate the replies.

If there is only a foot of water in several spots in the channel it might be tough getting my boat thru.

I can always travel to Oak Orchard.  Water might be deeper there.

Thanks again!

 

[Lone532]

I was out last weekend in an 18' bassboat and it was even tough getting that out, but I was able to make it.

[whaler1]

I’d do the Genny for browns. 

[CGonthewater]

Not since August. I have a 19-foot alumacraft tiller (thing that barely drafts) and spent most of the spring/ summer just dropping the trolling motor for peace of mind and navigating until I got past the markers. Just not worth keeping the prop down. 

 

Gosh, I hope they can figure something out one of these days. I have no idea how these guys with cigarette boats fly out of that channel.

[rod hog]

the channel is going to be dredged this spring.

[CGonthewater]

Good to hear!

[Shakemsam]

7 hours ago, rod hog said:

the channel is going to be dredged this spring.

That should last till August.

[rod hog]

they are going to dredge every other year

[Smat64]

Wonder if they will ever dredge the bay. Seems to be filling in on the east side. The point towards the south seems to grow each year. 

[GAMBLER]

6 minutes ago, Smat64 said:

Wonder if they will ever dredge the bay. Seems to be filling in on the east side. The point towards the south seems to grow each year. 

It should be.  The new breakwall is actually making the bay worse IMO.  I was kayaking there a month ago and couldn't believe how bad that east side is now compared to pre breakwall.  Jetties and piers would be a solution to keep a better channel at Braddocks.  

[whaler1]

Problem is Braddocks isn’t a navigable waterway. Unless that designation is changed it will never change. I’m probably going back to Sandy in the spring. Not only is the channel funky, I’ve hit other stuff in the bay itself. 
 

[GAMBLER]

48 minutes ago, whaler1 said:

Problem is Braddocks isn’t a navigable waterway. Unless that designation is changed it will never change. I’m probably going back to Sandy in the spring. Not only is the channel funky, I’ve hit other stuff in the bay itself. 
 

The band is getting back together!!!  Good to hear BIll!  

[whaler1]

Thanks brother!

[Shakemsam]

FWIW, Iron Bay is pretty bad as well. Barely a foot of water at the mouth. Stay to West side heading out till you clear the jetti.