Reviews: Willow Island

Review for Willow Island

Reviewed by: Ken Schurter, We’re Schur, on Oct 11, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Great stop. Came in from the south with 6 feet plus of water. Since we were the only ones here anchored mid way up the channel in 15 feet of water. Mostly peaceful once car traffic died down across the river. There was a 3 mph breeze from the south that had us sideways for a couple hours until it died down. After that the current was strong enough to keep us straight, we didn't move at all.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Note: Mississippi River at Grafton 418.50.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Willow Island

Reviewed by: Kevin Williams, m/v Blue Tortuga, on Sep 25, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Great stopover point on way to Grafton or Alton. Peaceful, out of the way canal along the river. Decent current to keep your bow straight.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Willow Island

Reviewed by: Lance Williamson on Sep 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.8'

Good anchorage behind the island. Enter from the top or the bottom and anchor anywhere along in-between in 10' - 12' of water. The current will keep your boat from swinging. There were five boats there the night we anchored, and room for one or two more.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Willow Island

Reviewed by: Kevin King, High Tide, on Oct 19, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.0'

Anchored behind the island in 10ft of water with great holding and wake protection !! 5 boats anchored with room for several more

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Willow Island

Reviewed by: Allison Williams on Oct 15, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 3.6'

great anchorage! at least 9-10 ft water, wide, hold several boats -
there were 5 boats the night we stayed. Lot of over growth so couldn't see the picnic table. another boat dinghyied their dog over for a few minutes.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Willow Island

Reviewed by: Jessica Delgado, Patrón, on Oct 9, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.6'

We entered the anchorage from the south. We went about two or 300 feet past the island and made a turn. We never saw anything below 8 feet and anchored on 12 feet. We stayed two nights. Very nice Anchorage. We had pretty good weather conditions and did not have to deal with any wind or wake. No dragging at all.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Willow Island

Reviewed by: Chance Geurin on Sep 28, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.0'

Entered from the north and never saw less than 11'. Increased to 15' near the south end. Just enough current to keep you pointed north. Beautiful, peaceful, tranquil and quiet. One bar of US Cellular.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Willow Island

Reviewed by: Roger S. on Sep 15, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.6'

Anchored here one night with three other boats. We approached from the south and saw no less than 11 feet of water to near the mid point of the island. Another trawler approached from the north and reported 12 foot minimum water. Excellent holding in thick dark clay-like mud which took time to clean when we weighed anchor. 300 feet bank to bank provided good swing room. Kampsville is a short dinghy ride upstream but we did not check it out. This anchorage is a gem.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Willow Island

Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Sep 15, 2021
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Enter Willow Island Anchorage from channel to LDB downstream of the island at mile marker 30.0 Go towards shore and turn north in 12' normal pool and continue upstream splitting the channel between the island and the LDB. As you approach the tip of the island the water will deepen to 14'+. Set anchor mid channel with a stronger current passing by the island. Good anchoring depths continue for the length of the island and the channel is 250 feet wide so there is room to swing, The anchorage will hold more than ten boats if everyone behaves. Holding is good in sandy mud. Wind protection is good except on the North/South axis. Wake and wave protection are very good. Closest dock is almost two miles upstream. No Wi. Cell service is poor with Verizon and T-Mobile not having connectivity and AT&T having one or two bars. Anchorage is quiet with little or no traffic.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer