Il 111 Pontoon Beach boat launch
Il 111 Pontoon Beach
The type of boat ramp is not specified in the available information, but it is likely a public boat ramp maintained by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The IDNR operates and maintains many public boat ramps in Illinois to provide access to public waters for recreational boating and fishing.
The width of the boat ramp is also not specified, but it is likely wide enough to accommodate various types of watercraft, including boats, canoes, kayaks, and jet skis.
The boat ramp services Horseshoe Lake, a 2,400-acre lake located in Madison County, Illinois. Horseshoe Lake is primarily used for recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming.
According to the IDNR, all types of boats are allowed on Horseshoe Lake, including fishing boats, pleasure boats, and personal watercraft (PWC). However, boats with gasoline-powered motors are required to have a current Illinois Water Usage Stamp, which can be obtained from the IDNR. Additionally, all boats are subject to Illinois boating laws and regulations, including registration requirements, safety equipment requirements, and speed limits.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Il 111 Pontoon Beach -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Judys Branch At Rte 157 At Glen Carbon | 0 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River At St. Louis | 247,000 cfs | → |
| Watkins Creek At Bellefontaine Nbr | 1 cfs | → |
| Maline Creek At Bellefontaine Nbr | 39 cfs | → |
| Cahokia Creek At Edwardsville | 76 cfs | → |
| Watkins Creek Near Bellefontaine Neighbors | 0 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Il 111 Pontoon Beach as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Il 111 Pontoon Beach
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Il 111 Pontoon Beach.