For some of you that know Hillsdale...

[drifter106]

Gonna go pick up the boat in KC Saturday and want to try it out. Since I will be go thru Springhill I thought about stopping at Hillsdale and trying it out there. Never have been to the lake. Any of you guys familiar with that lake care to give me some directions as to what ramp to go to....figured I would just follow the signs till I get to the lake. Will probably fish for a short time too. Any suggestions would save me a lot of time.

thanks

John

[NITRONATE]

Your best bet would be to put in at the Maryville boat ramp. The COE has dropped Hillsdale at least 3 feet in the last week. Everyone that i have talked to said that the fishing has been terrible.

[Kansasoutdoorsman]

Lots of stobbs just below or right at the water surface right now so if you don't know the main channels stick to the main lake. I went last friday and it was real hard, with this wind and cold coming I am leaving the boat at home for the next two weeks. My best idea is follow the boats. If the fish are biting you will know because no one will be moving much. If the old guys are moving from spot to spot then the fish are not biting, just enjoy your new boat and go for a nice cruise and learn the lake.

[LBM]

Drifter

If you are just going out there for motor breakin time and lake familiarisation I would launch from the Jayhawker ramp on the west end of the dam. It will be all blacktop to the Jayhawker ramp and some gravel road if going to the Marysville ramp.

To get to the lake going south on 169 just go west on W255th St or the Hillsdale exit. By staying on W255th St you will cross the dam and then take your first right hand exit to get to the Jayhawker ramp. If going to the Marysville ramp turn north off W255th St on Harmony Rd then take the first left onto W253rd St then take the first right on Orleans RD and follow it to the ramp. Either ramp requires a KDWP sticker.

I've done breakin time twice once with a rebuilt 175 Evinrude and with a new 60 Hp Mercury four stroke. I find that time extremenly excruciating to go through. I was told that one was better off just getting the breakin over with in one outting and not try to do it in several outings.

That breakin time on the water will be much easier to indure if the fish aren't biting and your not out there driving around seeing other boats catching fish while you are doing your breakin time. Hopefully the wind won't be blowing Saturday like it has the last several days.

Good luck with the new motor.

[drifter106]

Thanks for the info...Yes I do remember the first time I broke an outboard engine in and like you was very anxious to get it over with. From my understanding the new E-TECH's from Evinrude don't require the breakin that my old one needed. Will take your advise and find the Jayhawker ramp. Will take the poles but will probably just motor around and check out the lay of the water.

Much appreciated

Drifter

If you are just going out there for motor breakin time and lake familiarisation I would launch from the Jayhawker ramp on the west end of the dam. It will be all blacktop to the Jayhawker ramp and some gravel road if going to the Louisburg ramp.

To get to the lake going south on 169 just go west on W255th St or the Hillsdale exit. By staying on W255th St you will cross the dam and then take your first right hand exit to get to the Jayhawker ramp. If going to the Louisburg ramp turn north off W255th St on Harmony Rd then take the first left onto W253rd St then take the first right on Orleans RD and follow it to the ramp. Either ramp requires a KDWP sticker.

I've done breakin time twice once with a rebuilt 175 Evinrude and with a new 60 Hp Mercury four stroke. I find that time extremenly excruciating to go through. I was told that one was better off just getting the breakin over with in one outting and not try to do it in several outings.

That breakin time on the water will be much easier to indure if the fish aren't biting and your not out there driving around seeing other boats catching fish while you are doing your breakin time. Hopefully the wind won't be blowing Saturday like it has the last several days.

Good luck with the new motor.