Buchanan Boat Launch

The road down to the launch is rough — potholes everywhere and a jarring ride, especially with a loaded trailer. Take it slow or you'll be bouncing gear all over the place. It's been bad for years and nobody seems in a hurry to fix it.

The ramp is super steep and the concrete drops off sharply at the bottom. Don't back your trailer in too far or you'll lose your rear wheels off the edge and get stuck. Have a spotter if you can.

There's a single dock at the ramp that makes loading and unloading manageable, but it's not exactly confidence-inspiring — it wobbles and feels neglected. Watch your footing, especially when it's wet.

You're launching below the dam here, which gives you a nice long stretch of the St. Joe before the next obstruction. Good smallmouth and panfish water — bass, bluegill, and sunfish are all reliable. Some folks run jet skis downriver to Lake Chapin from here too.

Mosquitoes are absolutely brutal at this spot, especially in summer. The area also collects a lot of litter, and the porta-potty maintenance is... inconsistent at best. It's a hidden gem for fishing access, but don't expect a polished experience.