Reviews: Lower Henry Island

Reviews Summary

The reviews for the anchorage highlight its beauty, tranquility, and good holding conditions, making it a favorable spot for boaters. Many reviewers noted the scenic environment, with some mentioning the presence of wildlife, such as bald eagles. The anchorage is described as quiet and peaceful, with minimal disturbances from passing boats.

However, there are challenges, particularly regarding shore access for pets, as landing spots are limited and muddy. Reviewers recommend careful navigation, especially when entering, as shoaling can occur near the downstream ends of the islands. Depths vary, but most found at least 7-15 feet, with good holding in mud and sand.

Overall, the anchorage is praised for its isolation and scenic views, making it an excellent stop for those traveling between Ottawa and Peoria, though it may not be ideal for those with dogs due to the difficult shore access.

Review for Lower Henry Island

Reviewed by: Mike Hubley, Hubs Hideaway, on Feb 8, 2026
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 3.6'

We anchored there on Sept 21, 2025. It is a beautiful anchorage, but getting the dogs to shore is difficult. Not very good landing places and it is very muddy, so lots of wash down when back to boat. Very dark and quiet at night and the stars are amazing. If we didn't have dogs would stay there again in a heartbeat. Easy access and easy to set the anchor and good holding. Did not feel wakes from barges passing.

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Review for Lower Henry Island

Reviewed by: Captain Wes, Toscana, on Oct 14, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 5.0'

9/26/25 Awesome anchorage even in low water. As with all similar places, mind your charts as the downstream ends of islands tend to shoal. Anchored with 10 other boats, and boat hopped with the dinghy. Very protected and scenic.

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Review for Lower Henry Island

Reviewed by: Lance Williamson on Sep 9, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.8'

Enter this anchorage from the south end of the island. It is helpful to look at the USACE soundings on Aqua Map before entering the anchorage. Go to the red ATON past the island before making a sharp turn up to the anchorage. We saw one spot that had 6.5' depth as you enter the anchorage before getting to the deeper water. We anchored about 3/4 of the way up the island in 11' of water. Mud bottom with good holding. Several bald eagles were our neighbors for the evening. This is a good anchorage.

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Review for Lower Henry Island

Reviewed by: Graeme Walker, Confirmed Aquaholic, on Oct 23, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.0'

Great quiet anchorage, can easily fit 6+ boats. Had a bonfire onshore one night when only three of us were there. Don't turn too soon while entering, go past the second red buoy!!!

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Review for Lower Henry Island

Reviewed by: John Cowell, Highlander, on Oct 14, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 51'
Draft: 4.0'

No trouble getting in from downstream of the island. 15' depths the whole way in. Very quiet and peaceful here. A good place to spend the night.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  River gage at Henry IL 16.06 feet.

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Review for Lower Henry Island

Reviewed by: Capt. Mac on Sep 10, 2021
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Enter RDB at the Red mark below Lower Henry Island to clear the tail shoaling at the bottom of the island. Proceed upriver favoring the RDB shore with 15 feet of depth increasing to 17 feet mean pool as you come even with the island. Continue mid channel over a quarter mile upstream in waters slowly decreasing to 12 feet. Anchor mid channel with ½ knot current with good holding in mud and sand with excellent protection from waves and wind with the exception of either a northeast or southwest wind. The channel is 200 feet wide and there is room for 12 or more boats. There is no reasonable shore access. Cell reception is fair for AT&T good for Verizon and T-Mobile. The anchorage is scenic, quite, without wakes and isolated from river noises. We had one small boat come by in the evening. Definitely an excellent anchorage and a strategic stop between Ottawa and Peoria.

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Review for Lower Henry Island

Reviewed by: Bruce Stewart on Sep 6, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.3'

Shoaling on downstream side of island, mile 193.0 LDB. Approach from well past island tip (second green can down stream mile 192.9) and then stay close to the shore.

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Review for Lower Henry Island

Reviewed by: Sondra Duncanson on Sep 6, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Nice anchorage, we never saw less than 7' depth. We approached from the SE of Lower Henry and anchored off the opening between upper and lower Henry islands.

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