Phone: 618-883-2524 |
The Portage Island Division consists of one large and three small islands totaling 230 acres in Pool 26 of the Mississippi River. The islands are located just northeast of Portage des Sioux in St. Charles County, Missouri. The large island consists of bottomland forest and two backwater sloughs, one of which has silted closed. The other islands consist of bottomland forest. The smallest island, Elsah Bar, is experiencing rapid erosion on the upriver side and accretion on the downriver side.
The island complex provides off channel habitat for both big river fish and migratory birds, and is easily viewed from the Great River Road near Elsah, IL. The Great River Road parallels the Mississippi River from Grafton to Alton, IL.
Public use opportunities on the Portage Island Division include fishing, hiking, photography, and wildlife and bird observation. Hunting is not allowed on Portage Islands and the division is closed to public access from October 15 - December 31 each year to provide an undisturbed sanctuary area for waterfowl and other migratory birds.
Regulations
