Lake Fork scares the hell out of me; not because of the stumps, but because of all the folks that think that just because their boat will do 70-75, that's what they should do. My boat's top end is around 50, but I only do that with fairly calm waters and little boat traffic. otherwise I'm running 40 or so, and the closing rate for someone going 70-75 is dramatic. I just don't trust all the folks with these missiles that they can control their boat at that speed, or if they are even looking at me zipping along at 40. I've been passed by 2 boats at the same time (one right and one left) who look like they are late for something; very dangerous.

not everyone is like that, but too many are.

on a side note, if buoys have been moved and are not in the correct place, who should put them back? SRA? I know there is one out in front of the dam that I think is way out of position.

I am always amazed how many people don't know the simple rules of boating on the water. Jet ski operators are the worst IMO. I have practiced defensive driving on the water and on the road. It has kept me out of several accidents. Bottom line, be safe, know the rules, and watch what others are doing.

I don't think moving the buoys back to their original positions is an easy task considering the technology they might of had when they were originally positioned? GPS was probably not around then, can they (SRA) go back to the original survey of the lake and do this properly? Sure they can, what liability does (SRA) have if positioned incorrectly by them? Sure its under review but it doesn't seem as though its an overnight fix ither.

Before the buoys were placed it was pretty easy to see the boat lane cuts, gasline easements, and road beds the trees were tall. If there were no trees it was clear. I watched the lake being built, drove on the submerged 515 road beds, it looks totally different than it did in 1986 when it hit full pool.. I believe it to be more dangerous now than back then, especially for old farts like me that think they know where their going.. Boat lane chip is advisable for newbee's..

I have one(rearview) on my boat ,
retired on fork 20 years ago , wouldn't be without it

You think it's bad in boat? Try a kayak or a float tube. Nobody gives chit. I'm very careful on what water I get on.

Dunno about a rear view mirror. But I'm constantly amazed how many people make a turn with out checking their six. If you're following someone, never assume they'll look behind them before initiating a turn. I'd say more than 75% of people I encounter on Fork NEVER look behind them while running.

I agree with this, been fishing Fork for over 16 years and the first few times were with guides who sort of taught me the rules of the road. Regardless the lake, the picture says it all. As for coming up behind another boat, I was taught to pass on the left, why? The drivers seat is on the right, affording the lead driver the best view of the pass boat from their left. I know if someone passes me on the right I am often startled. Additionally if the boat in front of you decides to move off to the right, the boat passing him on the right has no warning. Passing on the left, if the lead boat decides go left you have more reacton time and better escape routes. Just my 2 cents.

This. I see a lot of people on fork not give way to people because they are in the boat Lane. They must be thinking that if you are in a marked boat Lane then they have full right of way. I always think about my Navigation lights. They are telling the on coming boat who has the right of way. If you see green, then you maintain course, if you see red, you yield to that boat and steer to the right.

I know this happens, but every time I hear about it, it baffles me. I never even come close to other boats while running Fork. I suppose the closest is passing someone in the boat lane, even then, I give myself plenty of distance. I suppose I could see where something like this can happen in super low light conditions or with lots of fog. I can't even imagine coming dangerously close to someone while running in my boat. I like to spend my time fishing, not getting sawed in half!!

**I do understand that there are people out there who do not operate this way, and do not err on the side of safety. These situations are so preventable.

Do nothing, try a sunny blue bird day no wind and almost glass calm. Boat approaching at wot I go right he goes left, I go more right he goes more left, I say oh smack and shut down. He cuts across in front and flys by on the right/starboard side of me, flipping me off, and never takes his foot out of it. Two weeks ago.....happens often and does not have to be bad weather. He obviously did not know the regs ......

If you're going right and he's going right, that's the correct way. I think you meant you went right and on coming went left?

Yeah said it wrong.....I turn right/starboard and he turn left/port into me keeping us head on....lucky I am sitting at desk today. Lol

My rule of thumb my grandad taught me when learning to drive a vehicle is always expect the unexpected. I carry that to boating. I try to always be ready for someone to cut me off or turn into me, stop in front of me etc. Those split seconds of being prepared might make a difference.