Is it big enough to float a canoe down or are going to be scraping and dragging the whole way? Any liveries in the area that can provide shuttle service?

This is a much longer answer than you think. Long story short, you can do it, but you'll probably get ticketed. Was down there once when a CPO was out looking for guys that put in at the state park and headed down stream.

The laws in Illinois are so vague, nobody is willing to do anything about it. If you get a ticket, then fight the ticket, you'll win. That would be a good thing for everyone but probably a pain in the ass for you. Go read these and you'll see why. Read the top 3 posts. They're long. I'm in the process of getting these 3 to a more prominent spot.

viewforum.php?f=28

I say go do it. I know how to read the river gauge on that river and what it means for river levels. I also know good spots to put in and take out. Everything will depend on water levels. You may still have to get out now and then, but it will be well worth it. Doing it before the end of June would be best for water levels. And fishing. Expect to get bounced around at times. Lots of twists and turns and big rocks.

I've seen canoes on the Galena River not too far away so I did a search. It's been awhile since I've been to Galena so I think this is relatively new. At one point I knew of a lot of canoe liveries and never heard of this one. You may want to call them and get their opinion.

http://www.feverriveroutfitters.com/index.htm

If you decide not to do the canoe and just go fishing, I think I've covered almost 5 miles of the Apple. I'll clue you in.

I'd risk a ticket. Really chaps my ass to read about a someone who should know better writing tickets for "trespassing" in a river. I'll give fever river a call when it warms up a little. Thanks for the info.

Let me know if you go.
My wife and I were talking of heading to Galena over the summer.
The trip on the Galena River looks interesting too.