RedactedNarrative: Operator was operating the bow mounted trolling motor while fishing on the Black River downstream of the Onalaska spillway.  Operator used the trolling motor to power up near the spillway to unsnag a fishing lure.  
  
  The current swung the rear of the vessel around and pulled the vessel against the spillway.  The Operator stated he tried to use the trolling motor to pull away from the spillway, but the current was too strong.  The Operator tried to start the outboard motor, but it was already too late because the vessel had taken on water.  
  
  Operator stated he could not get the motor started.  Operator stated that he and the Passenger were wearing life jackets prior to the incident and the Operator put on a 2nd life jacket knowing the boat was sinking.  The vessel had two power poles on the transom.  Operator stated he put down the power poles to stabilize the vessel.  Operator gave the Passenger the throwable PFD.  Operator stated they both hung onto the swamped boat until some fisherman and law enforcement officer arrived to assist them.  
  
  The water level on the river was about 11.7' which is about 7' feet above normal for this time of year.  There was a restricted area marked by signs on both sides of the river.  The signs are about 30' downstream of the spillway and the signs mark the restricted area where boats are to keep out.
  