There is a boat ramp for public access at the north end of the park. The draw spots at Eagle Lake (#1 - #5) are listed as "boat-in only" due to the higher water depth, although during low-water conditions, it's wadeable. I understand "boat-only" to mean small jonboats though. Crosshairy says there's not much of a ramp to launch boats there, just more a flat muddy spot. For draw spots #6-9, they are walk-in only. And when I say walk-in, it's more a controlled slide down the extremely steep bluff.
Crosshairy is way more experienced with the boating considerations at Shelby Forest.
That being said, if you're looking for some company at any spot #6 - 9, I'd love to join. I didn't get an opportunity to go there this year for the first time since 2015, and I sure miss it. I've never had extreme success at the Forest, but the experience is always incredible.
