Gary, It is not always easy to catch the time that the locks just open or about to close. They are open for about 6 hours and closed for 6 about hours; when first open there is almost no current, and then in about 45 minutes it begins to go faster and faster, where it could pose an issue driving though. As Walter said a little current / rip is ok, your boat can power though. I am more concerned with a strong current running with me, which is going south. After about 5 hours the current slows down and again easy to just drive through. At that point the gates will shut for about 6 hours.
As Jeff said when they are closed then you lock though, also easy and maybe the most recommended since they are closed for 6 hours and you can time your trip better. Also you can call the locks and they can guide you on the times. Each day the open close times gets about an hour later. I mostly call about 3 days before to get a general idea, and then I call again the day of the trip.
Just remember one major thing… DO NOT tie up to a lock cleat, if you use a line to hold you in place, just loop it over so you can easily pull the line as they let the water shift.
I am sure just like a boat ramp in the summer, I bet the lock operator see all kinds of stuff.
