My buddy has a permit. I think the area is thought of more as a hunting area, but there is a decent place to launch a boat. I don't know much more than that. From what I've been told, they police the area fairly often, and you must have their permit visible on the dash. I also heard they may be cutting back on the number of permits issued next year. I think it has 8 designated hunting spots for disabled individuals. They are nice spots with lean-to type structures for protection from the rain and snow. My buddy is unable to walk very well due to his disability, so I usually open and close the gate to keep him from getting out and back in to his car twice.
We've never done real well in the area between the dam and first bridge. We have caught a few medium sized perch some channel cats. I've caught some nice largemouth in the area immediately past the first bridge though.
A gentleman is someone who can play the accordion, but doesn't.
~Tom Waits