CT Lake Diving

[pjg05001]

Thanks for the info FaithC. I assume there is room to get out of the water next to the boat launch? I know we're not allowed to use the actual boat launches anymore.

 

[Benign-Chaos]

Yes, you can get in and out off to the side, there's a small retaining wall. You can even gear up in the water. My buddy asked in the market across the street and they said divers have been using the boat ramp for years without issue. But you are correct about the boat launch rule.

 

[pjg05001]

Thanks for the info FaithC. This is great info to know. My wife and I are relatively new divers and it would be nice to have a spot to dive closer to home when we don't feel like driving to RI. It sounds like this lake is a great spot.

 

[Benign-Chaos]

It's perfect for practice especially if you're new. Make sure you have and know how to use a compass, it will help you get your underwater bearings, it's a good lake to practice navigation too. I recommend going in the morning to minimize any boat traffic. Let me know if you ever want a buddy. Im in Bristol and West Hill is very convenient to get to.

 

[pjg05001]

Thanks FaithC, I'll DM you if we decide to head out there. We've been doing most of our diving in RI where the vis has been generally bad, so we got familiar with the compass very quickly. We're not too far from you in Southington.

 

[tkaelin]

Great suggestion on morning time for the lake dives. I find the best time in the early AM on our lake, around 8 AM works best. You may also found that vis will vary as well over the course of the summer. Typically we have at least 6-8 vis but with a stretch of calm weather and no rain I have seen vis go to 10-15. I also tend to stay shallow, less than 25' due to the thermocline, reduced light and most of the marine life I see is in the 10`-15` range. If you start enjoying lake diving, consider Lake George. I posted a report on my first trip last year. Impressive vis 20` plus and the thermocline starts much deeper, especially in the summer months. I dove with a 5 mil and was comfortable for a two tank boat dive. Enjoy.

 

[Benign-Chaos]

Lake George is on my list to do, hopefully next year! As for me, Im headed RI way tomorrow. 2 dives. Can't wait.

 

[pjg05001]

Where are you diving tomorrow FaithC? I'm headed to RI myself for a couple of dives, but on Sunday.

 

[Benign-Chaos]

Im headed to Jamestown to dive Bull Point and the FTW cove with Afterdark (Jordan). WSpaulding and Carlis01. Jordan pulled it together and my schedule was open. Probably will be my last RI dive for awhile as I've got some plans on the weekend score the next few weeks. I could probably sneak in a Sunday dive here and there at West Hill though since its only 30 mins away. Headed to Hawaii end of Sept though!

 

[tkaelin]

Dove Ft W Thurs afternoon and early this morning. Surprisingly good vis - 10' out in the sand, a little less along the walls. Enjoy