Diving Lake Michigan

[fishchaser]

I think you'll end up being quite cool (read: cold) in a 5/4, even if you are a normally warm person. I dove the Barge 906 (ESE of Milwaukee) on Saturday. The surface temps were 56-60 (a few weeks ago, it was over 70). Thermocline was at about 25', and at depth (60-70') the temp was 43. I dove dry but my buddy had a 5/7 wet. We were both chilled after a short 30 minute dive. My hands (5mm wet gloves) were very cold, and his feet (booties, didn't ask thickness) were completely numb. There's been West winds quite often, which blow out the warm water, which gets replaced by the cold water, hence the decrease in temps lately. I think if you're lucky, you might see upper 40's.

To fully enjoy yourself, and not have to terminate early due to chills, I would insist on hood/gloves, and highly recommend a 7mm suit, and maybe even a core warmer on top of that, IMO.

Chad

 

[jbrandon242]

I think you'll end up being quite cool (read: cold) in a 5/4, even if you are a normally warm person. I dove the Barge 906 (ESE of Milwaukee) on Saturday. The surface temps were 56-60 (a few weeks ago, it was over 70). Thermocline was at about 25', and at depth (60-70') the temp was 43. I dove dry but my buddy had a 5/7 wet. We were both chilled after a short 30 minute dive. My hands (5mm wet gloves) were very cold, and his feet (booties, didn't ask thickness) were completely numb. There's been West winds quite often, which blow out the warm water, which gets replaced by the cold water, hence the decrease in temps lately. I think if you're lucky, you might see upper 40's.

To fully enjoy yourself, and not have to terminate early due to chills, I would insist on hood/gloves, and highly recommend a 7mm suit, and maybe even a core warmer on top of that, IMO.

Chad

Thanks, Chad. I am going to look into something warmer. I have 5mil gloves and boots. Perhaps a 2mil underneath.

I found a site [for the Great Lakes] which I'm sure most of you divers already are aware of that shows both current surface temps and temps at depth (transects): http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/glcfs/

When I dive on the 27th, I'll see just how accurate it is......

 

[nitroxbabe]

I dive with Dale & Dave all the time - great guys both.

And yes, it's COLD beneath the thermocline... I was on the Wisconsin last Sunday and showed 43 degrees at depth. The thermocline was like a living thing - you could really see it that day. Once I passed through it, I actually saw 78 degrees. Amazing (but very welcome as we had a deco obligation... )

Have fun! I'll be on the Enterprise again over Labor Day weekend.

Hi Ken!

 

[MikeFerrara]

My wife and I have been out with Dale several times. I don't remember a Dave ubnless he was one of the captains in training we ran into. I don't remember ever having a DM.

I never had any complaints about diving odd Dales boat but most of the wrecks yopu mentioned are shallow and pretty busted up.

 

[jbrandon242]

My wife and I have been out with Dale several times. I don't remember a Dave ubnless he was one of the captains in training we ran into. I don't remember ever having a DM.

I never had any complaints about diving odd Dales boat but most of the wrecks yopu mentioned are shallow and pretty busted up.

The only thing I have heard about the charter that could remotely be considered bad is that it is a slow boat. Since this is my first lake dive, my expectations about the charter or the wreck conditions are pretty low [only from the perspective that I don't know what to expect - so I'll take it as it comes]. Thanks.

 

[MikeFerrara]

The only thing I have heard about the charter that could remotely be considered bad is that it is a slow boat. Since this is my first lake dive, my expectations about the charter or the wreck conditions are pretty low [only from the perspective that I don't know what to expect - so I'll take it as it comes]. Thanks.

The boat might be slow but it's big with plenty of room inside and out.

 

[nitroxbabe]

The only thing I have heard about the charter that could remotely be considered bad is that it is a slow boat. Since this is my first lake dive, my expectations about the charter or the wreck conditions are pretty low [only from the perspective that I don't know what to expect - so I'll take it as it comes]. Thanks.

Well, the shallower wrecks are indeed a bit busted up - but actually the Wells Burt has some points of interest about it -it actually still has its deadeyes, which is pretty rare. Yep, it's all silted in and no, you can't penetrate, but it's still an interesting novice site.

So anyway, have a couple expectations -it will be a fun trip I'm sure. I always have a great time on that boat.

And Dave is also a captain and Dale's partner.

 

[jbrandon242]

As it turns out, my neighbor ended up with an ear infection and won't be able to join us on Satuday, August 27 for the afternoon (1:00 p.m.) charter.

ANYONE INTERESTED IN JOINING US??
Saturday, August 27 1:00 p.m. Charter out of Waukegan
2 spots
Contact Capt. Dale directly http://www.captaindales.com/index.htm
PM me if you have any questions and to let me know also.

Not sure which wrecks we are going to see yet.

 

[jbrandon242]

Well, we went out yesterday and had a GREAT dive. Went out on the Enterprise out of Waukegan in the afternoon and Capt Dale was very helpful and informative.

The lake was calm with maybe 1' waves. The air temp was 82, surface temp was 73, and temp at depth for the first dive was 62 degrees at 48' - the second dive was 67 degrees at 23'. The first dive we explored the Lady Elgin [wasn't impressed at the main site - not much to see - although i guess there is a boiler somewhere nearby] and the Seabird on the second dive. The Seabird offered much more to see with the paddlewheel about 1/3 intact and the boiler nearby. There was much more of the hull to see on the Seabird.

You were right, the Enterprise is sloooowwwwww....but spacious. But I would do it again. It was a great first dive for Lake Michigan.

Thanks to all who responded to my questions. Hopefully, we'll see each other under sometime.

 

[MgicTwnger]

Glad you had a good time, jbrandon. I just found Dale & Dave this year and have had three terrific trips. I'm hoping to get out for one more weekend this year, probably mid-October (You listening, Carla?).