Water Temps...

did you try calling any of the local park rangers? i'd start there, then maybe look up some michigan fishing sites if that provide an answer.

I started ows on thurs it was very refreshing. not sure what the temp was maybe 60 or so. I wore a wetsuit and it took about 400 yds to warm up, but it is great to be out side again!! I am in Grand Rapids in a smaller lake.

My kids went swimming in Crystal Lake yesterday. Not really swimming, but more like wading around in the very shallow water.

I'd guess that a short wetsuit swim would have been okay, but anything without was a little crazy...

I did Spring Mill Pond at Island Lake RA in a farmer john wetsuit and under armour long sleeve shirt...it was perfect. Water was about 65, I'm guessing.

How long were you in the water?

My wetsuit came in the mail last week. Its a good fit, so I need to give it a try.

So, swimming at Island Lake Park is ok at this point? Good info.

I think the "No Swimming" signs were still up at Kensington, so I assumed it was the same at Island Lake.

I was in for 20 mins...could have gone longer...plenty warm.

As far as I know, Island Lake RA doesn't have any swimming restrictions. Kensington, on the other hand, is all about restrictions...so much so, that one really can't swim there even when one can.

Edited by h2osnowfan 2007-05-14 2:33 PM

michigan-sportsman.com is reporting some small inland lakes hitting 70 or so. Obviously not in the deep areas, but in the shallows.

Yeah, I actually do my OWS at either Spring Mill Pond or Kent Lake (the other lake in Island Lake). I tried once at Kensington, and it pretty much sucked.

Lake Michigan was /cold...Maybe in the 50's

Kent Lake can get a little scary with the motor boat traffic. Another good one in Island Lake is the gravel pit (Trout Lake) off of Kensington Road. Clean water, boat free, no restrictions, and about a half mile across and back. Take the two-track that goes southwest from the Kent Lake beach parking lot (next to the paved path). It's about a 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot.

Route (what a cool tool!!!):

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/map.asp?route...

Edited by h2osnowfan 2007-05-15 9:14 AM

I have been really slacking in my pool swimming as of late, but I would love to join anyone who wants to swim in that trout lake gravel pit in island lake state park.

I had no clue that was there. Thanks for the heads up.

I thought IL was some place closer to Detroit. I'd be game for a swim after work.

I've got a new suit begging to be taken out. I just can't bring myself to use it in the pool.

I suppose it is safe to assume I can't jump in without a wetsuit, yet?  I haven't bought one and am starting to think about going w/out one for Big Fish.  Am I nuts?

Where did you go in the GR area?

I swim in Porter lake, it's by Ivanrest and Chicago Drive. Although I swam after work tonight and It was very cold. I am going to take my scuba computer tomarrow it see what the temp is. Are you in the GR area?

the computer said the temp at Porter Lake was 60 degrees. It was a litter hard to get started but after the first 1/4 mile it felt great. I swam in my farmer john wet suit.