Silver Lake
Today was both exciting and semi-stressful as we decided to try a new lake we've never dove in before. Eric called a scuba shop in Menomonee Falls, Underwater Connection, and asked where they dive in the area, to which the response was Silver Lake and Keesus Lake. We drove to Keesus Lake first to scope it out. The parking lot for the boat landing was down the road from the actual landing, which was not ideal. We would either have to unload our gear at the landing and gear up there, or we would have to gear up at the car and walk 50 meters or so down the street to enter the water. There was also a large sign at the landing that informed us it was only for boat access to the lake and not for swimming. We decided to move on and check out Silver Lake next.
Silver Lake also had a parking lot for the boat landing, although it was just across the street and a much shorter walk to the water compared to Keesus. It was also free to access (no fee for parking), which was awesome. The lot was first come first served, and when we arrived there was only one spot left large enough for a trailer. We looked at each other, hesitant and unsure whether or not we should try to dive here. It's always a little intimidating to dive at an unfamiliar site. I knew Eric would be disappointed if he didn't get in the water, so I said, let's do it! It's worth a try. Once he knew I was on board, he was down to dive.
We parked in the one open trailer spot and unloaded our gear in the grassy spot next to the car. While we were setting up our gear, a police officer drove by and waved at us, which we took as a good sign. We used the trunk of my car to kit up and then made the walk to the water. We had to cross a relatively busy road, and on the other side was a short path through the grass to the lake's edge.
There were quite a few boats out and about on the lake, so we used the dive buoy. I was planning on just towing it as we swam, but the rope was only 20 feet long and our depth was about 25 feet, so it was easier to tie it to one of the fish cribs instead. I tried to draw an arrow in the lake bottom to mark the location of the buoy, but the bottom was just muck and easily silted up. 😬
There were about 5-6 fish cribs that were the main focal point of the dive. So many fish! We saw an abundance of crappie in addition to some bluegill and largemouth bass. I kept my eyes peeled for a northern, and lo and behold I managed to see two! The first one was just on the edge of my vision, while the second was hovering right over the top of one of the cribs just a few feet away. Unfortunately I did not get the second one on camera. This was our first time seeing a northern underwater, which was really cool. They remind me of barracuda! Simultaneously creepy and awesome.
After a 60 minute dive, we collected our buoy and dove into shore where we ascended. The visibility was overall pretty good! We would definitely dive here again.
We decided to treat ourselves to a post-dive lunch in town at Maxim's, a restaurant located in the old train depot. The atmosphere was unique and the food was great! A couple of trains even sped by while we were eating. And of course we just had to get ice cream, so we walked to Mullen's Dairy Bar. Dirt cake flavor in a waffle cone? Yes, please.
Site Overview
Location: Oconomowoc, WisconsinFish Observed: Panfish (an abundance of Crappie), Bass, Northern PikeMax Lake Depth: 40 feet (12 meters)Average Lake Depth: UnknownFee: Free access from public boat landing
Dive Log