Today, Wazee Lake is recognized as the deepest inland lake in the State of Wisconsin with a maximum depth of 355 feet. Visibility in the lake averages 30-40 feet during the summer months. Water temperatures run from approximately 70 degrees surface temperatures to 40 degrees below the thermocline. The thermocline depth varies during summer, but averages about 30 feet. Divers who venture to greater depths will encounter a second thermocline at approximately 60 feet where the temperature drops to a chilly 34 degrees. Use of a quality dry suit (with proper training) is recommended for deep diving in the lake. Although all machinery was removed from the quarry upon its closure, remnants of the mining operation still remain visible underwater. A series of circular haul roads wind around the pit, where divers often find artifacts including chains, pipes; taconite pellets, and iron shovel teeth. Massive boulders and shear cliff faces create challenging and interesting features for the more experienced recreational diver. Novice divers will enjoy the gradually descending roadways, which are found throughout the quarry. Divers may encounter several groups of fish cribs as well as four platforms used by instructors for training new divers. These were added to the site to increase the diver's enjoyment, and to improve the habitat for the various fish species that are found in the lake. These species include rainbow, brook and brown trout, bluegills, suckers, catfish, and small mouth bass.
Our Lake Wazee Trips
February 24, 2007 Ice Diving
December 26, 2006
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