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Know any good swimming holes?

7.1K views 16 replies 8 participants last post by  270 Crown  
#1 ·
I keep my 37' Carver Voyager at Keans in Detroit. I'm trying to find somewhere to drop anchor for the afternoon to swim / BBQ with the wife and kids. I've been to Crystal Bay, was hoping to get some feedback on Muscamoot Bay and the other areas that look (from the chart anyways) that they would be good to go too. Worried about depths. What type of bottom? Not really into the big party scene...

I've gone toward Canada after entering Lake St. Clair and just hung out there but it gets a little rolley from the lack of protection.

Appreciate any information!

WayneO
 
#2 ·
Whats your draft?
 
#4 ·
most areas of "Poor Man's" (in front of MacRay's) would work.
you should be able to get into "The Hook", which is just N of Gull Island. Basically the southern most point of Harsens. if you are familiar with the "Old Club" on the S Ch., you'd basically be behind it. the entrance to Muscamoot (you'll see boats there every weekend.... just not many. the bottom is nice hard, CLEAN sand.
Another spot that would be fine for you would be Strawberry Island, but if the wind isnt favarable, or there is alot of traffic, you can get rocked around a bit
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
WayneO- First, welcome to LSCN. This is always a great question to answer. As far as Muscamoot Bay, during the week is really tame in there. Like most other big boats that draft 2-3'. Heading approximately 40degrees N NE into the bay from the closest point of the south channel lights (old south channel). To be safe stop about 1.5 miles into the bay from the rear light position. You should still have a decent amount of depth (4-6'). Even during the week, if it is warm enough you can usually find other boats in the bay anchored. Giving you a reference of where others anchor and find some good swimming.

Here is a rough guide to the entrance I just described. The area marked in yellow is the typical swimming area that has a decent sandy bottom. And also where the party is on the weekends.


Goose Bay is an awesome bay to chill out in. On the weekends it can gather quite few boats. Mainly families and smaller groups of party-ers, but nothing like Muscamoot. A definite must do on your list of places to visit. The entrance to Goose is similar to Muscamoot. You have to be careful of the middle channel. On a clear day the markers are very clear to see, but can be tricky if you are not used to it. If you have a chart plotter you can make it no problem. Here is a chart with an idea on how to get in there. Once again.....plenty of depth if you follow your gauge. The two X's are the typical spots for anchoring.


Now if you want (almost) complete peace and beauty, then the Sni Bora(Chenal A Bout Rond) is exactly what you want. I say almost because you do get an occasional boat that comes by to remind you what planet you are on. The Sni to me is the most beautiful part of the lake. With so many spots to choose from where you can tuck your bow into a shallow spot and still have your stern in very deep water for some deep water swimming. Dealing with a slight current (but managable) cool, clear water and so much nature to watch and listen to. Be aware that the Sni is "no wake" for all boats 26' and over. And a 3/4 mile strip on completely no wake for all vessels down behind Strawberry island. That is where I like to tuck in and anchor because of the lack in boat traffic. It is just an area that you need to explore and see for yourself. The following chart is the Sni and the markings in Red (including the Baltimore hy)are the no wake for all vessels. The way in there is up the North Channel then south into the Sni. It will take some time to get there, but well worth it.


If you have any other questions to the information I posted, feel free to ask.
 

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#7 ·
and heres "The Hook" i was talking about. You'll like it there
 

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#8 ·
QUOTE(Convincor @ Feb 24 2008, 10:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Goose Bay is an awesome bay to chill out in. [/font]
True that, but i have looked at his boat type though. and going back to '00-'01, i wouldnt take it in there going by what we fought to get in there THEN. 34 Dancer hard agound about 300 yds away from where we typically go, and thats then

There are many places to go, but w/ your size boat it IS limited.
Some more peeps from the River should hopefully chime in
 
#9 ·
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Not gonna get in to Goose........
 
#10 ·
WayneO I have a 40ft Silverton aft cabin with a draft of 3.5 ft and I was able to get into Big Muscamoot bay with no problem.. Been there twice now for the Raft offs they hold every year.
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The route Convincer showed you is the best way in.. Just take your time going in thats all.. I've seen some boats bigger then mine in there also.. By the way I boat out of Harbor Hill right next door to you. It's a long trip for us but it's worth it on a nice day.. Lots of friendly people hang out there.
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#12 ·
QUOTE(Shorgasm @ Feb 25 2008, 02:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Not gonna get in to Goose........

Why not? I follow that route (I posted) all the time and when I come off plane I have about 5-6' of water depth underneath me. I agree it can be a little trick to stay deep but it is do-able. I have seen bigger boats like his in there.
 
#13 ·
I would be careful going to Goose too. The depth varies as you leave the middle channel and move towards the bay. There are some areas that were reading 3 feet last fall when on plane (so maybe 4 foot total?) outside the middle channel but then gets deeper (5-6) as you get closer to where people anchor. It also comes up shallow pretty fast.

Coming in north of the middle channel as Convincor shows might be better, not sure. I am going to take it easy the first time in the spring just to make sure.
 
#14 ·
Convincer (and all) I really appreciate your information! Looking forward to trying some of these this summer for sure. Sounds like I just need to be careful with the depths no matter where I go...In the process of buying / installing a chart plotter so shoud be in pretty good shape!

WayneO
 
#15 ·
Just be aware of the chart datum depths and what they are at all times. I never really go into Goose until the middle of summer (when the water is high) anyway. The reason to go in is to swim and get in the water.

It's all good. Good luck and maybe we will see you out there!?
 
#16 ·
QUOTE(Away Point @ Feb 25 2008, 08:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Great tips guys!
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Allow me to recycle some of Shorgasm's handy work...

Here is where NOT to go...
View attachment 38092
it might be everywhere in the darker blue this year!