Wednesday Night Dive
Some 38 years ago, Sub-Aquatic Sports decided that scuba diving needed to be more accessible and more affordable. New divers needed to get experience, single divers needed to find buddies and .....heck everyone needed a mid-week break. So, that's why we started Wednesday Night Dives. These are FREE weekly dives to a variety of local lakes and EVERYONE is welcome to join us! Simply show up to the dive site, no advance registration is needed.
Some 38 years ago, Sub-Aquatic Sports decided that scuba diving needed to be more accessible and more affordable. New divers needed to get experience, single divers needed to find buddies and .....heck everyone needed a mid-week break. So, that's why we started Wednesday Night Dives. These are FREE weekly dives to a variety of local lakes and EVERYONE is welcome to join us! Simply show up to the dive site, no advance registration is needed.
FAQ on Local Dives
Dive Schedule (Location and dates listed below)
Free local dives run every Wednesday from May 16 to September 26. Dive time is 6pm unless specified otherwise. Occasionally we have 'Road Trips' where the destination is a little further away. On those evenings, the dive starts at 6:30pm. However, free to start the dive anytime after checking in with the Team Leaders. Weather Policy: Dives are cancelled if a Tornado or Thunderstorm Watch/Warning is issued in the county where we will be diving. Cost: All dives are free except for possible parking costs at the lakes. Occasionally, OPTIONAL events have a fee to participate such as the U/W Poker or Dive Lotto. These events again are optional. Special Rental Discount: Save 40% on all dive rentals on Wednesday. Click here for pricing! Watering Hole: With the exception of diving, our next favorite pastime is eating. After each dive, the group usually grabs a bite to eat at the closest local joint around. Please join us. This is a great time to network with new dive buddies. Meet the Dive Team Leaders
We have two great guys running this season's Wednesday Night Dives. When you come out to the dive, check in with either Eric Rohloff (right) or Rob Rininger. (left)
Stay Connected!
SASS has a special Facebook page for local divers. It's the absolute best way to stay connected. Our leaders will post any updates to the dive sites, park details, etc. We try to be thorough here but there's always little details that we forget. Sign up and stay informed. Plus this is a great way to connect with the people you dive with! Click this tab to sign up. 
Join the Team and Earn Prizes!
Come dive and collect points to win great prizes like hats, polo shirts, fleece jackets and even a boat coat. It doesn't cost anything to join, just participate in Wednesday Night Dives. At the end of the season, we will add up your points and have a special awards night to celebrate your accomplishments! Points for Prizes Earn points throughout the dive season for prizes.
How Do I Earn Points?
Award & Photo Night Oct. 17th Come see the end-of-the season picture/video show, enjoy food, friends and fun. If you earned enough points over the season, come collect your prize! 
|
2018 Wednesday Night Schedule
May 16: Ramona Park, Long Lake (Portage) Dust off Gear Dive
Meet Your Fearless Leaders: Dust off your dive gear and head to Ramona Park . At 6pm, meet our Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Leaders, Rob Rininger and Eric Rohloff by the lakeside. They are at all WND and are your source for finding a dive buddy if needed and they will give lake briefings. These guys have years of dive experience and can answer scuba questions. Lake Description: Description: Ramona Park is open 8am-dusk, year around. Bathrooms should be open in May. Normally there is an entrance fee but we dive here early enough in the season to avoid that. Depths are quite shallow at around 30ft. This lake was used as an open water training site many years ago so you may swim across some objects left by divers. Dive Site Address: 8600 Sprinkle Rd, Portage, MI 49002 Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore. Watering Hole: Latitude 42 Brewing Company - 7842 Portage Road, Portage, MI 49002 
May 23: Goguac Lake (Battle Creek) Optional Treasure Hunt
Lake Description: Located 10 minutes from Sub-Aquatic Sports, Goguac Lake sits in the heart of Battle Creek. Boat traffic and shallow depths make this lake undesirable to dive during the summer so we've scheduled Goguac early. The dive will be at Willard Beach Park. There is an entrance fee of $5 and the park closes at 8:30pm. A nice bath house sits on the beach at lake level. Do not confuse the newer beachside bath house with the original bath houses in the grassy area. Parking space is limited by the beachside bath house so you may have to park either on the south side of the building or up on the hill. Willard Park has several pavilions and a playground area for kids. This is a great place to bring the whole family. Bluegill are abundant as well as a healthy population of Crappie, Pike, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass and Walleye. Again, boat traffic can be a problem and I cannot stress enough the importance of taking a dive flag!! Optional Event: Since this lake is rarely dove, there are ‘treasures’ resting on the bottom. SASS had a very successful Trash & Treasure dive event here many years ago when a dozen anchors were found. This year's event will award Dive Team points to those who find the most valuable and unusual things. Cost to join: Free Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore. Bonus points are given out to the winners of the Treasure Hunt, 5pts for first place, 3pts for second place and 1pt for third place. Dive Site Address: Willard Beach, 940 Capital Ave. SW, Willard Beach entrance is off George B Place, Battle Creek Watering Hole: Moonraker, 544 West Columbia Ave, Battle Creek May 30: Prairieville Park Gull Lake (Richland) Optional: Buoyancy Check
Lake Description: Gull Lake is the most popular water sports lake in the area. It covers 2050 acres and extends over two counties, Kalamazoo and Barry. For this dive, SASS is based out of Prairieville Park, the boat launch on the north end of the lake. There is an entrance fee of $7 and there are slightly heated bathrooms. Important note about Prairieville Park: there are frequent bass tournaments here during the summer so this boat launch is very busy. Fisherman will not be happy with divers who mistakenly swim into the dock path and fishing areas. Because of past ‘contentious’ situations, we advise diving this area of Gull Lake before Memorial Day or after dusk. It is an ideal site for night dives because the park is open till 11pm and the parking lot is lit. Regardless of the season, please be courteous to boaters in the launch area so swim west of the ramp. When diving west, you will find a training platform, an old swing set, desk, three boats and various ‘treasures’. For fish action, stay shallow and feed dead crayfish to the bluegills. They love it. As always, please use a dive flag, for your safety and because they give tickets to divers who don't use them here. Optional Event: Spring is the time to fine tune your buoyancy control. SASS will submerge rings off of Prairieville's beach at various depths. Can you hover within the frames without hitting the sides? Give it a try. You have nothing to loose and neutral buoyancy to gain. Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore. Dive Site Address: 15475 S. M 43 Hwy Hickory Corners, MI 49060 The Watering Hole: North End Deli & Spirits (NEDS)15450 S M 43 Hwy, Hickory Corners, MI 49060(269) 671-5700 This deli is literally across the street from the dive location. |
June 6: Lake 16 (Martin) Road Trip Optional Dinner Lotto
DIVE TIME 6:30PM Due to the distance, we will meet 30 minutes later than normal dive time.
Lake Description: Road Trip to Martin off of US131 for Lake 16. Choose to dive the underwater mapped course where it's cold and deep or dive the wall where it's warmer and shallow. If you want to dive deep, come prepared. Wear a full 7mm wet suit or dry suit and bring a dive light. Please don't attempt the deeper section unless you're comfortable at depths of 80ft. Both dives are from the boat launch. There isn’t an entrance fee to this lake and the bathrooms are rustic.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore.
Dive Site Directions: Take US131 to Exit 55 (116th St/West Allegan St) and head east (rt) into the town of Martin. Turn north (lf) onto 45th Street. Turn east (rt) onto 120th Street. You will see
Watering Hole: Salvinos at 1290 M-89, Plainwell MI
DIVE TIME 6:30PM Due to the distance, we will meet 30 minutes later than normal dive time.
Lake Description: Road Trip to Martin off of US131 for Lake 16. Choose to dive the underwater mapped course where it's cold and deep or dive the wall where it's warmer and shallow. If you want to dive deep, come prepared. Wear a full 7mm wet suit or dry suit and bring a dive light. Please don't attempt the deeper section unless you're comfortable at depths of 80ft. Both dives are from the boat launch. There isn’t an entrance fee to this lake and the bathrooms are rustic.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore.
Dive Site Directions: Take US131 to Exit 55 (116th St/West Allegan St) and head east (rt) into the town of Martin. Turn north (lf) onto 45th Street. Turn east (rt) onto 120th Street. You will see
Watering Hole: Salvinos at 1290 M-89, Plainwell MI
June 13: Gull Lake Ross Township Park in Richland Optional Compass Navigational Course
Lake Description: Ross Township Park is a very popular dive site. There is a $10/car entrance fee into the park; an annual pass is available. The park opens around April 29th and closes sometime in October. Bathroom facilities are available (usually). The park closes at dusk so no night dives are allowed here.
What makes Ross so popular? Over 55 species of fish can be found in this lake; SASS’ teaches the Michigan Underwater Environment class here. Dive just past the swim area and you'll find an assortment of items: multiple boats, ice shanty, park bench, phone booth, a section of railroad track, motorcycle, Christmas tree forest and a Key Largo sign. Best dive depths are 20-40ft. Visibility is usually better at Gull Lake than other lakes but the bottom is muck so one bad buoyancy move will destroy the clarity. Hint. Hint.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore. Bonus points are given for completing the new compass navigation course of 1-4pts.
Dive Site Directions: Take M-89 to 40th street exit and head north. Turn left onto B Drive and follow to the park. Address: 3500 E. Gull Lake Dr., Ross Township, MI, 49012
Watering Hole: Gull Lake View Golf Club
Lake Description: Ross Township Park is a very popular dive site. There is a $10/car entrance fee into the park; an annual pass is available. The park opens around April 29th and closes sometime in October. Bathroom facilities are available (usually). The park closes at dusk so no night dives are allowed here.
What makes Ross so popular? Over 55 species of fish can be found in this lake; SASS’ teaches the Michigan Underwater Environment class here. Dive just past the swim area and you'll find an assortment of items: multiple boats, ice shanty, park bench, phone booth, a section of railroad track, motorcycle, Christmas tree forest and a Key Largo sign. Best dive depths are 20-40ft. Visibility is usually better at Gull Lake than other lakes but the bottom is muck so one bad buoyancy move will destroy the clarity. Hint. Hint.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore. Bonus points are given for completing the new compass navigation course of 1-4pts.
Dive Site Directions: Take M-89 to 40th street exit and head north. Turn left onto B Drive and follow to the park. Address: 3500 E. Gull Lake Dr., Ross Township, MI, 49012
Watering Hole: Gull Lake View Golf Club
June 20: Sherman Lake (Richland)
Lake Description: Sherman Lake is south of Gull Lake and covers 153 acres. SASS will dive from the boat launch. Parking is free and there is one rustic bathroom. The weed bed starts in 5-20ft of water and usually has quite a lot of fish life like bluegill, bullhead, sunfish and crappies plus turtles. We recommend diving Sherman in spring to early summer before the algae blooms and the visibility drops. Interestingly, the water temperatures are quite comfortable at Sherman Lake. The lake association installed several aerators which help to circulate the warmer surface water throughout the depths.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore.
Dive Site Directions: Take M-89 west if coming from Battle Creek, or east if coming from Kalamazoo. Go to 38th Street. There is a yellow flashing light, you need to go south on 38th then make a right on N Sherman Lake Drive and follow to the end.
Watering Hole: The Dock at Bay View Address: 12504 E D Ave, Richland, MI 49083
Lake Description: Sherman Lake is south of Gull Lake and covers 153 acres. SASS will dive from the boat launch. Parking is free and there is one rustic bathroom. The weed bed starts in 5-20ft of water and usually has quite a lot of fish life like bluegill, bullhead, sunfish and crappies plus turtles. We recommend diving Sherman in spring to early summer before the algae blooms and the visibility drops. Interestingly, the water temperatures are quite comfortable at Sherman Lake. The lake association installed several aerators which help to circulate the warmer surface water throughout the depths.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore.
Dive Site Directions: Take M-89 west if coming from Battle Creek, or east if coming from Kalamazoo. Go to 38th Street. There is a yellow flashing light, you need to go south on 38th then make a right on N Sherman Lake Drive and follow to the end.
Watering Hole: The Dock at Bay View Address: 12504 E D Ave, Richland, MI 49083
June 27: New Dive Site! Coldwater Lake
Dive Time: 6:30pm
Come explore a new location with us! Because of the distance, we will start a little later, at 6:30pm. Coldwater Lake is 5 miles south of Coldwater, Michigan and is about a 55 minutes drive time from SASS. Coldwater Lake is 1,610 acres in size. At it's deepest point, it is approximately 92 feet deep but most of the lake is fairly shallow with multiple sandbars. From the boat launch, you can hit 50ft of depth and the underwater visibility is similar to Gull Lake. Fish life include Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye and Yellow Perch. The lake has many channels with one connecting it to a chain of 5 lakes that end in Quincy. The connecting lakes include East Long Lake, Wright Lake, Archer Lake, Middle Lake, and Marble Lake.
Dive Time: 6:30pm
Come explore a new location with us! Because of the distance, we will start a little later, at 6:30pm. Coldwater Lake is 5 miles south of Coldwater, Michigan and is about a 55 minutes drive time from SASS. Coldwater Lake is 1,610 acres in size. At it's deepest point, it is approximately 92 feet deep but most of the lake is fairly shallow with multiple sandbars. From the boat launch, you can hit 50ft of depth and the underwater visibility is similar to Gull Lake. Fish life include Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye and Yellow Perch. The lake has many channels with one connecting it to a chain of 5 lakes that end in Quincy. The connecting lakes include East Long Lake, Wright Lake, Archer Lake, Middle Lake, and Marble Lake.
July 4th: No Dive Tonight
Enjoy the Fireworks, Family and Friends! |
|
July 11: Gull Lake Ross Township Park (Richland)
It's a Party!
* Potluck
* Underwater Melon Carving Contest
* Drysuit Certification Class (fee)
Continue the Independence Day celebration with your dive friends.
Watermelon Contest: For you divers, bring a watermelon and carve it during the dive. FYI: Carving a watermelon underwater is way easier than carving a Halloween pumpkin and the water temperatures are way warmer. Props are allowed. Dive time: 6pm
Potluck: 7pm. Please bring a dish to pass and join us for dinner by the water's edge. SASS will have hot dogs, plates, utensils and drinks. Cost: Free Please drop off your dish to pass prior to diving.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn big points tonight! Get 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore. Earn an additional point for doing the underwater watermelon contest. Earn even more points for winning the contest, 5pts for first place, 3pts for second place and 1pt for third place.
Drysuit Certification Class: Become Drysuit Certified. This one day class includes a short lecture, rental suit fitting, gear configuration and 2 dives.
Lake Description: Ross Township Park is a very popular dive site. There is an entrance fee into the park and an annual pass is available. The park opens around May and closes sometime in October with no set dates. Bathroom facilities are available. The park closes at dusk so no night dives are allowed.
What makes Ross so popular? Over 55 species of fish can be found in this lake. Located just past the swim area is an assortment of items: multiple boats, ice shanty, park bench, phone booth, a section of railroad track, motorcycle, Christmas tree forest and a Key Largo sign. Best dive depths are 20-40ft. Visibility is usually good, compared to smaller lakes but the bottom is muck so one bad buoyancy diver can destroy the clarity.
Dive Site Directions: Take M-89 to 40th street exit and head north. Turn left onto B Drive and follow to the park. Address: 3500 E. Gull Lake Dr., Ross Township, MI, 49012
It's a Party!
* Potluck
* Underwater Melon Carving Contest
* Drysuit Certification Class (fee)
Continue the Independence Day celebration with your dive friends.
Watermelon Contest: For you divers, bring a watermelon and carve it during the dive. FYI: Carving a watermelon underwater is way easier than carving a Halloween pumpkin and the water temperatures are way warmer. Props are allowed. Dive time: 6pm
Potluck: 7pm. Please bring a dish to pass and join us for dinner by the water's edge. SASS will have hot dogs, plates, utensils and drinks. Cost: Free Please drop off your dish to pass prior to diving.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn big points tonight! Get 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore. Earn an additional point for doing the underwater watermelon contest. Earn even more points for winning the contest, 5pts for first place, 3pts for second place and 1pt for third place.
Drysuit Certification Class: Become Drysuit Certified. This one day class includes a short lecture, rental suit fitting, gear configuration and 2 dives.
Lake Description: Ross Township Park is a very popular dive site. There is an entrance fee into the park and an annual pass is available. The park opens around May and closes sometime in October with no set dates. Bathroom facilities are available. The park closes at dusk so no night dives are allowed.
What makes Ross so popular? Over 55 species of fish can be found in this lake. Located just past the swim area is an assortment of items: multiple boats, ice shanty, park bench, phone booth, a section of railroad track, motorcycle, Christmas tree forest and a Key Largo sign. Best dive depths are 20-40ft. Visibility is usually good, compared to smaller lakes but the bottom is muck so one bad buoyancy diver can destroy the clarity.
Dive Site Directions: Take M-89 to 40th street exit and head north. Turn left onto B Drive and follow to the park. Address: 3500 E. Gull Lake Dr., Ross Township, MI, 49012
July 18: Road trip to Lake Cora (Paw Paw) Optional Event: Dive Lotto
Dive Time: 6:30pm
Lake Description: This 197-acre lake is close to Decatur. The bottom is peat and sand with many largemouth bass. You'll probably see an impressive fish population, a sunken boat and a turtle or two. Depths reach 58ft. The parking is free and restrooms are available.
Dive Site Directions: From I-94 Exit 56, take M-51 North 8/10 mile. Follow signs to Oak Cove Resort, the lake access is next to it. If you don't see the sign, turn left, follow Red Arrow Hwy West 1 mile. Stay left, follow Territorial Road west 3/10 mile. Turn left, follow 46th St South 2/10 mile to access site
Dive Lotto: Guess the average bottom time of the dive group and win bonus points.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore. Earn bonus points for winning the Dive Lotto event; 5pts for first place, 3pts for second place and 1 point for third place.
Watering hole is at Jimmy's Roadhouse Restaurant: 38138 Red Arrow Hwy, Paw Paw, MI 49079
Dive Time: 6:30pm
Lake Description: This 197-acre lake is close to Decatur. The bottom is peat and sand with many largemouth bass. You'll probably see an impressive fish population, a sunken boat and a turtle or two. Depths reach 58ft. The parking is free and restrooms are available.
Dive Site Directions: From I-94 Exit 56, take M-51 North 8/10 mile. Follow signs to Oak Cove Resort, the lake access is next to it. If you don't see the sign, turn left, follow Red Arrow Hwy West 1 mile. Stay left, follow Territorial Road west 3/10 mile. Turn left, follow 46th St South 2/10 mile to access site
Dive Lotto: Guess the average bottom time of the dive group and win bonus points.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore. Earn bonus points for winning the Dive Lotto event; 5pts for first place, 3pts for second place and 1 point for third place.
Watering hole is at Jimmy's Roadhouse Restaurant: 38138 Red Arrow Hwy, Paw Paw, MI 49079
July 25: Lee Lake (South of Battle Creek)
Lake Description: Lee Lake is always a popular dive destination. The dive will take place at the public boat launch. There is no entrance fee and basic bathrooms are available. Lee Lake is known for its bluegills but it also has some good-sized largemouth bass and northern pike. Visibility at Lee Lake is usually better than the norm. The maximum depth is 47ft and found straight out from the boat launch, however, the best fish life is found in the weed beds much shallower.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore.
Watering Hole: La Cocina Mexican restaurant at 5424 Beckley, in the strip mall with Hobby Lobby.
Lake Description: Lee Lake is always a popular dive destination. The dive will take place at the public boat launch. There is no entrance fee and basic bathrooms are available. Lee Lake is known for its bluegills but it also has some good-sized largemouth bass and northern pike. Visibility at Lee Lake is usually better than the norm. The maximum depth is 47ft and found straight out from the boat launch, however, the best fish life is found in the weed beds much shallower.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore.
Watering Hole: La Cocina Mexican restaurant at 5424 Beckley, in the strip mall with Hobby Lobby.
August 1: Blue Lake in Climax
Lake Description: Located in Cold Brook County Park by Climax, Blue Lake is a shallow dive and a very popular Frisbee/Disc golf location. This means that during the dive, you're likely come across a few Frisbees underwater. We will be diving off the swimming area of Blue Lake. There is a nice bath house. The beach access is well maintained.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore.
Dive Site Directions: Cold Brook Park/Blue Lake: Address: 14467 East MN Avenue, Climax, MI 49034.
Watering Hole: Miller Time Out, right off the Helmer Road exit at 13261 Helmer Rd S, Battle Creek, MI 49015
Lake Description: Located in Cold Brook County Park by Climax, Blue Lake is a shallow dive and a very popular Frisbee/Disc golf location. This means that during the dive, you're likely come across a few Frisbees underwater. We will be diving off the swimming area of Blue Lake. There is a nice bath house. The beach access is well maintained.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore.
Dive Site Directions: Cold Brook Park/Blue Lake: Address: 14467 East MN Avenue, Climax, MI 49034.
Watering Hole: Miller Time Out, right off the Helmer Road exit at 13261 Helmer Rd S, Battle Creek, MI 49015
August 8: Lime Lake in Spring Arbor Optional Event: Golf Ball Challenge
Dive time: 6:30pm
Lake Description: Lime Lake is one of the few locations that holds its visibility all year long. It is definitely worth the road trip to Spring Arbor. Swim pass underwater pinnacles, 'mountains' and walls. These were formed when marl from the lake was dredged from 1903 to 1929. The average depth is 20 to 30 feet, making Lime Lake an easy dive for beginning divers.
Lake Directions: Take I-94 east to the Dearing Rd Exit and head south for about 5-6 miles. Turn right (west) onto M-60 and go into Spring Arbor. At the blinking light, turn onto Teft Rd and head south. There is a Marino Pizza and Township offices by the light. At the FIRST curve, turn into the parking lot. Careful, it is easy to overlook this parking area because the road descends down to the lot.
Do not dive at North Lime Lake, which is the lake that you can easily see from the parking lot. Dive at South Lime Lake. It is a significant walk to the dive entrance so we recommend suiting up at your car and walking to the site vs. carrying everything to lakeside before setting up your equipment. The best dive is to the east of the entry point. Depths are 25-32ft. Bathrooms are available at the Bike Trail entrance (outhouses) or at Lime Lake County Park which are both further down the road.
Golf Ball Challenge: SHOT GUN START! Please be ready to dive at 6:30. Besides enjoying some great visibility, look for golf balls. Our team has been planting golf balls in the deep abyss. Your goal is to find the balls worth bonus points.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore. Find the winning golf balls for bonus points of 1pt, 3pt and 5pt.
Watering Hole: Laughlin's Slice of Spice restaurant. 7851 Spring Arbor Rd. Spring Arbor Township, MI 49283
Dive time: 6:30pm
Lake Description: Lime Lake is one of the few locations that holds its visibility all year long. It is definitely worth the road trip to Spring Arbor. Swim pass underwater pinnacles, 'mountains' and walls. These were formed when marl from the lake was dredged from 1903 to 1929. The average depth is 20 to 30 feet, making Lime Lake an easy dive for beginning divers.
Lake Directions: Take I-94 east to the Dearing Rd Exit and head south for about 5-6 miles. Turn right (west) onto M-60 and go into Spring Arbor. At the blinking light, turn onto Teft Rd and head south. There is a Marino Pizza and Township offices by the light. At the FIRST curve, turn into the parking lot. Careful, it is easy to overlook this parking area because the road descends down to the lot.
Do not dive at North Lime Lake, which is the lake that you can easily see from the parking lot. Dive at South Lime Lake. It is a significant walk to the dive entrance so we recommend suiting up at your car and walking to the site vs. carrying everything to lakeside before setting up your equipment. The best dive is to the east of the entry point. Depths are 25-32ft. Bathrooms are available at the Bike Trail entrance (outhouses) or at Lime Lake County Park which are both further down the road.
Golf Ball Challenge: SHOT GUN START! Please be ready to dive at 6:30. Besides enjoying some great visibility, look for golf balls. Our team has been planting golf balls in the deep abyss. Your goal is to find the balls worth bonus points.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore. Find the winning golf balls for bonus points of 1pt, 3pt and 5pt.
Watering Hole: Laughlin's Slice of Spice restaurant. 7851 Spring Arbor Rd. Spring Arbor Township, MI 49283
August 15: Gull Lake Ross Township Park (Richland) Optional Underwater Poker
Lake Description: Ross Township Park is a very popular dive site. There is an entrance fee into the park. The park opens around May and closes sometime in October with no set dates. Bathroom facilities are available. The park closes at dusk so no night dives are allowed.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore.
Underwater Poker: $1 will get you into the game. If you win, you get the pot plus bonus points.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore. The best hand of 5 cards will receive 5pts and the money.
What makes Ross so popular? Over 55 species of fish can be found in this lake. Located just past the swim area is an assortment of items: multiple boats, ice shanty, park bench, phone booth, a section of railroad track, motorcycle, Christmas tree forest and a Key Largo sign. Best dive depths are 20-40ft. Visibility is usually good, compared to smaller lakes but the bottom is muck so one bad buoyancy diver can destroy the clarity.
Dive Site Direction: Take M-89 to 40th street exit and head north. Turn left onto B Drive and follow to the park. Address: 3500 E. Gull Lake Dr., Ross Township, MI, 49012
Lake Description: Ross Township Park is a very popular dive site. There is an entrance fee into the park. The park opens around May and closes sometime in October with no set dates. Bathroom facilities are available. The park closes at dusk so no night dives are allowed.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore.
Underwater Poker: $1 will get you into the game. If you win, you get the pot plus bonus points.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore. The best hand of 5 cards will receive 5pts and the money.
What makes Ross so popular? Over 55 species of fish can be found in this lake. Located just past the swim area is an assortment of items: multiple boats, ice shanty, park bench, phone booth, a section of railroad track, motorcycle, Christmas tree forest and a Key Largo sign. Best dive depths are 20-40ft. Visibility is usually good, compared to smaller lakes but the bottom is muck so one bad buoyancy diver can destroy the clarity.
Dive Site Direction: Take M-89 to 40th street exit and head north. Turn left onto B Drive and follow to the park. Address: 3500 E. Gull Lake Dr., Ross Township, MI, 49012
August 22: New Site!! Crandell Lake in Charlotte
Dive Time: 6:30pm
Lake Description: Crandell Lake is an old gravel pit that has been flooded for several years now that was just purchased by Eaton County in 2017 to turn in to a county park. The park is 432 acres which makes it bigger than all other parks in Eaton county combined! The lake is 160 acres with maximum depths that we’ve seen around 32 feet deep. There are a lot of smaller fish including largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and yellow bullhead. Most of the fish are in the 10 – 15 feet deep range which makes this an easy relaxed dive for divers of any skill level. There are unique contours that you can see the old roads that were built for driving equipment down in to the gravel pit and there are a number of standing trees that had been growing in the pit before the lake was flooded which are still intact as well as a number of log piles where trees had been cut and piled out of the way which are full of fish. Currently there are no bathrooms but we should be able to have a changing room (Eric has a hunting blind we’ve used for changing at a few locations that don’t have bathrooms). There are plans to build bathrooms hopefully this summer but not sure what the timeline is right now. Once the bathrooms are built there will be an entrance fee of $5 per vehicle, until the bathrooms are built it is free. We test dove Crandell lake late September / early October 2017 and the lake still had quite good visibility compared to other local lakes at that time of year except for the very deepest point of the lake where the visibility turned bad.
The county is planning on submerging items in the lake this summer to create artificial reefs for fish habitat to spread to other areas of the lake, so hopefully by the time we dive here we’ll be able to visit a couple different “shipwrecks” including the “S.S. Minnow”. Here is a look at the Minnow before it gets sunk…
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore.
Dive Site Directions: I-69 exit 60 head East on M-50 for approximately 2.5 miles. Currently the parking lot is located on M-50 at the southeast corner of the lake (circled below). Hopefully by the time we dive here in the fall there will be a driveway to access from Flanders road to the west of the park (red line) which will allow us to drive around the lake (I’ll update you as the summer progresses for where we end up meeting because I need to dive the north side of the lake a few times to determine where we like best, plus should be sinking the boats in May so will take that in to account for where we should dive from, so we can update the website later in the year… perhaps just put a comment about Rob will let everyone know where to meet, I’ll definitely post info to the SASS Wednesday Night Dive club page on Facebook when I have more info).
Watering Hole: Eaton Pub & Grill The best parking is in the lot behind the restaurant otherwise it is just parallel parking on main street. It is a block west of main street. Eaton Pub & Grill has a full menu for food and they do brew their own beer as well.
Dive Time: 6:30pm
Lake Description: Crandell Lake is an old gravel pit that has been flooded for several years now that was just purchased by Eaton County in 2017 to turn in to a county park. The park is 432 acres which makes it bigger than all other parks in Eaton county combined! The lake is 160 acres with maximum depths that we’ve seen around 32 feet deep. There are a lot of smaller fish including largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and yellow bullhead. Most of the fish are in the 10 – 15 feet deep range which makes this an easy relaxed dive for divers of any skill level. There are unique contours that you can see the old roads that were built for driving equipment down in to the gravel pit and there are a number of standing trees that had been growing in the pit before the lake was flooded which are still intact as well as a number of log piles where trees had been cut and piled out of the way which are full of fish. Currently there are no bathrooms but we should be able to have a changing room (Eric has a hunting blind we’ve used for changing at a few locations that don’t have bathrooms). There are plans to build bathrooms hopefully this summer but not sure what the timeline is right now. Once the bathrooms are built there will be an entrance fee of $5 per vehicle, until the bathrooms are built it is free. We test dove Crandell lake late September / early October 2017 and the lake still had quite good visibility compared to other local lakes at that time of year except for the very deepest point of the lake where the visibility turned bad.
The county is planning on submerging items in the lake this summer to create artificial reefs for fish habitat to spread to other areas of the lake, so hopefully by the time we dive here we’ll be able to visit a couple different “shipwrecks” including the “S.S. Minnow”. Here is a look at the Minnow before it gets sunk…
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore.
Dive Site Directions: I-69 exit 60 head East on M-50 for approximately 2.5 miles. Currently the parking lot is located on M-50 at the southeast corner of the lake (circled below). Hopefully by the time we dive here in the fall there will be a driveway to access from Flanders road to the west of the park (red line) which will allow us to drive around the lake (I’ll update you as the summer progresses for where we end up meeting because I need to dive the north side of the lake a few times to determine where we like best, plus should be sinking the boats in May so will take that in to account for where we should dive from, so we can update the website later in the year… perhaps just put a comment about Rob will let everyone know where to meet, I’ll definitely post info to the SASS Wednesday Night Dive club page on Facebook when I have more info).
Watering Hole: Eaton Pub & Grill The best parking is in the lot behind the restaurant otherwise it is just parallel parking on main street. It is a block west of main street. Eaton Pub & Grill has a full menu for food and they do brew their own beer as well.
August 29: Campbell Lake at Robert Morris Park in Kalamazoo
Lake Description: Campbell Lake is located in Comstock Township in Kalamazoo County.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore.
Dive Site Directions: We will dive from Robert Morris Park, located in East H Avenue between North 30th Street and North 33rd Street. There is an entrance fee.
Watering Hole: McGongles Irish Pub, 3512 East Main Street,Kalamazoo, MI 49048 (owned by one of our local divers!)
Lake Description: Campbell Lake is located in Comstock Township in Kalamazoo County.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore.
Dive Site Directions: We will dive from Robert Morris Park, located in East H Avenue between North 30th Street and North 33rd Street. There is an entrance fee.
Watering Hole: McGongles Irish Pub, 3512 East Main Street,Kalamazoo, MI 49048 (owned by one of our local divers!)
September 5: Eagle Lake, Augusta
Lake Description: Eagle Lake is one of three lakes located in Fort Custer State Park. It is the largest and the best lake to dive. Underwater visibility will be limited in September so either practice compass skills or stay shallow and follow the weed bed where you'll see the most fish. If you choose to dive deeper, enjoy the u/w moonscape, meaning not much of anything. There are two access points, one at the swim area and one at the boat launch. We will meet at the swim area where a nice bath house is located.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore.
History: This area was originally farmland. During WWI, it was acquired by the federal government and named Camp Custer. It became the military training center for the US Army. The land was then deeded to the State of Michigan under President Nixon's Legacy of Parks in 1971. Today, Fort Custer Recreation Area covers 3,033 acres. Besides the three lakes, there are hiking, biking and horse trails. The 209 site campground is a popular destination for vacationers. The swim area has a large bath house plus a snack shop where you can rent kayaks and a paddle board. Because this lake was used as a military training area, we are asked NOT TO REMOVE any objects from the lake bottom. Seriously, we found a bomb here once.
Lake Directions: Fort Custer State Park is located just east of the railroad tracks in Augusta on M-96. There is an entrance fee unless you have purchased a park sticker with your license plate in which case it is free.
Watering Hole: Player's Grill - 506 E Michigan Ave, Augusta. This restaurant is a stone's throw from Fort Custer, approximately 1/2 mile west of Fort Custer's entrance.
Lake Description: Eagle Lake is one of three lakes located in Fort Custer State Park. It is the largest and the best lake to dive. Underwater visibility will be limited in September so either practice compass skills or stay shallow and follow the weed bed where you'll see the most fish. If you choose to dive deeper, enjoy the u/w moonscape, meaning not much of anything. There are two access points, one at the swim area and one at the boat launch. We will meet at the swim area where a nice bath house is located.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore.
History: This area was originally farmland. During WWI, it was acquired by the federal government and named Camp Custer. It became the military training center for the US Army. The land was then deeded to the State of Michigan under President Nixon's Legacy of Parks in 1971. Today, Fort Custer Recreation Area covers 3,033 acres. Besides the three lakes, there are hiking, biking and horse trails. The 209 site campground is a popular destination for vacationers. The swim area has a large bath house plus a snack shop where you can rent kayaks and a paddle board. Because this lake was used as a military training area, we are asked NOT TO REMOVE any objects from the lake bottom. Seriously, we found a bomb here once.
Lake Directions: Fort Custer State Park is located just east of the railroad tracks in Augusta on M-96. There is an entrance fee unless you have purchased a park sticker with your license plate in which case it is free.
Watering Hole: Player's Grill - 506 E Michigan Ave, Augusta. This restaurant is a stone's throw from Fort Custer, approximately 1/2 mile west of Fort Custer's entrance.
Final Dive of the Season! September 12 Gull Lake's Ross Township
Optional: Lake Clean Up and Potluck ...........and Sub-Aquatic Dive Team point tally!
Optional Events: First, help us clean off the zebra mussels on the underwater boats, railroad track and signs. After the dive, enjoy the potluck. SASS will provide hot dogs, plates and utensils. Drop off your dish to pass PRIOR to the dive. Dinner is between 6:45pm-7:45pm which will allow us enough time to eat before the park closes at dusk.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore. Earn a bonus point by bringing an ice scraper to help clean off zebra mussels. At the end of the evening, we will announce the Dive Team winners who earned points toward prizes. We will also take size orders for those winning the polo, fleece or boat coats. All items will be then be embroidered or screen printed; ready in time for the post season party on October 17th.
Lake Description: Ross Township Park is a very popular dive site. The park closes sometime in October with no set dates. Bathroom facilities are available. The park closes at dusk so no night dives are allowed.
What makes Ross so popular? Over 55 species of fish can be found in this lake. Located just past the swim area is an assortment of items: multiple boats, ice shanty, park bench, phone booth, a section of railroad track, motorcycle, Christmas tree forest and a Key Largo sign. Best dive depths are 20-40ft. Visibility is usually good, compared to smaller lakes but the bottom is muck so one bad buoyancy diver can destroy the clarity.
Dive Site Direction: Take M-89 to 40th street exit and head north. Turn left onto B Drive and follow to the park. Address: 3500 E. Gull Lake Dr., Ross Township, MI, 49012
Optional: Lake Clean Up and Potluck ...........and Sub-Aquatic Dive Team point tally!
Optional Events: First, help us clean off the zebra mussels on the underwater boats, railroad track and signs. After the dive, enjoy the potluck. SASS will provide hot dogs, plates and utensils. Drop off your dish to pass PRIOR to the dive. Dinner is between 6:45pm-7:45pm which will allow us enough time to eat before the park closes at dusk.
Sub-Aquatic Dive Team Points: Earn 2 points for diving tonight or 1 point for attending but staying onshore. Earn a bonus point by bringing an ice scraper to help clean off zebra mussels. At the end of the evening, we will announce the Dive Team winners who earned points toward prizes. We will also take size orders for those winning the polo, fleece or boat coats. All items will be then be embroidered or screen printed; ready in time for the post season party on October 17th.
Lake Description: Ross Township Park is a very popular dive site. The park closes sometime in October with no set dates. Bathroom facilities are available. The park closes at dusk so no night dives are allowed.
What makes Ross so popular? Over 55 species of fish can be found in this lake. Located just past the swim area is an assortment of items: multiple boats, ice shanty, park bench, phone booth, a section of railroad track, motorcycle, Christmas tree forest and a Key Largo sign. Best dive depths are 20-40ft. Visibility is usually good, compared to smaller lakes but the bottom is muck so one bad buoyancy diver can destroy the clarity.
Dive Site Direction: Take M-89 to 40th street exit and head north. Turn left onto B Drive and follow to the park. Address: 3500 E. Gull Lake Dr., Ross Township, MI, 49012
But Wait! There's More!
NIGHT DIVES: September 20 and 27!
The sun is setting earlier. Now is the perfect time for doing true night dives verses evening dives. Bring your light and join the fun. Get up close and personal with fish life, just like Rob (picture left) when he hand-caught this bass! Note: Sub-Aquatic Dive Team points do not count for these dives.
The schedule: Dinner at 6pm with the dive following (approx. 7:30pm)
September 19: Lee Lake night dive @7:30pm with dinner prior at Ruby Tuesdays @ 6pm
September 26: Gull Lake's Prairieville Park night dive @ 7:30pm with dinner prior at NEDS @ 6pm
The sun is setting earlier. Now is the perfect time for doing true night dives verses evening dives. Bring your light and join the fun. Get up close and personal with fish life, just like Rob (picture left) when he hand-caught this bass! Note: Sub-Aquatic Dive Team points do not count for these dives.
The schedule: Dinner at 6pm with the dive following (approx. 7:30pm)
September 19: Lee Lake night dive @7:30pm with dinner prior at Ruby Tuesdays @ 6pm
September 26: Gull Lake's Prairieville Park night dive @ 7:30pm with dinner prior at NEDS @ 6pm
You've Done the Dives this Season!
You've Met Lots of Friends!
We've Probably Taken a Picture or Two of You Diving
So now it's time to PARTY!
Wednesday Night Dive Party!
When: October 17 (Wednesday night of course)
Where: Latitude 42 in Kalamazoo
Time: 6pm - 9pm
Award Prizes will be given out
See the photo and video presentation
Everyone is invited, even if you've only made one dive for the season.
You've Met Lots of Friends!
We've Probably Taken a Picture or Two of You Diving
So now it's time to PARTY!
Wednesday Night Dive Party!
When: October 17 (Wednesday night of course)
Where: Latitude 42 in Kalamazoo
Time: 6pm - 9pm
Award Prizes will be given out
See the photo and video presentation
Everyone is invited, even if you've only made one dive for the season.
