Central Minnesota Lakes

[surflung]

Good Diving in Central Minnesota
- Visibility of 20-30 feet is what we've been experiencing in the lakes around Alexandria, MN. I dove Lake Victoria last weekend and could see bottom detail and my dive buddy clearly when looking DOWN from the surface... Depth was 22 feet. Victoria has traditionally been a Pea Green zero visibility lake so this is astounding to be able to dive it and see so much.
- The more well known lakes of Le Homme Dieux and Carlos are at least that clear as they have always been clearer lakes. There's quite a local debate about this recent clear water phenomenon because the clarity has increased as the Zebra Mussel infestation has grown. Victoria had city sewer installed all around it a few years ago so there is no more cesspool or run-off algae stimulation. It was actually getting quite clear in the Spring before the Zebras became noticeable. So, what is clearing things up? Zebras or better sewers? Or BOTH?

The DNR wants to poison the lakes to stop the Zebras but what else are they going to kill with that idea? Scuba diving has enjoyed an uptick in popularity due to the visibility. But the Zebras cover everything so thickly that it's hard to recognize trophies like anchors, bottles, fishing rods, etc.

[surflung]

I dove the Crosby iron pits May 30th... Specifically Lake Portsmouth. Visibility was 25-35 ft I estimate... Maybe better but the weather was overcast and low light isn't good for visibility. The Portsmouth access has a paved parking lot, ramp, and dock... You can drop off heavy stuff close to the water if you want. And there's no red muck to get everything stained dirty. Water directly off the ramp is 3-5 feet deep. This is sort of a ledge. As you move out, there is an underwater cliff to swim over and a wall to swim beside. To the left there is a sloping bottom at about 20-25 feet deep. To the right are trees and access to deeper water. I like swimming diving around underwater ridges, cliffs, and walls so this was lots of fun. I'll be going back there again.

[sheriffdiver]

I've dove the Crosby/Ironton pits a bit in the past. I haven't been there in a couple of years. I always hated the red soil that stains everything so I usually tried to wear black everything. Last time I dove there I think the dive was called Devil's ladder?? There was a ladder that is in deep water like you're climbing down to the devil in hell. It was a longer swim to get there. There is a car in one of the pits and there also is a swim through in a culvert but I've never done it. There was a good lake by Annandale years ago. We had 50-60 feet of visibility. We were down 50 feet and could see the flag on the surface plain as day.

[surflung]

Hey Ron, Can you identify that clear lake near Annandale?

[sheriffdiver]

I just looked at Google maps and it is West Lake Sylvia

[Seahuntjerry]

we used to dive there off a friends relatives cabin years ago!poor access!

[sheriffdiver]

We would dive off a boat.

[sheriffdiver]

Yesterday I stopped by Fish Lake by Waterville and it looked pretty clear. I didn't dive it yet this year though.