Great Lakes

[Mustonen]

I'd rather swim in water that ISN'T piss warm, but I grew up on/near Superior. You don't see lots of waterskiers/wakeboarders on Superior, that's for sure... That picture of Lake James, however, does not look like fun. Is that clusterfuck seriously your idea of a good day out on the water? Different strokes, I guess....

[booner]

Fanger Lakes. Relatively unpopulated...compared to other beautiful and fun lakes. Great fishing and 70 degree water in the summer. I live on Canandaigua Lake and love it. Keuka is my favorite.

[powderripper]

Check out Rainy Lake with 930 mi of shore line, 1,570 mi w/ Islands. July and August for the warmer water. Bring your GPS.

[The AD]

I'd rather swim in water that ISN'T piss warm

Definitely. For one thing you don't have to worry about this:
http://news.discovery.com/human/brai...ba-110818.html

I think water should be refreshing. 70 feels good if you're swimming or doing something active. Yeah, it's a little cold if you're just standing around drinking a beer, but it's great for swimming.

[Millsie]

Check out Rainy Lake with 930 mi of shore line, 1,570 mi w/ Islands. July and August for the warmer water. Bring your GPS.

I agree with Rainy. My favorite place in the world. Rent a houseboat and park somewhere in Voyagers Nat. Park and use as a base.

[Shredhead]

Cool picture of Lake James. Spring fed lakes are normally pretty cold. Is James?

77 last weekend, I think we hit 80 once this summer.

That picture of Lake James, however, does not look like fun. Is that clusterfuck seriously your idea of a good day out on the water? Different strokes, I guess....

By then we've already foot,slalomed, wakeboard/skated, airchaired and surfed. I never went out to the sandbar when my kids were little. But now that they are college aged, I go out with them and have even done a couple of keg stands.

If anyone's ever driving by I-80/I-69 on a weekend, I'd be happy to give a tow!

My favorite Lake bar.

[BmillsSkier]

Chautauqua in NY,

Norris Lake in TN,

Lake Cumberland in KY,

Lake of the Ozarks in MO,

Torch Lake in MI

[Mazderati]

So whats the deal here, why you being a sally about the temperature? What's your plan?

Live in a city and love it, but also miss the water. Entertaining the idea of lake life once more.

I'd rather swim in water that ISN'T piss warm, but I grew up on/near Superior. You don't see lots of waterskiers/wakeboarders on Superior, that's for sure... That picture of Lake James, however, does not look like fun. Is that clusterfuck seriously your idea of a good day out on the water? Different strokes, I guess....

Definitely. For one thing you don't have to worry about this:
http://news.discovery.com/human/brai...ba-110818.html

I think water should be refreshing. 70 feels good if you're swimming or doing something active. Yeah, it's a little cold if you're just standing around drinking a beer, but it's great for swimming.

What people grow accustomed to probably plays a big role, but I've always been around warm (to me) water. Just about everything I do in the water involves getting wet before standing up to face the wind. Besides, I like being able to piss in the water and not tell the difference.

Partying on a sandbar isn't something I want to do every weekend, but to have the option is nice. There are definitely days when a boat ride over to hang out with friends, drink beer, and float in the water are top priority.



Lots of recommendations for the Fingers. Might have to check out the smaller lakes.

[13]

What people grow accustomed to probably plays a big role, but I've always been around warm (to me) water. Just about everything I do in the water involves getting wet before standing up to face the wind.

Dunno where you're located, but now that I know you own a jetski, you should check out Lake Charlevoix or Lake Leelanau in the Northern Lower Peninsula of MI.

Both are pretty large and fairly warm in the summer and as an added bonus, they both drain to Lake Michigan. When the swells are high, throw on a wetsuit, head out the channel and catch some serious air.

[Mazderati]

Didn't hit many criteria in the original post but this may be it. Water is probably 12 ft. in the center of the first picture; emerald color.

[MagnificentUnicorn]

The water is clearer and bluer in Lake Chelan, you can see the bottom like in that first pic when it's 50' deep.

[bourbonisgood]

The water is clearer and bluer in Lake Chelan, you can see the bottom like in that first pic when it's 50' deep.

I've spent more than 30 years visiting Lake Chelan a handful of times per year. I never get tired if it, and the clarity of the water is only the beginning...

[BmillsSkier]

Clarity? You want Higgins Lake in Mi. Or pretty much anything at the tip of the pinky of the mitten.

[mnflyfish]

Minnetonka hits all your criteria but the clean part. On the plus side you can tie up with us on any given nice summer day. Plenty of attractions, great bays for skiing/boarding, and we do host the US Wake Surf Championship each July.

[MagnificentUnicorn]

I've spent more than 30 years visiting Lake Chelan a handful of times per year. I never get tired if it, and the clarity of the water is only the beginning...

One of WA's treasures and it seems little known outside the region. Kinda like a cross between Tahoe and Lake Como in Italy.

[guroo270]

Grew up going to Shasta, Don Pedro, and Lake Mead...never made it to Havasu.

Been to quite a few more, but those are my top 3. I'd only vote for Mead for partying, though.

[Tuckerman]

My lake is pretty nice.