Wazee Lake, Wisconsin

The site of an iron mine quarry until 1983, Wazee Lake in west central Wisconsin is the state’s deepest inland lake. Remnants of the mining operation remain. Circular haul roads wind around the pit, where divers often find artifacts such as chains, pipes, taconite pellets and iron shovel teeth. Massive boulders and shear cliffs are plentiful. Novice divers will enjoy the gradually descending roadways found throughout the quarry. Also found: several groups of fish cribs, and four platforms used by instructors for training new divers.

Depths to: 355 feet (108 m)

Visibility: 30-40 feet (9-12 m) in the summer

Water temperature: From 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) at the surface to 40 F below the thermocline. At 60 feet, a second thermocline drops the water temperature to 34 F (1 C). A dry suit is recommended.

Marine life: Rainbow, brook and brown trout, bluegills, suckers, catfish and smallmouth bass.

Fees: $10 daily or $75 annually per diver. A vehicle fee of $3 per day or $12 per season is charged from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

On-site amenities: Hiking and bicycling trails, picnic area, restrooms, beach and boat launch area. Dive centers operate in Black River Falls.

More info: Call Jackson County Forestry and Parks Department at (715) 284-8475 year-round or (715) 284-3171
in-season; E-mail: jcfp@centurytel.net

Open: Year-round. C-cards are required.

Getting there: The lake is located about 60 miles south-east of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. From Route 94, take exit 116 for Route 54. Drive east on Route 54 about 10 miles. Signs for Wazee Lake will be on your right.