Torch Lake Questions
 

Who has boated on torch lake?? Thinking about planning a trip there whats the boating like?? Water Temps?

Never been there myself.... But from firends, I have heard it is deep, clear and cold as it is spring fed. But There is a giant sand bar in the middle where everyone goes to party. I may eventually make my way there (one of these years)...

It's beautiful there.

We go there all the time. The water is beautiful. The water can be cooler but thats ok on a hot day. If you like your water a little warmer you can cruise over to Elk Lake which is also a beautiful lake with warmer water temps. You can also get to Elk Rapids (Watch for Stumps) from Elk Lake for restaurants and bars when you get sick of The Dockside on Torch. The sandbar at the south end of Torch is a big gathering place but big enough to accomodate party animals as well as family's with children.

Good times! here are some pic's if I get them to work. Lol

Those are pictures of the sand bar, like TC G said it does pack up with party animals at times (Holidays) and is rough with little ones. The good is you can head to Elk lake west northern side is a few sand bars which are more family oriented, warmer, and deeper though. I pretty much live there in the summer, any questions just ask. Hope this helps

Awesome Lake, Boated there up to the 290 PQ. Have not tried with 380 PQ, but had a lot of fun last summer by taking the dingy down and doing the rivers. Have to watch sucking up sand in the rivers, never paid attention to all the people draging thier lower unit thru the sand and silt, get a real close view in a dingy! Know of two boat engine problems from the sand, most likley would not have happened if they were watching temp guages.

I plan on making it there this year, have a buddy with a cabin 20 minutes from there! I hear the water is crystal clear!

Dont miss out on this lake. BEAUTIFUL scenery, easily accessible and quite big. If you dont like big crowds steer clear from it pretty much the whole month of July. Been living here for 17 years and have no complaints.

The clear water is what draws me there!!!

Any tricks, where to launch, where to hang out, any good places to eat??

Awesome lake. Most fun I have had

PM the 288 Kid, he boated there often. All his pics showed water that looked like the Bahamas!

The water is beautiful, and you'll love it .

Torch Lake is amazing! Inland lake boating does not get much better then this.

I personally boat on Lake Michigan's West Bay and East Bay with access anywhere you want from there. The Grand Traverses bay's are like a larger version of Torch Lake, with water clearity easily 20-30ft sand bottom. Spend a day or 2 on Torch and a day or 2 boating out of Traverse City. Keep in touch if you need anything!

Enjoy!

National Geographic ranked it as the “third most beautiful lake in the world.” If you never have been there it is a MUST!

Thanks OSO!! Maybe next summer we could put together an OSO Party

Torch Lake is awesome clear cool water. Plenty of stuff to do and see. I also recommend boating on the Big Lake if the weather permits.

Watch out for the fun police if you make it up here

Ditto on that. Been there twice and saw a LOT of boats pulled over both times. Got pulled over for no MC numbers myself. I'm CG documented and coppers didn't know what that was. Not worth the risk when there are lots of other great places in MI to boat.

Beautiful lake to boat on for sure but the ramps leave a bit to be desired. From what I heard last year the fun police are clamping down on noise so be careful if you aren't legal. Take the suggestion to go out on the big lake as that is definitely a good time especially with a bigger boat. Our favorite launch is in elk rapids as it is deep and easy access. You can run east and west bay or run up to charlevoix or out to beaver island for lunch. Sleeping bear dunes is another favorite place of ours by boat. All kinds of nice places to go and things to see and do. Rob

What is the speed & decibel limit???

I believe all MI inland lakes unless otherwise noted is 55mph! not sure on the noise??

Or less, Gull lake lower there's to 45 was 55. I cant hardly get on plain there...... I know Grand Haven had a db limit I see makeshift PVC exhausts on boats while on idle through the river & break walls to & from spring lake, them they pop them off & go!!

Lake Fenton south of Flint is 45!! Lake Char is 55 but 4 a couple years at Boyne Thunder they let us do 80 across the lake, that was fun do'n the pace boat!! no more though!!!

I used to put my 35 Fountain in at Luhrs Landing Marina which is in the torch river. It had enough length and depth to get it off safely, but the current made things tricky. As other have said, the tough part is the last corner by the Torch river marina. I haven't tried it and doubt I will with my OL. Don't think I will make the corner without dragging and I DEFINITELY won't pass the noise restrictions with the cops. We just take our little Malibu when we go there now. It's certainly worth the trip, but just be advised of the navigation challenges with a longer/deeper boat. The sandbar is a riot! As for true "boating" fun- the Bay's and Lake Charlevoix are much more fun for go-fast boats. Torch is better suited to small boats due to the access issues.

Not sure what the speed is but I do know the sound is an issue on Torch. When I finished explaining what a documented boat was they let me go with a "warning"?, for what I'm still not sure, and advised me that there are noise restrictions on the lake too and I'm not allowed to turn my captains call off. Like I said, not worth the hassle.

I've been going there 6-8 times a year for over 12 years and had two encounters with the cops. Both times they were very pleasant. However, landowners are complaining about noise so they started cracking down last year with warnings. No worries on speeds as long as you run hard away from the sandbars.

If you speed with common sense there will be no issues, normal rules stay away from the high concentration of people and boats. AKA: sandbars. The lake is 19 miles long so plenty of room to play.

If your not legal on db requirements steer clear of torch river between luhrs landing and the inlet. If you're looking to haul ass stay away from the sandbar and the clam river outlet. If your looking for good looking women park it on the sandbar, turn up the music and put your beer cooler in plain sight!!! Man i love TORCH.

Torch is an amazing lake I try to hit it up at least once a year. Water is generally cold but the scenery makes up for it. Traverse Bay is also a great time, try to make it up there.