Torch lake help
 

Looking to plan a trip to Torch lake this year.

Never been and don't know anyone that has been there.

best time of the year to go?
Where to stay?
anything to look out for?
what laws do I have to worry about?

I boat in IL and never boated in MI so not sure what laws are different.

Thanks guys

Water there is very cold so July-August is best. July 4 can be very busy. No places to stay on the lake unless you rent a cabin or house. Hotels, motels, and a couple resorts within 20 minute drive. I have not had trouble but they do ticket for noise. Lake is deep and clear, shallow areas are pretty obvious, stay off the shoreline and your safe, west side drops off faster than east side. The main gathering area is a huge sandbar on the south end near the river outlet. Lots of police presence there on busy weekends, so be aware in that area. Inland lakes in MI are 55mph speed limit but usually not enforced heavily if you are away from active areas. I have not tried to get a slip overnight, but the is the Torch River Marina and one on Clam River. For me Torch is a day trip, or a couple days at most. If you are making the trip from a distance take the time if possible to go some other places. Northwest MI is some of the best and most beautiful boating in the US. Traverse City/Traverse Bay, and Charleovoix/Lake Charlevoix are great areas for boating.

yea im thinking of leaving Friday afternoon.. boating Sat and Sun and heading back monday. Sounds like a late summer trip? does torch lake connect to any other lakes?

You can go down Torch River to Skegemog and Elk Lake. Elk Lake is a nice lake and the town of Elk Rapids is nice and accessible by boat. Lots of guys don't like to go down Torch River, it is shallow, and there is a stump field at the Skegemog outlet. I have done it without trouble, just keep the drives up and stay in the middle. The channel at Skegemog is marked. I have been going up there since I was young though, for a first timer it may be a little scary. Elk is worth the trip for me, the water is clear and warmer than Torch usually.

Yes Torch does have other Lakes hooked to it, how big of a boat are you do you have?

It connects to elk lake and clam lake. U made a good choice for the 2 days. Ill bet u remember the trip the rest of your life

I will be taking my 353 fastech

So where should i stay? any hotels with slips? or where can I find a house for rent?

Search hotels in Kalkaska, Bellaire, Eastport, Elk Rapids or Willaimsburg. Traverse City has numerous places but is a longer drive. House rentals on VRBO.com, but be aware rentals there are in demand so fill up fast if nice and can be pretty spendy. I have not stayed in hotels in the area so cannot recommend anything. Maybe someone else can chime in on that.

Lake is awesome but many better places to go with a 35. We know what opinions are like but I have a 32 and won't bother going there with it. Its too much boat.