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.

We have gone for years and with bigger boats. you will be fine. Follow others with larger boats. The water cops are unpredictable at times. The lake has 17 miles of useable water and 3 other lakes attached. We stop at the NE end of Elk. North end of Torch, South end/sand bar of Torch, North end of Clam lake.

Have to agree with what grapeape posted. Will I bother to tow up there? No. Rent a house for the week and rent a pontoon. Your 353 will not be a noise issue but after a day you will be bored...

Torch is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world! I live close but choose to boat on the Grand Traverse West and East Bay of Lake Michigan mostly. But Torch is worth at least one trip! We swim End of June through most of sept. Look us up if you decide to come out into the big lake.

Most cabin rentals are weekly, sat to sat. But not all, especially early or late in the season. There are some slips if you are sleeping on your boat. Your boat is not to big, there are plenty of large boats on the lake. Some of my friends.....38 scarab that has been on a hoist there for years, 46 black thunder boats there a few times a year, 38 fountain express docks there all summer, etc.

Elk Lake is also nice, and the river is fine if you pay attention. It actaully is a pretty nice little cruise.

Dont try to pack to much in on one trip, because you will be addicted and come back anyways! Look forward to hearing about a great trip you have!

You can defiantly take a larger boat out on torch lake and have a great time, I also live near and go out there quit often myself, along with going out on the bay, just make sure to use one of the ramps like Luhrs landing.

http://www.luhrslanding.com/

Defiantly check out Traverse bay, if you go out of Elk rapids and take left about 5 miles you will find a nice sand bar similar to Torch lake called Petobego pond, crystal clear water and all sand bottom with no rocks.

We always spend the weekend of the 4th July on our 311. Its a great time.
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...lsphone309.jpg

Good times!

Sandbar on busy Holidays!

If you are in to camping you could camp at Whitewater Park on Elk Lake. Keep your boat on the trailer in the lot or just moor it out in front of the campground if the weather is calm. I don't think there are any hotels in Elk Rapids so your next best bet would be to get a room on the east side in Traverse City or in kalkaska.

If there's any way to extend your trip do it. There's a lot to do in the area besides Torch Lake.
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If you have never been before, check out the "Sand Bar Club" on Facebook. It has some pics and videos.