West Lake Okoboji is the jewel of Iowa.  This 4000+ acre natural lake offers great diving for everyone.  Clarity ranges from 70+ feet in the winter months to 40+ feet in the spring and fall to 12+ feet during the summer months. Depths up to 136 feet can be reached, but most aquatic life will be seen from 10 to 40 feet.  There are several thermoclines that can be reached so a 5-4-3 wetsuit is recommended most of the year.  Dry suits are recommended for winter, early spring and late fall diving.  There are many points of interest throughout the lake.  There are 3 different pipelines that are enjoyable to tour: Pillsbury point, The Milford Tower and The Inn. In Smiths Bay you can find a truck that fell through the ice in the 1940's. There are remnants of several boats in the lake.  There are also many rocky points and drop offs. Aquatic life is abound everywhere. You will see fish species including bluegill, smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskies, white bass, walleye, perch, buffalo carp, and more. Blue Water Divers, a Padi 5 star dive center, is located on the lake at Arnolds Park.  There you can get any supplies you need plus directions to favorite dive sites.



Lake Okoboji, Arnolds Park

The Milford Tower is a great shore dive in West Lake Okoboji, Iowa.  The 15 foot wooden tower was built on the ice in 1929 and lowered to the bottom, about 30 feet deep, to provide a water intake for the town of Milford, Iowa.  It was in service until 1949.  It now serves as a great shore dive because of easy entrance, access.  It provides shelter to fish, another good reason to visit the side.  Beginners will enjoy following the pipeline from shore to the tower.  Advanced divers will enjoy the fish.  Night divers will find it challenging and spectacular at night.  Local dive shops can give directions.  Photos are available at <MyOkobojiImages.com>

Lloyd Cunningham's Dive Log

@lloyd_cunningham

1 dives