The World’s Smallest and Largest Underground Lakes

Photo courtesy of John Karakatsanis Travelgrove

Did you know that 71% of the earth’s surface is made up of water? Mostly referring to the oceanic waters of the world, this statistic reminds us how integral that water is to life on earth. However, not all water is surface-based. In fact, there are multiple bodies of water that exist beneath the surface of the earth. From subglacial lakes to cave lakes, hundreds of intriguing bodies of water lie tucked away in the most unexpected spots on earth. Today, in honor of all the lakes we can’t see, we’re covering the smallest and largest underground lakes!

The Largest Subglacial Lake

Image courtesy of Live Science

Given the expansiveness of Antarctic lakes, it’s no surprise that the largest underground lake in the world is subglacial. As opposed to typical underground lakes, a subglacial lake simply refers to one that is covered by a layer of ice. In the case of Lake Vostok, this layer happens to be 2.5 miles. Because of this lake’s hidden nature, its existence was unknown until the 1990s when a Russian pilot and geographer noticed a unique oblong shape from the air.

Today, the lake is part of Vostok Station, a Russian research hub in central Antarctica. Although scientists disagree about whether the lake existed before or after the East Antarctic Ice Sheet was formed, they do agree on one thing — the lake’s ecosystem is fascinating. With a temperature of -89 degrees Fahrenheit, the presence of life in earth’s coldest temperatures has implications for the possibility of life on other planets.

The Largest Non-Subglacial Underground Lake

Photo courtesy of Gondwana Collection

The country of Namibia is famous for a lot of natural wonders — the treacherous skeleton coast, the world’s highest sand dunes, and most of the endangered black rhino population. Beyond these wonders, the country is also home to the largest non-subglacial underground lake. Located in the Otjozondjupa Region in Namibia, Dragon’s Breath Cave was discovered in 1986 and named for the moist air that can be seen from the cave’s entrance, resembling dragon’s breath. At least 16 invertebrate species live in these zero-sunlight conditions, as well as a few other species such as golden catfish, the most isolated fish in the world.

The Smallest Underground Lake

Photo courtesy of Awe-inspiring places

In a small island in the southwest Pacific, the Moqua Well sits on the island of Nauru. In this tropical location, a limestone plateau formed low cliffs, which later produced caves. Inside, Moqua Well is a 16 foot deep freshwater lake. During World War II, this lake was a primary source of freshwater for the people living on Nauru island. Its integral nature during the war earned its name “well” instead of “lake.” After the war, it was primarily a destination for partiers to drink. However, after an inebriated man fatally fell into the well, the lake is now closed access.

The Smallest and Clearest Underground Lake

Photo courtesy of PandoTrip

Although it is larger than Moqua Well, Melissani Lake is another one of the world’s smallest underground lakes. It also happens to be a fascinating tourist attraction. Close to the mainland of Greece, it’s located in Melissani Cave on the Greek island of Kefalonia. According to Greek mythology, Melissani was the cave of the nymphs, female deities who are usually personifications of nature. Tourists have remarked on the clarity of the water, which can make boats look as though they’re floating on air. While its length is only 3 miles long, it’s beauty is breathtaking and certainly worth a visit for any travelers to Eastern Europe. 

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about some of these underground lakes across the world!

Underground Lakes Across the World

Photo courtesy of Hoang Trung/Shutterstock via Fodor’s Travel

As lake homeowners, we may have one idea in our heads of what a lake looks like. A visible body of water, surrounded by greenery or mountains, with an abundance of wildlife and fish. However, for some lakes, there’s more than what meets the eye. In fact, there are plenty of underground lakes across the globe. Although they’re hidden, these lakes are stunning, full of natural history, and frankly, are great travel destinations. Check out some of the most fascinating underground lakes across the world!

Lake Vostok

Location: Antarctica

Lake Vostok, a subglacial lake at the heart of Antarctica, is probably one of the most enigmatic lakes in the world. Sitting beneath the ice, stretching 3,281 feet deep, this lake has captured the attention of scientists who believe that its frigid climate may have implications for life on other planets. The lake’s existence was first posted by a Russian geographer who noticed its seismic soundings during the Soviet Antarctic Expeditions in the late ‘50’s and early ‘60’s. From there, the Russian research site, Vostok Station was founded. Today, researchers continue to explore this underground lake’s unparalleled features.

Dragon’s Breath Cave

Location: Namibia

Many of the world’s largest underground lakes are subglacial. But not all of them. Dragon’s Breath Cave, found in the Otjozondjupa region of Namibia, is actually the largest non-subglacial lake in the world, thought to be at least 430 feet deep. Divers have not been able to chart its depths further, due to its underground location. Sitting 330 feet below the earth’s surface, it wasn’t discovered until 1986. The group of explorers felt a breeze coming from the cave, and knew they needed to explore. The humid air earned its name — Dragon’s Breath.

Craighead Cavern

Photo courtesy of Traquo

Location: U.S.A.

Some underground lakes might be closer to home than we think. In particular, Craighead Caverns is the second-largest underground lake in the world. It’s also the largest underground lake in the U.S.! Also known as the “Lost Sea”, it has been designated as a Registered Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of Interior. Located between Sweetwater and Madisonville, Tennessee, you can actually take boating adventures through the caverns. Also known as the “Lost Sea” this spot is a wonderful tourist destination for anyone in the southeast.

Lake Martel

Photo courtesy of Barcelo Experiences

Location: Spain

More than 80 feet beneath the surface of Majorca, an island near Spain, lies Lake Martel (in Spanish, Cuevas del Drach). It sits at the bottom of the Caves of Drach, part of a group of four caves that lie beneath this island. Since Lake Martel’s discovery in the 1880’s, the caves have been a popular tourist destination where people from across the world can enjoy guided boat tours. Some tours even end with a live concert! An unconventional, yet thrilling way to enjoy live music on the lake.

Son Doong Cave

Image courtesy of Ryan Deboodt / Oxalis Adventure Tours via Lonely Planet

Location: Vietnam

Translated in English to “mountain river cave,” Son Doong Cave just so happens to be the world’s largest cave. Located at the border of Laos and Vietnam, it is the largest known cave passage, measured by volume. The passage is over 3 miles long and 660 feet high, allowing lush vegetation such as moss to develop along the passage walls. This cave isn’t new either — it developed somewhere between two and five million years ago when limestone was eroded by river water underneath a mountain. Within its walls is also a rushing river which is connected to another cave, Hang Thung. 

These fascinating lakes are only a handful of the underground lakes that exist across the world. With travel restrictions lifting soon, don’t hesitate to make these underground lakes next on your travel list!

Interesting Facts About Lake Huron, MI

Photo courtesy of Michigan.org

If you’re looking for an enormous, beautiful lake to vacation this summer, look no further than Lake Huron. The second largest of the Great Lakes (next to the expansive Lake Michigan), Lake Huron stretches 23,007 miles. Bordering both Michigan and Ontario, it’s actually the third largest freshwater lake in the world. With so much of Lake Huron to cover, today, we’re focusing only on the Michigan side. From New Buffalo to Mackinaw City, check out these interesting facts about Lake Huron!

Lake Huron Contains a Prehistoric Land Bridge

Photo courtesy of TANE CASSERLY via The Globe and Mail

During the Ice Age, the Great Lakes were not as impressive as they are today. Water levels were lower — at least 250 feet lower than modern times. Due to these lower water levels, almost 10,000 years ago, the limestone-capped Alpena-Amberley land bridge rose above the water’s surface. This piece of land cuts right across Lake Huron. In its time, it was used as a migration route for Caribou. Additionally, archaeologists discovered hunting stations along the ridge that were used by Native Americans from Paleolithic times. So next time you take a boat out on Lake Huron, just know there’s ancient history below!

Lake Huron is a Site for Shipwrecks

Photo courtesy of Mirror

As a not-so-fun fact about this Great Lake, Lake Huron is notorious for shipwrecks. More than a thousand shipwrecks have been recorded on Lake Huron. In fact, the first European ship to sail on the Great Lakes was the first Lake Huron wreckage. One wreck near the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario is visible through the clear waters, making it popular with snorkelers and divers. However, the most noteworthy date for shipwrecks on Lake Huron was the Great Lakes Storm of 1913. On November 9th of that year, the 16-hour long storm sank 10 ships on Lake Huron and drove 20 ashore.

Lake Huron Features a Turnip-Shaped Rock

Photo courtesy of Fremont Contract Carriers

Off the Michigan shore on Lake Huron, near Port Austin, a large rock island shaped like a turnip is a popular tourist site. But how did it acquire this shape? Most likely, it became separated from the mainland during prehistoric times. Since then, crashing waves eroded the base of the rock, eventually resulting in the classic turnip shape. In the 2013 “Seven Wonders of Michigan,” Turnip Rock was selected as one of the 20 finalists. Although it didn’t make the final cut as the top 7 attractions, it’s still a small yet fascinating geological formation that’s worth a visit.

Lake Huron is Relatively Unpolluted

Photo courtesy of Michigan Radio

Since the 1950s, the Great Lakes have struggled to maintain pristine environmental conditions due to pollution from plastic, industrial waste, and other threats. However, compared to Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, and Lake Ontario, Lake Huron remains relatively unpolluted — only surpassed by Lake Superior. This comparatively clean state makes Lake Huron a desirable hotspot for both commercial and sport fishing. Lake trout, walleye, salmon, and northern pike are popular catches in this expansive lake. Anglers from across the country venture to Lake Huron for these fishing opportunities, electing to stay at one of many fishing resorts in Michigan. Resorts like Falcon Cove and Young’s Getaway Beachfront Resort provide spots for rest, relaxation, and enjoying the abundant scenery of Lake Huron.

Lake Huron Rarely Freezes Over

Photo courtesy of Travdyn.wordpress.com

When you think of Michigan, frigid cold often comes to mind. But for a state this far north, it may come as a surprise that Lake Huron rarely freezes over. Because of the vastness of the Great Lakes, complete (or near complete) ice coverage is a rarity. Typically, this anomaly only happens once per decade. In 2003 and 2014, almost 95 percent of the lake was covered in ice. Due to climate change, we can expect these incidents to become even more rare. But what do people do when this happens? Ice fishing, skating, and various other wintertime activities on the lake

So what are you waiting for? Talk to one of our agents about looking for a home on Lake Huron today!

Top 5 Deepest Lakes in the U.S.

Previously on the Lake Homes Realty blog, we’ve written about the deepest lakes across the world. From Russia’s Lake Baikal to Antarctica’s Lake Vostok, these lakes are full of fascinating endemic species and mysterious waters that have yet to be explored. However, you don’t have to travel across the globe to discover deep lakes. Chances are, there could be one in your home state. Today, we’re taking a look at the deepest lakes in the U.S.

 

Crater Lake, Oregon (1,949 feet deep)

Not only is Crater Lake the deepest lake in the U.S., but it also ranks as the ninth deepest lake in the world. However, its size may be its least fascinating feature. This massive lake was caused by a volcano eruption from Mount Mazama 7,700 years ago. The volcanic blast created a six-mile crater that eventually became a lake. Due to the nature of its formation, Crater Lake does not have any streams or rivers flowing into it, and the amount of water remains stable. Its landlocked form also prevents fish from inhabiting its waters, so any fish you may see in Crater Lake have been artificially stocked.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada (1,645 feet deep)

Located in the Sierra mountain range in California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe has some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. It’s also the largest alpine lake in North America — the word “alpine” referring to its high altitude in the mountains. Because of its sheer beauty and great summer and wintertime activities, Lake Tahoe is a popular tourist destination. You can enjoy sports like skiing and snowboarding during the winter months, while summer brings boating, sunbathing, and fishing. It’s no wonder that several movies were filmed there, including The Godfather Part II and City of Angels

Lake Chelan, Washington (1,486 feet deep)

Photo courtesy of Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce via Seattle Magazine

The third deepest lake in the U.S. is located in the Pacific Northwest region. Specifically, Chelan County in Washington State is home to this large lake. Appropriately, its name comes from the Salish indigenous word for “deep water.” Before 1927, it was the largest natural lake in the state until the Lake Chelan dam construction. Besides its size, the glacier-fed Chelan Lake is also beautiful, surrounded by a range of cascading mountains. It’s perfect for enjoying a scenic view while you’re having a picnic, riding a jet ski, or simply relaxing. While you’re in the region, you can spend time at local wine vineyards at the Lake Chelan Wine Valley. If you’re an angler, you’ll want to invest in this lake’s fishing opportunities, predominantly bass, salmon, and rainbow trout.

Lake Superior, Michigan/Wisconsin/Minnesota (1,332 feet deep)

Photo courtesy of Seek the World

The fourth deepest lake in the country, Lake Superior, is the deepest lake with Lake Homes Realty listings. Bordering Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes. In fact, it also holds the title of the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. Lake Superior’s waters are a crucial resource, as this vast lake contains 10% of the earth’s surface freshwater. Along its shores, there’s plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Specifically, Lake Superior is known for its nearby national parks, including Isle Royale National Park, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, and the Grand Island National Recreation Area. 

Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho (1,158 feet deep)

Photo courtesy of VisitNorthIdaho.com

This lake’s impressive history dates back to the Ice Age. Formed by glaciers that flooded during this period, it’s a huge natural lake that has served an essential function in human life since pre-recorded history. Located near the Rocky Mountains, Lake Pend Oreille is known for its natural beauty. It’s also renowned for recreation, with several nearby parks, including Farragut State Park, Garfield Bay, and City Beach. While you’re out fishing for Kamloops (a large rainbow trout species, often exceeding 20 pounds), you can spot fascinating wildlife, such as ospreys and fish hawks.

Countries with the Most and Fewest Lakes

Moraine Lake by James Wheeler | CC-BY – The Traveling Pinoys

If you’re here on our blog, you’re probably captivated by lake living. At this point, perhaps your inundation with the lake lifestyle makes it hard to imagine an existence that doesn’t involve the lake. However, depending on where you live, lakes could play an even bigger — or much smaller — role in your life. As a follow-up to our previous blog post, States With the Most and Fewest Lakes, we’re now tackling the whole globe. Check out which countries have the most and fewest lakes in the world!

Countries With the Most Lakes:

Maligne Lake by Zhukova Valentyna / shutterstock via The Crazy Tourist

Canada

While the U.S. boasts many impressive lakes, Canada takes the cake for the country with the most lakes in the world. In fact, Canada contains more lakes than the rest of the world combined. You might be familiar with some of them. Bordering northern parts of the U.S., Canada is home to several Great Lakes such as Lake SuperiorLake Huron, and Lake Erie. But the country’s purely Canadian lakes may be more impressive. For example, the beautiful Moraine Lake is surrounded by gorgeous mountains, while Lake Ontario features stunning beaches. Unfortunately, several of its lakes are adversely affected by glaciers that are quickly melting due to global warming. However, there are several ways you can help this global issue.

Lake Baidal – Photo courtesy of Pradiz.com

Russia

Russia is the noteworthy runner-up. This massive country boasts over 2.8 million lakes from various origins. The majority are freshwater, but it’s home to several saline lakes as well. Russia borders what is perhaps the most famous salt lake, The Caspian Sea — although an ongoing debate with significant economic and political implications still exists as to whether it’s a sea or lake. Speaking of remarkable lakes, Russia also contains the world’s deepest lake, Lake Baikal. And the “deepest lake” title is only one unique aspect of Lake Baikal. Eighty percent of its inhabitants are endemic, meaning they don’t live anywhere else in the world — including the adorable Nerpa Seal, the only freshwater seal on earth.

Lakeland Finland – Photo courtesy of OutdoorActive.com

Finland

Although it isn’t one of the countries with the most lakes, Finland deserves an honorable mention. Called the “land of a thousand lakes,” Finland has the most lakes in relation to country size. Although it’s not as large as Canada or Russia, its smaller size boasts an impressive number of lakes (187,888 to be exact). Although many lakes are only the size of a tennis court, the statistics are still staggering. There is one lake for every 26 people in the country!

Countries with the Fewest Lakes:

Saudi Arabia – Photo courtesy of Reuters via The Economist

Land of No Lakes

The countries with the fewest lakes are those that have none at all — 19 countries to be exact. It may come as a shock that some countries lack lakes entirely, but various climates around the world are simply not conducive to permanent lake formation. Although many of these countries do have streams and seasonal bodies of water, they do not have permanent lakes and rivers. Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest country without a lake or river, is known as the “land of no rivers.” For a country so large, this may be surprising. However, the arid desert climate receives little rainfall throughout the year, and most of the freshwater comes from desalination plants or underground reservoirs.

Malta – @maltesewanderer via Twenty20

By contrast, although island countries are surrounded by water, they’re often devoid of lakes and rivers. For example, the Bahamas, Malta, and the Maldives are too small to accommodate these bodies of water. Another notable country (which is an anomaly in many ways) is Vatican City, the world’s smallest country without a lake. This 0.2 square mile country also happens to be the smallest in the world, completely landlocked in Italy. 

Where does the U.S. Fall?

Finally, the bronze medal for countries with the most lakes goes to the U.S.A. Of course, we’re all familiar with amazing U.S. lakes. You might even live on one! However, if you’re still looking for a lake property, be sure to check out our listings. From the most beautiful to the clearest, we’ve got you covered here at Lake Homes Realty.

 

Birdbrains or Geniuses? 5 Impressive Facts about Bird Migration

If you own a lake home, you’ve probably witnessed migratory birds flying across your backyard. You might even be an avid bird watcher, eagerly checking live maps in anticipation of migration season. It’s easy to understand ornithologists’ enthusiasm — the fact that two-pound birds can make arduous long-distance journeys is astonishing. To collectively celebrate these birds’ incredible feats each year, check out these five facts about bird migration.

1. They can fly as high as planes

Photo courtesy of Youngzine

During migration season, most birds fly between 650 and 5,000 feet above sea level. Although this alone is impressive, some birds journey at much higher altitudes. For instance, bar-headed geese are known for reaching great heights. They fly above the Himalayas, the earth’s highest mountain range, at altitudes between 13,000 to 20,000 feet. Further, because of the lack of tailwinds at these heights, bar-headed geese can’t soar. They must continuously flap their wings to continue their journey.

2. They can fly at night

Photo courtesy of UPI.com

During the day, you may see large birds like pelicans and hawks flying by your lake house. However, you might not know that many migratory birds are nocturnal flyers. Smaller birds such as cuckoos and sparrows fly at night to avoid predator attacks and experience cooler temperatures. However, flying undercover also has risks, mostly imposed by humans. For instance, birds are at risk of running into house windows and satellites, especially at night when these obstacles are harder to recognize. As a lake dweller, check out the ways you can help prevent these collisions.

3. They can fly as fast as we drive

Photo courtesy of Science in Poland

Next time you’re driving, imagine a bird flapping its wings to keep up with your car’s speed. Amazingly, many birds would succeed. Most migratory birds can fly between 15-55 miles per hour during their seasonal journeys. As for the best in show, the great snipe hits the fastest speeds over the longest distance. When this small, unassuming bird migrates from Sweden to Central Africa, it flies 60 miles per hour nonstop for 4,200 miles. That’s like traveling from Alabama to Alaska with no rest stops in between.

4. They remember their birthplace

Photo courtesy of @MartinWheeler via Twenty20

One of the most stunning aspects of bird migration is that birds know exactly where to go. Using the sun, stars, landmarks, and the earth’s magnetism, birds have a near-perfect system for reaching their winter homes and accurately returning to their birthplace. Recent studies also suggest that birds rely heavily on their sense of smell for navigation. Even if it’s a bird’s first time migrating, they can use these cues to arrive at their destination. However, their system is not infallible. Due to external factors like weather, habitat loss, and electronic interference from satellite signals, some birds get lost during migration. While this is unfortunate for birds, many bird watchers relish the opportunity to witness rare birds that would typically not land in their region.

5. Much of migration is still a mystery

Photo courtesy of AllAboutBirds.org

Although scientists understand a great deal about bird migration, certain aspects of this phenomenon remain unknown. For instance, one may assume that young birds learn how to migrate by observing others. However, because migratory birds in captivity grow restless around the migration season calls this idea into question. Scientists do not fully understand birds’ innate knowledge of how, where, and when to migrate. Further, there are specific migratory birds that confound scientists. One such mystery is the ancient murrelet, which flies 4,970 miles from Canada to Japan, China, and North Korea, and then back. There is no apparent reason for their journey from one similar climate to another. 

Collectively, these facts about bird migration may make you rethink using the word “birdbrain” as an insult. Migratory birds’ journeys are undoubtedly impressive. And as a lake dweller, you have an exclusive front-row seat twice a year. When late summer rolls around, grab a pair of binoculars and enjoy the show from your boat dock.

Six Interesting Facts about Antarctic Lakes

Photo courtesy of Atlas Obscura

On the Lake Homes Realty blog, we have written extensively about lakes on nearly every continent. Many are famous such as Russia’s Lake Baikal, and others, like Alabama’s Lake Wedowee, are hidden gems. However, no lakes hold as much mystery as those in Antarctica. One of the earth’s last unexplored places, these ancient subglacial lakes are the subject of much scientific research. Their cold temperatures, darkness, and depth grab the attention of curious minds everywhere. Although Antarctica’s lakes leave much to the imagination, there are some things that we do know. Check out these six interesting facts about the lakes embedded in the globe’s southernmost continent.

How Many Lakes are in Antarctica?

Photo courtesy of AntarcticGlaciers.org

It’s no secret that Antarctica is one of the earth’s most extreme climates. Besides being the windiest place on earth, it’s also frigid. On average, the temperature ranges between -14 degrees and -17 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on proximity to the continent’s interior. As such, its lakes are not your typical blue-green bodies of water. Instead, most are subglacial, meaning that they exist beneath an ice sheet.

So far, 379 subglacial lakes have been found in Antarctica. Although they are covered by ice, the lakes are interconnected. Despite their buried nature, these lakes are still detectable from the ice’s surface, allowing scientists to locate and investigate these Antarctic lakes. In recent decades, they have used airborne radio-echo sounding to find lakes beneath the Antarctic ice sheet.

Lake Vostok is one of the Earth’s Largest Lakes

A NASA satellite called RADARSAT scanned Antarctica’s surface near the South Pole to uncover the existence of Lake Vostok. This is a radar “image” of the ice over the lake. It’s smooth, which belies the presence of water hidden far below the surface. NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio. Additional credit goes to Canadian Space Agency, RADARSAT International Inc. – ThoughtCo.

Of all these subglacial Antarctic Lakes, Lake Vostok is perhaps the most famous. A Russian pilot first noticed its presence in the 1960s. While flying above the continent, he observed a darker, smoother patch of ice near the South Pole. After scientists confirmed the lake’s existence, Lake Vostok became home to an important Russian research site called Vostok Station. It is one of the most remote research stations in the world. In Antarctica, most research is conducted on the coast, and Vostok station is the second most inland station, just behind the U.S.’s Amundsen-Scott South Pole station. 

Besides its fame in science, Lake Vostok is also impressive for its size. Buried under almost 2.5 miles of frozen water, this massive lake is about the same size as Lake Ontario. It is also one of the world’s deepest lakes at 2,950 feet deep. Given its enormous presence, it’s no wonder that scientists are itching to uncover its mysteries.

Lake Conditions Resemble Jupiter’s Moon

Photo courtesy of Space.com

One reason that Antarctic lakes have drawn scientific attention is because of their implications for life on other planets. Because the subglacial lakes on this continent are dark, cold, and receive little sunlight, their conditions are strikingly similar to Jupiter’s moon, Europa. Lake Vostok is the best analog on earth for Europa, which contains a hidden ocean beneath a layer of ice. Recent research indicates that there’s life beneath Lake Vostok’s waters, making the possibility of life on other planets more probable.

Ancient Life Has Been Found in Antarctic Lakes

Photo courtesy of Nature.com

Lake Vostok isn’t the only Antarctic lake with signs of life. The subglacial Lake Mercer in Antarctica has been undisturbed for thousands of years beneath a thick layer of ice. That is, until recently. In 2019, researchers funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) were able to melt a small portal that reached the water through the ice. Unexpectedly, they discovered carcasses of small crustaceans whose ancient bodies had been preserved in ice. Upon further investigation, the researchers believe that these animals likely lived in streams and ponds during brief warmer periods up to 120,000 years ago.

Many of Antarctica’s Lakes are Dynamic 

Photo courtesy of Conde Nast Traveler

There are some clear distinctions between Antarctic lakes that exist in the middle of the continent versus along its edges. While most of Antarctica’s central regions have subglacial lakes that are fairly static, its outer regions’ lakes are more dynamic. These regions called ice streams are fast flowing, and they grow and drain over the course of only a few years. According to The Conversation, 130 of these active lakes, including Lake Whillans, have been discovered. There will likely be more to come.

One Subglacial Lake is Blood Red

“Blood Falls” out of Antarctica’s Taylor Glacier. (Credit: Peter Rejcek, U.S. Antarctic Program, National Science Foundation) – Lake Scientist

Most Antarctic lakes are dark, deep, and mysterious. However, one subglacial lake in East Antarctica’s McMurdo Dry Valleys, called Lake Bonney (named for a British geology professor), flows blood red. In 1911, this rarity was first observed on the Taylor Glacier, where Lake Bonney flows beneath. An expeditioner noticed that the glacier was being stained by a red source of water within it. It wasn’t until 2017 that the source of this color was discovered. As it turns out, the water flowing within the glacier was high in oxidized iron and salt. The resulting rusting effect gave off a red hue. Today, it’s more commonly known as Blood Falls.

We’re sure that there will be more discoveries about these fascinating Antarctic Lakes in the years to come!

Best Lakes for Ice Fishing in the U.S.

Photo courtesy of Utah Stories.

Now that we’re deep into the winter season, everyone is looking for socially distant outdoor activities to get out of the house. Thankfully, living on the lake makes this feat easier. From cold-weather camping to snow skiing, there’s no shortage of winter activities when you reside in a remote location. 

For those who love fishing in the summertime, a popular winter variation of this sport is ice fishing. If you aren’t familiar, ice fishing involves choosing a frozen lake, drilling a hole in the lake (using power tools called augers or manual devices), and waiting for a bite. Regardless of your location, there’s bound to be an ice-fishing lake near you. Here are our top picks for the best ice-fishing lakes in the country.

Lake Michigan

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Somehow, Lake Michigan always appears on a list of “top lakes” in many respects. It’s no wonder why. For one, this Great Lake is one of the country’s largest lakes, bordering multiple states, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois.

Lake Michigan also boasts spectacular views with its beachy shoreline. When it comes to ice fishing, Lake Michigan is undoubtedly one of the country’s top ice-fishing lakes. Its many marinas, bays, and harbors offer plenty of options for anglers to set up camp. For spectacular views, while you wait to reel in a walleye or whitefish beneath the ice, look no further than Lake Michigan.

Lake Champlain

Photo courtesy of Lake Champlain Region.

This iconic lake is a top fishing spot in Vermont, New York, and Quebec. Lake Champlain is home to plenty of walleye, yellow perch salmon, and lake trout with hundreds of shoreline miles. In fact, the lake is so long that there are different hotspots for various fish species. 

Port Henry and Champlain Bridge are popular spots for catching salmon and lake trout, while you’ll have luck reeling in white perch and bluegill at Bulwagga Bay. Due to this location’s long winters, you can fish here through mid-March. 

If these criteria aren’t enough to sell you, Lake Champlain is also home to the alleged lake monster, Champy. To make your permanent residence on one of the top ice-fishing lakes, check out our listings on Lake Champlain.

Devil’s Lake, North Dakota

Photo courtesy of DevilsLakeND.com.

If you’re looking for one of the best ice-fishing lakes for social distancing, Devil’s Lake takes the cake. With 100,000 acres of frozen water, this large body of water has plenty of space for every angler. 

Minnewaukan Flats, Cactus Point, and Rocky Point are some popular spots. Although it’s known as the “perch capital of the world,” you can also catch a variety of fish of surprisingly large sizes. Many anglers report coming home with a perch, pike, and walleye all in one fishing trip! 

The region’s long winters offer a perfect opportunity to fish for multiple weekends. Just keep in mind that Devil’s Lake isn’t for beginners. Fishing here requires a license, so be sure to get your credentials sorted before planning a trip! 

Lake Washington, Minnesota

Photo courtesy of The Active Times.

With a depth of 50 feet and spanning 1,487 acres, Lake Washington is one of the largest lakes in southern Minnesota. It’s a popular fishing destination in summer and winter, and anglers flock to locations like Baker’s Bay, Squirrel’s Point, and Crystal Bay to reel in the seasonal catch. 

Specifically, it’s a great place to catch crappie, black bullhead, bluegill, and largemouth bass. Although fishing enthusiasts flock to Lake Washington from everywhere, it’s especially beloved among nearby Minneapolis residents. This winter, Lake Washington is definitely worth the journey.

Silver Lake, California

Photo courtesy of Snowshoe Magazine.

California didn’t earn its reputation as the “Golden State” by coincidence. With more clear days than rainy days on average, the state home to Los Angeles and San Francisco is practically synonymous with sunshine. As such, it may come as a surprise that California is home to one of the best ice-fishing lakes. 

Silver Lake, California, is the best of both worlds. Gorgeous in summer and winter, it’s an incredibly scenic spot situated at Carson Mountain’s base. The lake is known for catching large fish — some anglers have reportedly caught trout up to 12 pounds, 30 inches long. It’s also home to one of the oldest fishing retreats in the nation, the Silver Lake Resort. If you live out west, Silver Lake is certainly worth the trip.

Clear Lake, Iowa

Photo courtesy of The Working Mom’s Travels.

Located in the 60-acre McIntosh Woods State Park, Clear Lake is one of the Midwest’s most popular ice-fishing destinations. As the runner-up for Iowa’s second-largest natural lake (second to Big Spirit Lake), there’s plenty of space for anglers all winter long. When you’re not sitting on ice hoping to catch bluegill or crappie, you can also check out the skiing and snowshoeing opportunities at this park. Plus, you can stay for the annual wind kite festival to witness some colorful skies over the frozen water.

Moses Lake, Washington

Photo courtesy of Kevin Roylance Photography.

Although winters in the Pacific Northwest are sometimes too mild to produce the best ice-fishing lakes, Moses Lake is a prime destination for anglers when it does freeze over. It’s especially popular for perch fishing, as a vast population typically shows up each winter. There’s plenty of public access to this large, man-made lake, making it easy to find an ice- fishing spot. If you’re a Seattle resident, ice fishing at Moses lake is the perfect winter day trip. 

Have you tried ice fishing this winter? If so, let us know what you think!

Largest Record-Breaking Fish By Species

Of all lake activities, fishing is inarguably one of the most popular. It’s a staple of lake living. Whether you prefer catch and release or catching-for-dinner, it’s always exciting to reel in a big one. Maybe you’ve even dreamed of landing a world record. As in many aspects of life, catching a big fish is about luck in addition to skill. Today, we’re looking back at some of the luckiest anglers out there who currently hold the titles for catching record-breaking fish. Who knows? Maybe you could top one of their catches.

Smallmouth Bass

Angler: David Hayes 
Weight: 11 pounds, 15 ounces 
Location: Dale Hollow Reservoir, Tennessee 
Date: July 1955
Photo Credit – Sporting Classics Daily

Usually found in pristine streams with a fairly heavy water flow, smallmouth bass are a particularly sought-after fish. They’re known for being aggressive fish who fight back, which makes them thrilling for fishers. This lucky angler, David Hayes, was well-renowned for his ability to catch bass and walleye in deep waters. So much so that other anglers shadowed him to learn his craft. On one fishing trip on the Dale Hollow Reservoir that was initially uneventful, Hayes spent a few minutes wrestling with a massive smallmouth and landed the world record. There was subsequent controversy over the catch, including claims that dock hands at Cedar Hill Resort added weight to the fish, fabricating the truth. Thankfully for Hayes, this claim was later debunked, and he restored his world record.

White Sturgeon

Angler: Joey Pallotta 
Weight: 468 pounds 
Location: San Pablo Bay, San Francisco 
Date: July 1983
Photo credit – FineFishing.com

Joey Pallotta’s white sturgeon is the biggest fish ever caught with a rod and reel. On the day it was hooked, Pallotta cast a live grass shrimp into the water, and within a few minutes, he had a massive white sturgeon on the end of his rod. He fought against the fish for a whopping five hours and recruited a friend’s assistance in his struggle. Eventually, the pair brought it to shore. Partially explaining its large size, the fish was estimated to be 100 years old. 

Walleye

Angler: Mabry Harper 
Weight: 25 pounds
Location: Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee 
Date: August 1960
Photo credit – Wawang Lake Resort

On the day that Mabry Harper caught this record-breaking fish, he was about to eat it for dinner. However, upon noticing its large size, Harper’s wife (seen in photo) pushed him to bring it to Tennessee officials to be weighed. Although adult walleyes weigh 24 pounds on average, Harper’s catch of the day was just a pound heavier, at 25 pounds. That night, he finally got to eat the fish for dinner.

Pike

Angler: Lothar Louis 
Weight: 55 pounds 
Location: Lake Grefeern, Germany
Date: October 1986
Photo credit – Game & Fish

When he began his fishing trip that day, Lothar Louis didn’t set out to catch pike. The plan was to catch carp and roach, but the trip took a surprising turn when a massive pike took his bait. The fish was so heavy that Louis had to put his hands inside the gill covers to catch it. In a subsequent interview, he said he was so excited that he didn’t feel the pain of the pike’s sharp teeth. It was all worth it for this record-breaking fish.

Crappie

Angler: Lionel “Jam” Ferguson 
Weight: 5 pounds, 7 ounces 
Location: Loudon County, Tennessee 
Date: May 2018
Photo credit – Tennessean.com

This fish is one of the more recent world record-breakers, just two years ago. In 2018, Lionel “Jam” Ferguson caught a large crappie on a small private pond in Loudon County. After being weighed by a Tennessee wildlife officer, it is now the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) all-tackle record and the Tennessee state record. But this isn’t his first record. Earlier that year, Ferguson caught a crappie that was indeed a record for the species. However, since no officials were on site to weigh it, he couldn’t register the fish at the time. Thankfully this time, he reported an even larger fish!

Brook Trout

Angler: J.W. Cook
Weight: 14 pounds, 8 ounces 
Location: Nipigon River, Ontario, Canada 
Date: July 1915
Photo credit – Brook Trout Heaven

J.W. Cook’s record-breaking fish is the second oldest record in the IGFA books. Several pounds heavier than the runner-up brook trout, this prize winner — more than 100 years old — will be challenging to top. If you’re in Ontario, be sure to check out Cook’s bamboo rod at the Thunder Bay Historical Museum.

Channel Catfish

Angler: W. Whaley
Weight: 58 pounds
Location: Santee-Cooper Reservoir
Date: July 1964
Photo credit – In-Fisherman

W. Whaley’s record-breaker is more than 50 years old, which is surprising given that channel catfish are quite common. It seems likely that someone would have broken the record by now. However, Whaley must have been very lucky on that July day. To date, not even the runner-up fish have come within 10 pounds of his record.