Tag: lake trivia

Largest Record-Breaking Fish By Species

Posted on Camille Smith

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.

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.

U.S. Lakes With the Longest Shorelines

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Life in the Finger Lakes.

When you think of the country’s largest lakes, which ones come to mind? It’s most likely one of the Great Lakes bordering U.S. states, Lake Michigan or Lake Superior.

Boasting an impressive area of 22,300 square miles and 31,700 square miles, respectively, these two are our nation’s largest lakes. However, if we look at a lake’s shoreline rather than surface area, the results might surprise you.

Although there is undoubtedly overlap as some of the Great Lakes have large surface areas and shorelines, hidden gems like Alabama’s Wheeler Lake, Kentucky’s Lake Cumberland, and Georgia’s Hartwell Lake are among the top 20 longest shorelines in the country.

But today, we’ll be focusing on the top five. Check out these lakes with the longest shorelines!

Lake of the Woods

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Lake of the Woods takes the cake for the longest shoreline in the U.S., stretching 25,000 miles. However, if you also count the shoreline of its tens of thousands of islands (14,522 to be exact), that number reaches 65,000. Bordering Minnesota and Canada, Lake of the Woods is a beautiful area with a lesser-known but sizable and affordable real estate market.

If you rent or buy a lake home on this lake, you’ll be privy to plenty of fishing opportunities. The Lake of the Woods is known as the Walleye capital of the world. Further, if you enjoy spotting wildlife, you’re also likely to see white pelicans, caribou, and bald eagles on this massive lake. 

The Great Salt Lake

Photo courtesy of @lillianrachel via Twenty20.

Utah’s Great Salt Lake comes in second with a shoreline of 10,000 miles. Lake Bonneville’s remnant, an ancient freshwater lake from the last ice age, has become an iconic destination in the western United States. But if you’re a Salt Lake City resident, chances are, you’ll be spending much more time on the shoreline than in the lake itself.

Known as the “Dead Sea of America,” its high salt content makes it much saltier than ocean water. As such, locals advise visitors to stay away from swimming unless you’d like to ingest salt. However, there’s a lot to see and do around the lake area. Notably, the Great Salt Lake is an excellent bird-watching spot, as it’s a refuge for birds during migration season. 

Lake Huron

Photo courtesy of Northern Ontario Travel.

Although it’s the third largest of the Great Lakes based on water volume, Lake Huron wins the longest Great Lake shoreline title at 3,825 miles. If combined with the adjacent Lake Michigan (the two are often considered one lake called Lake Michigan-Huron), this number increases to 5,463 miles.

This glacial lake is known for the Big Blow, a 1913 storm in which 90 mph winds produced ocean-like waves, causing several shipwrecks. However, thankfully, no such storm has occurred for the last 100 years.

Now, you can spend your time on Lake Huron’s shores searching for the rumored sea monster named Mishebeshu (“great lynx”). Legend has it; this serpent has an underwater den in this Great Lake. 

Lake Superior

Photo courtesy of KOA.

The name “Superior” says it all. By surface area alone, Lake Superior is the world’s largest freshwater lake. It contains 10% of the world’s surface freshwater, making it an essential natural resource.

Although its shoreline does not rank in the country’s top three, it still earns an impressive spot at number four with 2,726 miles of shoreline. Along its remarkable coastline, there are several natural and cultural attractions to visit. Some of the major sites include Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Presque Isle Park, and Wisconsin’s Ashland Murals. 

Kentucky Lake

Photo courtesy of Land Between the Lakes KY/TN/Flickr

This contender in the “longest shoreline” rankings may come as a surprise, not usually included in a list of lake superlatives. However, Kentucky Lake is the largest human-made lake east of the Mississippi with 2,380 miles of shoreline. It’s one of the many lakes created by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) initiatives under Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration geared towards providing navigation, electricity generation, and flood control after the Great Depression.

Kentucky Lake’s long shoreline is optimal for anglers. This lake is home to records for the largest white bass, yellow perch, and buffalo carp ever caught. Who knows? You could hold the next record! 

Which of these lakes with the longest shorelines do you want to visit next? For more lakes with shorelines of all sizes, check out our listings at Lakehomes.com! 

5 Rarest Freshwater Fish in the World

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Native Fish Coalition.

As lake homeowners, many of us love fishing. Whether you fish to eat or catch and release, nothing beats the joy of reeling in a freshwater fish. However, many fish –perhaps even in your home lake — could be endangered.

According to The Telegraph, a third of freshwater fish are facing extinction. Water pollution, overfishing, and loss of habitat are some factors that cause this population decline to happen. As a result, many freshwater fish have been declared critically endangered. As of 2020, these five species are some of the world’s rarest freshwater fish.

Chinese Paddlefish

Photo courtesy of CGTN.

Last seen in 2007, the Chinese Paddlefish is likely the world’s rarest freshwater fish. Native to the Yangtze River in China, its long protruding nose makes it one of the world’s longest freshwater fish.

Unfortunately, this fish’s status is unknown, and many scientists think it could be extinct due to human activity. In part, their disappearance was caused by the construction of a dam that split their population. According to new research from 2020, the species is likely extinct.

Although there’s always the possibility that a species thought to be extinct are still alive somewhere, researchers say it’s unlikely for the Chinese Paddlefish. 

Damba Mipentina

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

These cichlid fish are native to river basins in Northern Madagascar. A small number of this species have been bred in captivity; no one has seen this fish in its home waters since 2011.

Part of the reason for its decline (in addition to overfishing and pollution) is the introduction of the invasive Asian Snakehead fish, a non-native species. Fortunately, public institutions like the London Zoo have incorporated captive breeding programs to help save this population from extinction. 

Alabama Sturgeon

Photo courtesy of USGS.

As it turns out, one of the world’s rarest freshwater fish is native to Alabama’s rivers. If you’re an avid angler at your lake house, you’ve probably heard of sturgeon. But did you know that they are critically endangered?

Of all the sturgeon subspecies, the Alabama Sturgeon is exceedingly rare. In 2000, the Fish and Wildlife Service declared it critically endangered, and in the past ten years, only three people have reported seeing one. Despite fears of its extinction, scientists in 2016 discovered its DNA in the Alabama River – restoring hope that this fish is still alive and thriving. 

Diamond Darter

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The diamond darter is endemic to the Elk River in West Virginia, meaning that this population only exists in this location. Diamond Darters used to thrive throughout the Ohio River watershed until the dam construction changed the population’s habitat.

On the Elk River, coal mining and oil and gas drilling have contributed to this population’s decline. Now, the exact number of remaining species is unknown. However, scientists do know that in the past 30 years, only 19 of these fish have been caught. If you were to see one, its translucent body, small size, and slender shape would make it difficult to recognize.

Devil’s Hole Pupfish

Photo courtesy of National Park Service

These small blue fish are native to Devil’s Hole, a limestone cave lake in Nevada’s Death Valley National Park. Endemic to this small cave lake since the Ice Age, the Devil’s Hole Pupfish live in the smallest geographic range for any vertebrate species. Because of this, it’s always been one of the world’s rarest freshwater fish (never more than 553), but now, its count marks only 35 fish. 

However, there is some hope for their conservation. Ash Meadows Conservation Facility created an artificial environment to replicate Devil’s Hole and breed these fish to restore the population. When diving beetles were found eating the eggs, scientists developed a new strategy in 2018, raising the eggs in a separate lab. Now with more Devil’s Hole Pupfish in the lab than in the wild, some conservationists are optimistic about restoring this population.  

For more information on preserving freshwater species, check out governmental and nonprofit environmental organizations like FreshWater Life, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Wildlife Federation. 

5 Interesting Facts About Puget Sound, WA

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo by Jose Gonzalez via Pexels

If you’ve been to the Pacific Northwest and skipped Puget Sound, you’re missing out. It’s simply magnificent. Stretching along Washington state’s northwest coast, this expansive inlet borders large cities like Seattle and natural attractions like Mount Rainier. 

As Lake Homes Realty moves into Washington State, we’re excited to announce our presence on Puget Sound. To celebrate our launch in this region, check out these five facts!

It’s Actually Not a Lake

Image courtesy of Encyclopedia of Puget Sound.

Although Puget Sound is one of our lake markets, it’s not technically a lake. Instead, it is a 100-mile system of islands, channels, inlets, and estuaries fed by freshwater from the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Its 2,500-mile shoreline extends from the northern Deception Path to the southernmost Olympia, making it the second-largest estuary in the U.S. just after the Chesapeake Bay. 

It’s also a considerably deep body of water. The deepest point, between Whidbey Island and Tacoma, is 600 feet. That’s deep enough to submerge the entire Washington Monument!

It’s Home to Unique Marine Life

Photo courtesy of seattlepi.com.

Marine life is abundant in Puget Sound. On the small (animal) end of the scale, it’s home to more than 3,000 types of invertebrates, including clams, oysters, sea urchins, and octopus. On the larger end, 13 types of sea mammals live in the sound. Every year, visitors flock to Puget Sound for whale watching and excitedly wait to see orca whales, sea otters, and seals. For anglers, the sound’s various species of salmon are attractive. 

Overall, Puget Sound has a thriving ecosystem. In part, this is due to the abundance of underwater nutrients from plants like seagrass and kelp—fun fact — the latter is a superfood for humans and fish.

It was Named for a British Lieutenant

Image courtesy of SteamboatIsland.org.

In the late 1700s, British explorer George Vancouver completed an expedition to the Pacific Northwest. Along his journey, he named 75 islands and water bodies, one of them being Puget Sound. He named this particular waterway in honor of Peter Puget, a Royal Navy lieutenant who accompanied him on the expedition. 

However, this is not the only name for Puget Sound. Native Americans indigenous to the area referred to the sound as Whulge or Whulj, long before Peter Puget’s arrival. The name comes from the Lushootseed word meaning “sea, saltwater, or ocean.” A third name for the sound is the “Salish Sea.” By definition, the Salish Sea encompasses the San Juan Islands and a few Vancouver waterways and Puget Sound. 

It’s Not Just Water– It’s a Whole Region

Photo courtesy of Puget Sound Regional Council.

The term “Puget Sound” refers to this body of water and the surrounding region. It’s no small town. Puget Sound borders four major Washington cities — Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Everett. Due to its popularity in the state, two-thirds of Washington’s population lives in the Puget Sound area. 

At the southern end, the capital, Olympia, is known for government landmarks, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, and the Percival Landing Park with a public art boardwalk. 

Although Olympia has several notable attractions, it’s often overshadowed by Seattle, the state’s largest city. Seattle is a favorite among Puget Sound residents and visitors alike. Notably, it’s known for its culinary scene, world-class museums like the Seattle Art Museum and Glass Museum, and the iconic Space Needle. 

If you relocate to the area, you’ll have access to quality education, as the University of Washington and the University of Puget Sound are the top schools in the region. The former even has a nationally-ranked medical center.

Yes, You Can Swim in Puget Sound!

Photo by Vicente Paulo de Carvalho via Pexels

Seattle residents love the urban beach lifestyle. Although boating and kayaking are most popular, Washingtonians also enjoy swimming in some regions of Puget Sound. One popular destination is Deception Pass State Park on the waterway’s northern tip. Of course, keep in mind that Puget Sound’s salty water and currents make it more akin to ocean swimming. Plus, you’ll need to keep a watch out for predators like jellyfish and sharks. Not sure of the safest places to swim? Check out Swim Guide, an app that integrates public data to determine Northwest residents’ best swimming spots. 

Puget Sound is worth considering if you’re seeking the best in city life combined with stunning natural features. From its unique wildlife to incredible mountain views, there’s simply nothing else like it. Check out our Puget Sound listings today! 

Something in the Water: Mythical Lake Monsters in the U.S.

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Seattle Magazine.

That’s right. Nessie, the infamous “Loch Ness Monster” of Scotland, isn’t the only lake-lurking sea serpent. In several lakes across the U.S., boaters, and pedestrians alike have reported mythical lake monsters’ sightings. Several of our Lake Homes Realty listings are available on lakes with these alleged monsters. 

If you’re looking for a lake home where you can add “monster hunting” to your list of lake activities, we’ve got the details. Who knows — you may be lucky enough to see one!

Raystown Lake, PA – “Ray”

Photo courtesy of Penn Live.

You may think lake monsters only exist in ancient waters, but these legends persist in man-made lakes as well. The first sighting of Ray, the Raystown Lake monster, was reported in 1962 when the lake was created. Those who organized the Raystown Ski Club Water Show almost canceled the event when they allegedly spotted Ray hiding out by the jump ramps. 

Since then, sightings have been sparse, with the most recent report in 2015. The good news is, visitors shouldn’t fear for their lives. Jeff Krause, Raystown Lake resident and wildlife biologist, commented in a press release that Ray is most certainly a herbivore. Real or not, Ray is part of the lake’s charm, and you can buy patches, t-shirts, and postcards featuring him.

Lake Mendota, WI – “Bozho”

Photo courtesy of The Pine Barren’s Institute.

Sightings of this Lake Mendota serpent began in the 1860s when canoers reportedly ran into Bozho with their oar, mistaking him for a log before he dipped underwater. “This was a monster of some sort, we have no doubt,” the canoers later wrote, according to The Bozho, a local news and culture website named for the monster. But this lake creature is allegedly more playful than vindictive. Residents say that Bozho is a prankster.

According to pamphlets published by the Wisconsin Historical Society, a sunbathing college student noticed the serpent licking her feet. She described Bozho’s face as having “a friendly, humorous look in its big eyes.” What else would you expect from a creature with the same name as a famous clown?

Lake Ontario, NY – “Kingstie”

Photo courtesy of Torontoist.

This Great Lake’s legend of Kingstie begins long before European colonizers landed in Canada. The Native American Seneca tribe passed down tales of an angry, fire-breathing dragon called Gaasyendietha in Lake Ontario’s waters. But sightings didn’t end there.

In the early 19th century, ship crews reported seeing a monster in the waters, though descriptions are inconsistent. The name “Kingstie” comes from a 1932 sighting near Kingston, Ontario (although this particular sighting turned out to be a hoax).

Unfortunately, no one has spotted Kingstie since 1968. That sighting was from a resident near former Scarborough, Ontario, who described a 20-foot long eel-like creature in the water.

Lake Champlain, NY & VT – “Champ”

Photo courtesy of The Adirondack Coast.

Described as a serpent between 20-40 feet with a long neck, Champ is one of the most famous lake monsters. Its renown even captured P.T. Barnum’s interest, who offered a reward if anyone could capture the beast.

The first documented sightings in Lake Champlain began in the early 1800s when a sea captain and sheriff claimed to witness Champ. These reports led to several more sightings across the centuries. 

In 2003, the nonprofit Fauna Communications Research Institute reported sounds similar to beluga whales, suggesting that Champ may be capable of echolocation.

Champ’s legend attracts many visitors each year. Port Henry has a giant model of Champ and holds an annual “Champ Day” on the first Saturday of every August. Vermont’s minor league baseball team is even called the Lake Monsters.

Lake Manitou, IN – Meshekenabek

Photo courtesy of The Pine Barrens Institute.

This human-made lake arose from a treaty between the U.S. government and the Potawatomi Native American tribe. The government agreed to build a mill that the tribe could use for corn and constructed a dam for water power. 

Lake Manitou’s name means both “good spirit” and “evil spirit.” Rumors of the monster began shortly after the lake’s emergence, and its name, Meshekenabek, means “great serpent” in the tribe’s language. 

In 1827, both tribe members and mill construction workers claimed to see the creature, describing it as 30 feet long, a dark color, with a long neck. Sightings have been rare since then, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try! 

What do you think — lake monsters or myths?

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All You Need to Know About Salt Lakes

Posted on Camille Smith
Great Salt Lake: Stansbury Island
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

When you think of lakes, perhaps only freshwater lakes come to mind. However, this isn’t always true. While 4% of the earth’s surface is composed of lakes, many of the largest ones are salt lakes. These lakes include Utah’s Great Salt Lake, The Caspian Sea (debate continues over its status as a sea or lake), and Lake Urmia in Iran. It’s safe to say that salt lakes are a fascinating natural feature, and we’re here to answer commonly asked questions about them.

Why Are Most Lakes Fresh, Anyway?

Photo courtesy of Joe from Pixabay

It’s important to start from the beginning — rainfall. First off, all rain falls as freshwater onto the earth’s surface. When the water flows, it erodes rocks and soil containing sodium chloride (common salt). These minerals dissolve into the water. However, lakes and rivers’ salt content flows into the ocean, and fresh rainfall keeps them from becoming salty. 

Meanwhile, the ocean collects the salt from multiple lakes whose tributaries eventually flow into it. This salt migration is why oceans are salty while lakes are fresh. The National Ocean Service estimates that rivers and lakes carry around 4 billion tons of dissolved salts into the sea each year. 

How Are Saltwater Lakes Formed?

This infographic explains why oceans are salty.

Most lakes lose their saline quality because the ocean absorbs it. However, if a lake is landlocked, it retains its salty quality. Essentially, salt lakes form when freshwater flows into the lake, but cannot exit due to a lack of outflow. When water evaporates, the salty minerals are left behind to mix with new rainwater. In short, if a lake has no outflow, it eventually becomes a salt lake.

How Salty Are Salt Lakes?

Photo courtesy of DeadSea.com.

The formation of a salt lake depends on the lake’s geography and season. Each of the salt lakes is different. Compared to the average ocean’s 3.5% salt content, the Great Salt Lake has between 10-30% saline quality, while the Dead Sea is 35% salt. Part of the difference comes from their climates. Jordan and Israel’s environment is arider than the Great Salt Lake.

According to the Geographic Society of Chicago, evaporation is greater than the local rainfall in dry lake areas. When more water is evaporated without fresh rainwater to replenish it, water bodies are left with higher concentrations of salt. This phenomenon can happen in hotter seasons, as well.

Can You Swim in Salt Lakes?

Photo courtesy of Pexels from Pixabay

It is technically possible to swim in a salt lake. However, it depends on the lake and whether you’re a self-described adventurous swimmer. While Salt Lake City is named for its Great Salt Lake, it’s not considered a swimming destination. Locals usually never take a dip, and a source for NPR described its waters “like swallowing a battery.” The high salt content makes tasting these waters repulsive.

It’s also worth noting that you don’t swim so much as you float in a salt lake, depending on how salty it is. Humans are already buoyant, and the water’s salty quality practically turns us into lake floats. In the Dead Sea bordering Israel and Jordan, swimmers say it’s impossible to dive and paddle. So enjoy the effortless float!

Which Lakes Are Saltwater?

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Besides the Great Salt Lake, other salt lakes in the U.S. include Soda Lake in Washington State and Walker Lake in Nevada. Around the world, several other countries have saltwater lakes. Examples include Lake Tuz in Turkey, Little Manitou Lake in Canada, and Lake Baskunchak in Russia. In Australia, the hot weather and little rainfall across most of the continent have resulted in thousands of saltwater lakes.

However, saltwater lakes are not exclusive to hot areas. On the extreme opposite end of the spectrum, Don Juan Pond is a salt lake in Antarctica. Its waters are so salty that it rarely freezes — even in one of the world’s coldest climates!

As it turns out, the recipe for salt lakes includes more than a “pinch of salt.” These high saline qualities make for interesting water bodies, fun floating opportunities, and many natural resources.

Fresh Water, Sandy Shores: The Best Beach Lakes in the U.S.

Posted on Camille Smith
Lake Michigan – Photo courtesy of Kelsey Young.

Who said sandcastles are reserved for ocean coasts? It turns out, you can find that sandy shoreline you’ve dreamed of on a landlocked lake. Further, many of these lakes with beaches are comparable to coastal settings. The difference is how they’re formed. Most saltwater lakes develop from tidal action eroding sediment while freshwater beaches arise from materials along the shoreline. Across the U.S., thousands flock to beach lakes every year. If you’re looking to purchase a lake home — but you’ve considered a beach house as well — you can have the best of both worlds.

Lake Michigan, MI

Lake Michigan – Photo courtesy of Kelsey Young.

Of all the beach lakes in the U.S., Lake Michigan is perhaps the most famous. Given its prominent reputation and expansive coastline, it’s no surprise why. Some refer to it as the country’s “third coast” following the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. However, Lake Michigan’s 3,200 miles of shoreline surpasses the Atlantic Ocean’s 2,069 miles of general coastline along the east coast. Besides its size, Lake Michigan is known for its sand dunes, which make up the most extensive freshwater dune system in the world. While strolling along these dunes, you’ll hear a distinctive squeaking noise beneath your feet. This endearing quality is due to the high quartz levels in Lake Michigan’s sand. From over 2,000 listings on our website, you’re sure to find a dream home here.

Lake George, NY

Million Dollar Beach Lake George, NY
Photo courtesy of LakeGeorge.com.

Lake George is fondly called the “Queen of American Lakes” for a reason. Four hours north of New York City, this clean, natural lake is surrounded by the stunning Adirondack Mountains. The Adirondack waters are some of the country’s most pristine, and the water’s clarity makes it a popular scuba diving destination. Along Lake George’s shores, popular public beaches include the Million Dollar State Beach, Shepard Park Beach, and the Lake George Dog Beach. Most of these beaches are close to Main Street for convenience. After a day at the beach, head to the bustling town and grab a burger at Heroes at the Lake before catching a concert in the tree-lined park behind Shepard Park Beach.

Lake Willoughby, VT

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The unassuming town of Westmore, Vermont’s population, rarely exceeds 300 people. However, it would be best if you didn’t underestimate it. This tiny town is home to one of America’s stunning beach lakes. Nestled between Mount Pigsca and Mount Hor, Lake Willoughby is known as “America’s Lucerne,” after Lake Lucerne in the Swiss mountains, due to its fjord-like features. Fed by underground springs, it remains crystal clear and cold throughout the year. Poet Robert Frost referred to it as a “fair, pretty sheet of water.” For beach access, the North Beach is particularly stunning, but you can find sandy shorelines in multiple spots. 

To check out the area before buying a home, book a spot at the WillowVale Inn. Westmore’s only year-round lodging center offers cozy cabins and cottages to enjoy the crisp New England weather.

Geneva Lake, WI

Photo courtesy of OnlyInYourState.com.

Are you dreaming of a luxurious life on the lake? Look no further than Geneva Lake, Wisconsin, located in the resort city of Lake Geneva. This destination is a popular retreat for midwesterners, just two hours outside Chicago. The surrounding town is steeped in history from the late 19th century’s Gilded Age. During this short period of rapid economic growth, wealthy Chicagoans developed homes along the Shore Path still standing today. After a full day at one of the public beaches (Riviera Beach, Williams Bay Beach, Fontana Beach, or Big Foot State Park), you can enjoy antique shopping in the historic downtown area. 

Lake Travis, TX

Volente Beach, Lake Travis, TX – photo courtesy of AustinTexas.org.

Part of the Highland Lakes Chain in Texas, Lake Travis is a beloved spot for Austinites and visitors. Spanning 63.75 miles, this massive lake is famous for fishing, boating, and Devil’s Cove (also known as the “party cove”). From film festivals to breweries, there’s always something to do in the Lake Travis area. Today, we’re highlighting its status as one of the best beach lakes in the U.S. specifically. Tourists flock to Volente Beach for its resort and water park. For a more secluded vibe, hop over to Mudd Cove Beach or Bob Wentz Park. In short, if you’re seeking a relaxing beach lake with proximity to a thriving city, Lake Travis is an excellent pick. 

For more information on these beach lakes and other lake markets nationwide, check out our listings at Lakehomes.com!

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4 Fun Facts about Maine Lakes

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of onlyinourstate.com.

For some, a dream lake house means countless boats on the water, a thriving city nearby, and a sense that there’s always something going on. But others prefer a secluded, quiet slice of paradise. If you’d choose the latter, a home on one of the Maine lakes might be perfect. As the least populated state in the country, you’re likely to have more outdoor space to yourself. Bordered by the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, the state is surrounded by majestic nature, and its lakes are no exception. Check out these fun facts about four Maine lakes!

Henry David Thoreau Loved Moosehead Lake

The Maine Woods – Amazon

Henry David Thoreau, the famous American poet, philosopher, and essayist in the 1800s, was famous for his pastoral lifestyle. His book, Walden, describes the simple joys of existing in nature. On one of his many outdoor journeys, he visited Moosehead Lake, where he climbed the state’s highest peak, Mt. Katahdin. In his book, The Maine Woods, he fondly refers to Moosehead Lake’s nature as “uninterrupted” and a “gleaming silver platter at the end of a table.”

Although he wrote these words over 100 years ago, he isn’t wrong today. According to the New York Times, an average of 4 people per square mile live in Piscataquis County, where you will find Moosehead Lake. The landscape is scattered with tall spruces, firs, and pines. Wildlife like moose and bald eagles inhabit these spaces. If you’re looking to live on a peaceful, rustic lake, endorsed by Henry David Thoreau himself, Moosehead Lake is the one to check out.

Damariscotta Lake is Home to a Rare Alewives Run

Photo courtesy of The Lincoln County News.

Of the Maine lakes, this one is slightly lesser-known, and you may see fewer boats on the water. But despite its isolation, Damariscotta Lake is not one to skip. The lake’s remarkably clear waters allow you to see 10 feet below the surface. This clarity is an especially useful feature for witnessing the famous annual Alewives Run. 

Alewives, members of the herring family, are seawater fish that travel to freshwater to spawn each year. Although the alewife population has thrived in the past, they have significantly decreased in Maine over the last 200 years. Most recently, the Damariscotta Mills fish ladder has revived this population. This year alone, the ladder has helped 1,069,488 alewives into Damariscotta Lake. You can witness their migration annually over Memorial Day weekend. As part of the annual Alewife Festival, the Damariscotta Mills community hosts a 5K run, a cookout, and a chance to watch the fish.

Of the Maine lakes, this one is slightly lesser-known, and you may see fewer boats on the water. But despite its isolation, Damariscotta Lake is not one to skip. The lake’s remarkably clear waters allow you to see 10 feet below the surface. This clarity is an especially useful feature for witnessing the famous annual Alewives Run. 

Alewives, members of the herring family, are seawater fish that travel to freshwater to spawn each year. Although the alewife population has thrived in the past, they have significantly decreased in Maine over the last 200 years. The Damariscotta Mills fish ladder has revived this population. This year alone, the ladder has helped 1,069,488 alewives into Damariscotta Lake. You can witness their migration annually over Memorial Day weekend. As part of the annual Alewife Festival, the Damariscotta Mills community hosts a 5K run, a cookout, and a chance to watch the fish.

Sebago Lake is the Deepest in New England

Sebago Lake – YouTube

Just northwest of Portland is Sebago Lake, which is the deepest lake in New England. Its depth of 316 feet is enough to hold the Statue of Liberty, plus the base. It contains almost a trillion gallons of clear water that provides the Greater Portland Area’s water supply. As well, it’s the second largest lake in Maine at 28,771 acres. The lake’s depths make it very popular for fishing lake trout. Sebago Lake’s underwater islands and coves also make it home to multiple other fish breeds like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and crappie. If you’re choosing one of the Maine lakes for fishing, look no further.

The First Registered Maine Guide is from Rangeley Lake

Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby – Boothbay Register.

If you’re seeking outdoor sports on the Maine lakes, you may have heard of the Rangeley Lake Resort. It’s a prime destination for travelers who ski and snowboard in winter and fish and kayak in summer. Today, it’s a revered travel destination. But at one point in time, Rangeley Lake wasn’t on the map. 

In the 1850s, the presence of 12-pound brook trout in the lake brought a slough of anglers to Rangeley Lake. Over the following decades, the region brought on local guides. One of them was Cornelia Crosby, also known as “Fly Rod Crosby.” She gave up a steady job in baking to fish Lake Rangeley, caught hundreds of fish per day, and wrote popular journal articles about her sport. She later became the first registered Maine guide — a prestigious feat, especially for a woman in the 1800s. You can find her namesake trail by the lake, the Fly Rod Crosby Trail.

Learn more about lake living on Maine lakes at Lakehomes.com! 

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Top 5 Deepest Lakes in the World

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of travelmedford.com.

Whether it’s the mystery of “what lies beneath” or the sheer natural wonder, deep waters are fascinating. The U.S. is home to many deep lakes, including Crater Lake in Oregon, which is deep enough to fit One World Trade Center with 200 feet to spare. In the Lake Homes market footprint, Lake Superior ranks the deepest at 1,333 feet. Although we love our country’s lakes, today, we appreciate the five deepest lakes across the globe. 

Lake Baikal (5,577 feet)

Photo courtesy of Nadezhda Moryak via Pexels

This Russian UNESCO World Heritage site could fit the world’s two tallest buildings (Burj Khalifa and the Makkah Royal Clock Tower) plus the Washington Monument. It also contains almost 20% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater reserve. Not only is Lake Baikal the world’s deepest lake– it’s also the oldest. It was formed 25 million years ago through the planet’s diverging crust. Baikal’s age and isolation have resulted in unique freshwater fauna. More than 1,500 animal species reside in Lake Baikal, 80% of which are endemic (i.e., they don’t live anywhere else in the world). One of these creatures is the Nerpa seal, the world’s only freshwater seal. As photographer James Napoli documented for National Geographic, they like to lounge on the lake’s rocks. If you visit Baikal in winter, be sure to dress appropriately, as it can reach minus 40 degrees. It is Siberia, after all! 

Lake Tanganyika (4,700 feet)

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Tanganyika is a massive lake in Africa that borders four countries: Tanzania, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia. Its depth results from proximity to The Great Rift Valley, a pronounced fissure in the earth’s crust. Besides being the second deepest lake, it’s also the world’s longest freshwater lake. Its remarkably clear waters (visible of up to 65 feet) are 350 species of tropical fish. Most of these fish are cichlids, and 90% of them are endemic. Similar to Lake Baikal, Lake Tanganyika’s old age and seclusion helped these fish flourish. It’s no wonder Tanganyika is renowned for aquarium exports and angling. If you visit, be sure to skip the swimming — this deep lake is home to crocodiles! 

Caspian Sea (3,360 feet)

Photo courtesy of Aussiepics from Pixabay

Despite its name, the Caspian Sea is both a sea and lake. However, the distinction is more than semantics. If it’s a sea, the United Nations splits the sea’s ownership based on the neighboring countries’ shoreline length. However, if it’s a lake, countries can evenly divide ownership. As such, its surrounding nations (Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan) quarrel over its ownership. Kazakhstan, with the longest coastline, would prefer a “sea” classification. But Iran with a shorter border, will vote for “lake.” It’s unsurprising why this body of water is coveted — it’s famous for its oil and natural gas. According to the U.S. Energy and Information Administration, the Caspian Sea produces 2.6 million barrels of crude oil per day. Besides its economic value, bathing in these oils can heal up to 70 ailments, according to one doctor at a spa in Azerbaijan. 

Lake Vostok (2,950 feet)

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Vostok, near the South Pole, is one of the earth’s most intense climates. It’s home to the lowest recorded temperature on the earth’s surface at minus 89.2 degrees. However, the lake is even colder below the surface. For at least 15 million years, Lake Vostok has been covered by 1.2 miles of thick ice. Its presence was unknown until the 1960s when a Russian pilot noticed its outline from the sky. In the 1990s, researchers confirmed this subglacial lake’s existence. Today, only scientists can visit. When first studying the lake, Russian researchers at Vostok Station were intrigued by its lack of access to sunlight and nutrients. They thought a climate akin to Jupiter’s moons must be inhospitable to life. However, recent research indicates that there is life beneath its waters. This discovery points to the possibility of life on other planets. Check out NASA’s video from scientist Dr. David Morrison describing Lake Vostok’s space-related implications.

Lake O’ Higgins/ San Martín (2,742 feet)

Photo courtesy of travelblog.org.

Divided between Chili and Argentina, Lake O’ Higgins/ San Martín is the deepest lake in the Americas and 5th deepest in the world. Its depth is caused by the constant glacial movement that erodes the lake’s floor. Its irregular shape distinguishes it with eight distinct arms and the water’s milky blue color is caused by rock flour. The lake is also known for its steep surrounding mountains that were not inhabited until the early 1900s. If you’re confused by the lake’s double name, the answer depends on your country. If you’re in Chili, it’s Lago O’Higgins and San Martín in Argentina. Both sides are named for influential leaders, Argentinian Jose de San Martín and Chilean Bernardo O’Higgins, who fought for Chile’s independence in the early 1800s. 

For more lake-related trivia, check out American Lakes With the Highest Elevation and 5 of the World’s Largest Man-Made Lakes.