Lake Saint Clair
Add Lake Saint Clair to "my favorite lakes" (requires login).
Locations
Lake Saint Clair: Map & Description
Brought from the north by the great Lake Huron and taken to the south by the great Lake Erie, Lake Saint Clair is like David surrounded by Goliath?s. As the smallest lake in the Great Lake system, the heart-shaped Lake St. Clair has been denied official Great Lake status to the dismay and protests of many who have developed a deep relationship with this loveable and vital component of the greatest lakes in the world.
Formed by ancient glacial activity, Lake St. Clair?s beaches once provided Paleo-Indian civilizations with the means to hunt and trade. The first European vessel to sail on the Upper Lakes, the French-helmed Griffon, discovered the lake in August of 1679. There are two theories of how the lake got its name. First, it is speculated the name derives from honoring Sainte Claire of Assisi?s feast day, undergoing spelling changes from government officials and mapmakers over time. Second, many believe the name was taken from the first governor of the Northwest Territory, General Arthur St. Clair. Throughout its eclectic history, the lake has served as an invaluable waterway for generations of people and continues to do so hundreds of years later as a heavily trafficked section of the Saint Lawrence Seaway.
The defining elements of Lake St. Clair are its variety and uniqueness. These elements crossover to countless aspects of the lake, truly providing something for everyone. The lake?s location itself borders two countries, southeastern Michigan in the United States and southern Ontario in Canada. On the U.S. side, sprawling urban development from affluent residential communities to thick industry lines much of the shore.
Whether one?s taste is for the hustling and bustling automobile capitol of the world, Detroit, or the city?s more relaxed, wealthy and beautiful suburbs such as the popular retirement destination of Grosse Pointe, Lake St. Clair can accommodate those who love city life. The lake caters to nature lovers as well with a great deal of the Canadian coast being covered by nature preserves and natural wetlands including the Walpole Indian Reservation. These wetlands, along with those of Lake Erie?s, produce more furbearers than the rest of the Great Lakes combined, a testament to the vast array of wildlife the lake supports such as deer, coyote, fox, mink, and much more. Over 100 square miles of coastal marshes fringe the western portion of the lake alone. Natural and urban attributes are not exclusive to one side of the lake by any means, however. On both countries? coasts, one is certain to discover diversity.
There is perhaps no better example of Lake St. Clair?s diversity than the northern delta that feeds it. As the largest and most complex delta system in all of the Great Lakes, this intricate assortment of islands and channels has come to be known as the ?Venice of America.? It is here where many wetlands are located, acting as both a filter for the lake?s water and as a nature enthusiast?s sanctuary. Seemingly endless tributaries branch out of the main river surrounding inland lakes such as Ontario?s Goose Lake and defining bays such as Michigan?s Big Muscamoot. This unique geography provides infinite fishing, hunting, and boating implications. Many of the islands in the delta system are known as popular vacation and retirement destinations.
Although the delta area is a mecca for sporting activities, scores of lakeside sites boast abundant means to enjoy the wild side of Lake St. Clair. Competing charter companies are plentiful all around the coast, many guaranteeing success and ensuring a first-rate angling experience whether it be trolling off a 40-foot boat in open water or fly-fishing waist deep in a stream off the beaten path. Species? of fish in Lake St. Clair are as diverse as the other elements of the area. Walleye, Perch, and Steelhead are highly sought after and both the Musky and Small Mouth Bass fishing is among the best in the entire world. To take advantage of the plentiful freshwater fish supply, extensive fishing tournaments are held throughout the year as well as fishing festivals. The fishing industry itself has become more privatized on the lake after the closing of all commercial fisheries due to industrial pollution precautions, giving a more intimate feel to Lake St. Clair?s waters.
For the sportsman more comfortable on land rather than sea, numerous areas around the lake offer impressive hunting opportunities, such as Harsens Island?s deer and duck seasons. Many may enjoy the several golf courses along the shoreline as well with their beautiful grounds and breathtaking views. For the less conventional who are neither satisfied at land nor sea but look to the air for thrills, caution can be thrown to the wind over the Belle River where kiteboard rentals and training is available. The choice of land, sea, or air is given to racing fans as well on Belle Isle, an island just off Lake St. Clair on the Detroit River, which is the waterway that connects Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie. By land, the Detroit Grand Prix draws car-racing fans from across the country every year. By sea, the annual Gold Cup hydroplane races is an aquatic amazement, and by air, planes whistle by awed audiences at the annual air races. If speed is not one?s fancy, the commercial nature of Lake St. Clair being part of the St. Lawrence Seaway provides ample opportunity to relax and watch massive freighters haul tons of cargo daily through a specially dredged channel.
Boating expositions including antique boat shows, fireworks displays, and ferryboat rides are more activities found around Lake St. Clair. The lakes beaches are in themselves prominent attractions. Metro Beach for instance is known for all types of parties and events such as live music, boat decoration festivals, and classic car cruises. Historical lighthouses, especially those off the southeastern tip of Harsens Island, known as the 1859 Old South Channel Range Lights, are highly revered among historians and have a certain mystique and charm about them.
Lake St. Clair, although in a geographical region having four seasons, is in year-round operation. Although many activities are in fact seasonal in nature, the variety in climates and conditions throughout the year uncovers more unique elements of the lake. For example, during the winter months, the lake normally has 100% ice-cover. This makes activates such as ice fishing and ice-skating popular pass-times, which is in turn supported by a number of businesses along the coast. Because of the relatively short width and length of the lake, 26 miles long and 24 miles wide, large waves are unable to develop, making smoother and more solid ice in the winter and pristine boating conditions in the summer. Temperatures normally range from -20°F to 100°F with July being the hottest month and January and February being the coldest.
Whether cold or warm, officially ?Great? or not, the heart-shaped Lake St. Clair is truly vital to the greatness of the Great Lakes.
Lake Saint Clair: Statistics
- Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed
- Area: 275,200 acres
- Shoreline length: 127 miles
- Normal elevation: 586 feet
- Mean depth: 10 feet
- Maximum depth: 27 feet
- Volume: 3,379,200 acre-feet
- Residence time: 7 Days
