Name of the site: Middle Island Sink Hole
Description of the site: About 300' in diameter with a shear wall on the south, a large crack to the west, and large rocks to the east. In the SE corner the 50' wall drops down to the spring outflow and a "crater" area that is very clear. The rim of the crater is covered with a purple algae mat and long white algae tendrils in the higher flow areas just outside. Just east of the crater is a canyon that drops down from 22' to the flats at 75' and the suspended soilds that cover the bottom. Buoyance control is a must, or stay over the rocks, as these suspended solids are up to 15' deep and there is lots of downrigger wire tangled in the rocks on the east rim. Do not want to get tangled in wire in zero viz. The crack to the west starts in maybe 25' and drops to 35-40' and it runs for about 100'. This crack appeared about 5 years back and needs inspecting each year to see whats new.
Depth Range: 12' to 75'
Water Temps:40-50
Visibility: 40-50' away from the spring, crystal clear in the spring.
Aquatic Life: Bass galore in 2007 above the thermo cline, Walleye at depth.
Fees:
On-Site Amenities: Call Capt. Mike Theut at Middle Island Bed & Breakfast about staying on the Island.
Seeing The Light - Middle ISland Lighthouse
Website or Phone Number:
Wreck 31
Open Hours: April to October docks are in at Rock Port
Restrictions: Some scientific expirments were being carried out in '07 so leave the buoy's with the H sinkers alone. Also there are PVC pipes stuck into the bottom with baggies attached that they are trying to capture gas samples in.
Boat or Shore Access:Boat, 2.4 miles east of Rock Port, Alpena County. 100' north of Middle Island
How to get there:About 8 miles north of Alpena, Mi. At Opechee's Gas stop turn right (Rock Port Road) follow to the end and the State Boat Launch. Head east to Middle Island, Follow the north shore and look for the white w/blue stripe NOAA buoy.
Rating you would give it: (1= Bad, 5=Excellent) 5