I've read that a lot of people go swimming, but I'm wondering if you do it in green soupy lakes or only clear ones. Last june we were in the shell lake area and all the lakes were quite loaded with green sediment. I imagined falling in and coming out covered in a slimy goo. Does anyone swim in that, and if so when you come out do you come out clean or green? (very hot here today in the chicago suburbs, which has me thinking of how nice it is to swim on a hot day)

Not sure what you mean exactly by green and soupy. The only green I have ever seen in the water is pine pollen. A lot of people mistake it for algae.

I only swim when it's hot out. Then, I can swim in just about anything. I've even gone so far as to take the canoe out and tip it if it is too mucky near shore.

I second what Marsonite said.

We swim in all the lakes, weather they are tannin stained or not.....wear water shoes.

I didn't know what you meant at first, but I'll bet marsonite is right. I've seen pine pollen coming down in great yellow-green clouds and covering the surface. It's not gooey though. Doesn't stay there long either.

Thanks all. Does that pine pollen only last a short while then? We were there for 6 days and there was no change during that time. For clear water do you perhaps have to go either earlier or later than mid June typically? (I'm imagining that it doesn't fall till right before I get there, then settles out after I leave :-) )

Don't forget your snorkel and goggles. You can collect all kinds of fishing lures that are hooked on rocks and logs. (Hooks tend to be a little rusty but it's like a treasure hunt.) Not to mention all the fish you can see. lots of fun.
SB

Ron, you didn't mention this but ledge jumping isn't something I'd recommend. One look at the shoreline on most of these lakes and you'll know what I mean. Stay safe!