a SIGN of things to come.... Braun Bay

[4Fun]

Originally Posted by winnidiver

I read this thread with a lot of interest. First off after seeing the sign I want to head over there and anchor, because it IS public water.
That being said I can't understand why anyone would want to go to Braun Bay on a weekend in the first place. When I go out with my family or by myself, I try to find a nice quiet spot to anchor swim, and sun. Maybe picnic. I have no desire to park myself in the middle of a crowd of people. I always look forward to sept. when I get the lake without the crowds.
It's a big lake so why crowd yourselves into one little spot? I guess I don't understand the tourist mentality.
Why don't you guys go and explore the lake find all those great places that only a few people go to. You might find a whole new side to the lake experience.
Of course if you do this the Ice Cream barge may not find you.

I suspect the people that crowd in to Braun like the congestion. Many are looking for the party atmosphere. Not out of control party, just a group getting together for fun. I admit I enjoyed it 10 years ago.

Personally, now I do not like crowds so I head to an area that is quiet. I do wish there were more sandy bottom places for my kids to enjoy though.

[winnidiver]

Out in front of Blueberry is nice and sandy. Also the beach at Long Island is accessible by boat,lots of sand.

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by 4Fun

I suspect the people that crowd in to Braun like the congestion. Many are looking for the party atmosphere. Not out of control party, just a group getting together for fun. I admit I enjoyed it 10 years ago.

Personally, now I do not like crowds so I head to an area that is quiet. I do wish there were more sandy bottom places for my kids to enjoy though.

We tend to go there when there won't be big crowds, and leave when it gets crowded. My kids and my guest's kids love the soft sand, shallow water, and lack of wakes there. We anchor at the far end and are often the northernmost boat on the sandbar. We often meet up with friends in other boats, and could be considered part of the "problem" when it comes to crowds there, a couple of times per year. We don't hang out with a party crowd, drink much, play drinking games, or listen to loud music, but the kids can get a little loud with their horseplay sometimes.


If you've never snorkeled in the weed bed at the very end of the bay, in late August, you should give it a try. The whole area is packed with schools consisting of thousands of smaller fish (mostly young yellow perch and blue gills) in the gaps between the weed thickets, and the weed thickets are swarming with larger predatory fish (bass and chain pickerel) looking for a stray smaller fish to make a meal of. It's like visiting an aquarium only a lot wetter.