Local Diving Exceptional
(Sheridan, WY) September 10, 2007 -
Local divers say the secret is out: more and more people are discovering that Lake DeSmet is actually a great diving location.
Dr. John Finley, a local physician and certified diving instructor, stated “Lake DeSmet is one of the best fresh water dives in the U.S., visibility is as almost as good as the Caribbean, and there is lots to see and explore.” Dr. John Finley, a local physician, has recently been certified as a scuba instructor by Scuba Schools International. He teaches through Aquatic Scuba Adventures, owned by Randy Schmidt.
“Visibility is usually 40 feet, with good days even more. There’s an old resort on the east shore with lots of concrete stucture to see and explore at only 20 to 30 feet,” says Finley. “There’s an old bulldozer near Barkey’s draw and an old bridge which divers can swim under. There are cliffs, walls and weed beds with lots of fish.”
Finley particularly recommends night diving. “That’s when the lake really comes alive. Fish to numerous to count. Crayfish by the dozen scour the bottom for food. Huge carp, darting trout, schools of perch and rock bass abound. Attracted by your dive light fish will gather all around you.”
Schmidt, a local accountant, has logged thousands of dives all over the world. He is equally impressed with Lake DeSmet. “Access is great. It’s only 30 miles from Sheridan and It offers almost year round access - if we’re using dry suits we can cut holes in the ice. It has very nice diving entries and exits at several points in the lake.”
There are quite a few divers in the Sheridan area. Dr. Finley hopes to get a dive club started, to allow fellow divers to get together and share stories, advice and experience. There will be an organizational meeting at Fulmer Public Library, Wednesday the 24th September at 8:00 P.M. If you can’t attend, but you are interested call Dr. Finley’s office and leave contact information and he will contact you about future meetings.
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Contact: Dr. John Finley , [phone number removed].
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