Skip to content
Map of Water Witch
Add the first photo
ExpertBoat entry

Water Witch

Vermont, United States
AOW suggestedDepth (~90 ft) in cold dark freshwater; significant surface and bottom currents; Otter Creek runoff can cause ZERO visibility after heavy rain; lights necessary; very fragile shipwreck24–27 m depthBoat entry

Boat dive — see Entry & access.

Water Witch at a glance

Water Witch is a expert boat dive site in Vermont, United States with depths of 24.4–27.4 m (80–90 ft). Typically most favorable Jul–Aug · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Zebra mussel, Yellow perch, and Smallmouth bass. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Wind model · graded 4h ago
—

Tap a factor for its source and model point

Site hazards: Depth (~90 ft) in cold dark freshwater; significant surface and bottom currents; Otter Creek runoff can cause ZERO visibility after heavy rain; lights necessary; very fragile shipwreck

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Wed
Sun6:00–21:00
Mon6:00–21:00
Tue6:00–21:00
Wed6:00–21:00
Thu6:00–21:00
Fri6:00–21:00
Sat6:00–21:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:00 · Sunrise 5:34 · Sunset 20:24

Source: Open-Meteo wind · graded 4h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

What Divers Say

Known for: Zebra mussel, Yellow perch, Smallmouth bass
Best time: Preserve season (roughly late May–October) in dry, settled weather — avoid the days after heavy rain due to Otter Creek runoff; pick slack-wind days for the open-lake crossing

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

  1. Jan94% 8 kn
  2. Feb95% 9 kn
  3. Mar90% 10 kn
  4. Apr92% 10 kn
  5. May95% 9 kn
  6. Jun96% 8 kn
  7. Jul98% 8 kn
  8. Aug98% 8 kn
  9. Sep98% 7 kn
  10. Oct94% 8 kn
  11. Nov90% 9 kn
  12. Dec89% 9 kn

July and August havetypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

  • Zebra musselCommonly seen
  • Yellow perchCommonly seen
  • Smallmouth bassCommonly seen
  • Rock bassCommonly seen
  • CrayfishCommonly seen
  • Lake troutOccasionally seen
  • Freshwater drum (sheepshead)Occasionally seen
  • BurbotRarely seen

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.

Site details

Built in 1832 by steamboat pioneer Jahaziel Sherman at the mouth of Otter Creek, Water Witch ran as a steamboat for only a few seasons before her machinery was removed and she was converted to a lake schooner. She foundered in a gale on April 26, 1866 while carrying iron ore, taking the captain's infant daughter down with her. The 83-foot wreck, discovered in 1977, lies in about 90 feet of dark water a quarter mile south of Diamond Island, with her graceful 12-foot tiller bar, draped foremast, and intact bowsprit; the preserve is currently listed as closed.

boatwreck

Depth (~90 ft) in cold dark freshwater; significant surface and bottom currents; Otter Creek runoff can cause ZERO visibility after heavy rain; lights necessary; very fragile shipwreck — avoid any contact; open-lake exposure and boat traffic

Reviews

No reviews yet — this site is waiting for its first. Dived here? Your rating and a few lines help the next diver.

Spot something off?

Help keep this listing accurate for the next diver.