Dempsey Fishing Access (Lake Erie)

Dempsey Fishing Access (Lake Erie) is a specialized winter launch centered on snowkiting when Sandusky Bay and nearby shoreline areas freeze. Access is via a rocky descent from the fishing pier/breakwall, with a boat ramp sometimes usable in off-season conditions. The riding environment is described as generally flat when the bay is frozen, with packed snow conditions typical for winter sessions. Wind at this spot is reported to favor southerly directions, with a typical winter window clustering around January through March (and mid-December into late February noted as well). Typical wind strength is described in the 12–25 knots range, though reliability is not guaranteed and gustiness can be moderate. The area can also show wind shadowing for certain orientations due to the Marblehead Peninsula. Safety is the key constraint: the access and bay margins involve rocks, fishing-pier/breakwall infrastructure, and hazards related to ice quality (thin ice, pressure ridges, cracks) as well as floating debris and barges. Because conditions can change from morning to afternoon, the spot demands active ice monitoring. Carrying ice picks (or large nails) for self-rescue is specifically recommended, and inexperienced visitors are advised to rely on established trails and knowledgeable companions. In warmer months, the rocky/shallow character makes kitesurfing technically possible but uncommon, with sessions generally avoided compared with sandy alternatives. For the winter season, it remains a low-profile, locally known access point for snowkiters and ice-related recreation, with limited space around the launch.