We were on the water by six. The kids were half asleep and complaining about it until the moment they weren't — which happened right around when the mist started lifting off the surface and the first heron showed up on the far bank. After that they were quiet in the good way.
There's a version of Douglas Lake that most people know — the summer crowds, the boats, the noise. This is the other version. The one that's only available if you're willing to set an alarm and drive in the dark. Worth it every time.