Cole County Lake Quality
Wisconsin, 2 lakes, average grade D (Poor)
Only 2 lakes in Cole County carry an active grade. The county-level summary is therefore representative of those specific lakes, not necessarily of every water body in the county. On average, Cole County lakes grade D, with phosphorus loading and reduced clarity showing up across most of the dataset.
The county's lakes lean shallow, which makes the grades sensitive to wind, sediment-resuspension, and any nutrient inputs from the watershed. The cleanest lake on the books is Binder Lake (D); the most-stressed is Mckay Park Lake (F).
Quick Answers for Cole County
Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Binder Lake, whether the fish are safe to eat, and the best times to fish — or browse the full Wisconsin regulations index.
All Lakes in Cole County
| Rank | Lake | Grade | Clarity | Max Depth | Phosphorus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Binder Lake | D | 2.1 ft | - | 54.5 µg/L |
| 2 | Mckay Park Lake | F | 1 ft | - | 70 µg/L |
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.