Chautauqua County Lake Quality
Wisconsin, 2 lakes, average grade C (Fair)
Chautauqua County has 2 graded lakes — a thin enough sample that one or two stressed lakes can move the county average noticeably. Use the per-lake pages below for what actually matters. Chautauqua County averages to a C. The distribution behind that average matters more than the letter: a few stressed lakes versus many decent ones can produce the same average as the inverse.
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 Chautauqua Lake (C); the most-stressed is Chautauqua Lake (C).
Quick Answers for Chautauqua County
Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Chautauqua Lake, whether the fish are safe to eat, and the best times to fish — or browse the full Wisconsin regulations index.
All Lakes in Chautauqua County
| Rank | Lake | Grade | Clarity | Max Depth | Phosphorus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chautauqua Lake | C | 6.7 ft | - | - |
| 2 | Findley Lake | C | 8 ft | - | - |
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.