Amik Lake
Vilas County, WisconsinEutrophic
The LakeGrade rubric puts Amik Lake at a C: clarity at 9.2 ft, 39 µg/L of phosphorus, and a TSI of 51 signal an intermediate trophic state. The three sub-grades — clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a — track close together, so no single parameter is dragging the average.
Eutrophic conditions are the baseline here: clarity drops noticeably in late summer, and dissolved oxygen near the bottom can become a concern. At only 8 ft deep, Amik Lake is shallow — wind keeps the water column mixed and sediment resuspension drives phosphorus levels harder to manage. At 141 acres, Amik Lake fits the Wisconsin median for monitored lakes, with partial shoreline records. Within the 202 graded lakes of Vilas County, Amik Lake sits at rank 194, near the bottom of the county list.
Amik Lake has at least one documented invasive species (Chinese Mystery Snail), so boaters and anglers should observe clean-drain-dry steps when leaving the lake. The fishery includes walleye alongside the lake's other 6 documented species — a notable draw for Wisconsin anglers. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Wisconsin DNR Surface Water, last sampled 2025-08-19. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Moderate clarity, visible to about 9.2 ft. Phosphorus level: 38.9 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 51.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 9.2 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | 38.9 µg/L | C |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 51 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 8 ft |
| Surface Area | 141 acres |
Fish Species
Click a species to see all Wisconsin and Minnesota lakes where it is found.
→ Best fishing times for Amik Lake (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Amik Lake? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Amik Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Invasive Species
Water Quality Trend: → Stable
Based on 7 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -0.096 m/yr | 6 |
| Phosphorus | ↑ Improving | -1.07 µg/L/yr | 6 |
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #194 of 202 lakes in Vilas County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Amik Lake holds Grade C. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ACochran LakePrice County · 4.4 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- ABroken Bow LakeVilas County · 4 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BRound LakePrice County · 2.1 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Vilas County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in Wisconsin
Eutrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
WI DNR Lake Profile
Authoritative data from the Wisconsin DNR LakePages. Monitored by volunteers since 1996. 1 station on file (most recent sample 2025).
Fish Species (DNR-rated)
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Fish and recreation data from Wisconsin DNR Lakes
Most recent sample: 2025-08-19
Monitoring stations: 1