Arbutus Lake Central Basin
Grand Traverse County, WisconsinLimited DataOligotrophic
Arbutus Lake Central Basin is a cold, clear oligotrophic lake in Grand Traverse County, MI. Water quality is graded A based on 1 sampling years through 2023. The lake supports 2 documented fish species including Bluegill and Pumpkinseed. Compared to the 19 other monitored lakes in Grand Traverse County, Arbutus Lake Central Basin ranks #14 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2023-09-08. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Excellent for swimming, crystal clear water with minimal algae
Water Quality Grade: A, Excellent
Crystal clear, you can see 17.3 ft down. Trophic State Index: 36.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 17.3 ft | A |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 36 | Oligotrophic |
Low nutrients, clear water, excellent for swimming
Fish Species
Click a species to see all Wisconsin and Minnesota lakes where it is found.
→ Best fishing times for Arbutus Lake Central Basin (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Arbutus Lake Central Basin? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Arbutus Lake Central Basin fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #14 of 20 lakes in Grand Traverse County
Nearby Lakes in Grand Traverse County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade A Lakes in Wisconsin
Mecosta County · Clarity: 12.8 ft
Benzie County · Clarity: 13.5 ft
Clare County · Clarity: 15 ft
Kalkaska County · Clarity: 16 ft
Gogebic County · Clarity: 18 ft
Iron County · Clarity: 16 ft
Oligotrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
EPA Impairment Status
Arbutus Lake Central Basin is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 4A).
Causes of impairment
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit MI040601050506-02 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (0.39 km)
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2023-09-08
Monitoring stations: 1