Back Bay Lake
Chippewa County, WisconsinMesotrophic
Back Bay Lake is a mesotrophic lake in Chippewa County, MI. Water quality is graded C based on 3 sampling years through 2025. Compared to the 17 other monitored lakes in Chippewa County, Back Bay Lake ranks #14 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2025-10-15. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Murky, only visible to about 4.9 ft. Phosphorus level: 20.9 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 5.1 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 50.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 4.9 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | 20.9 µg/L | B |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 5.1 µg/L | B |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 50 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #14 of 18 lakes in Chippewa County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Back Bay Lake holds Grade C. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ASaint Mary'S River Offshore LakeChippewa County · 1 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- ASaint Mary'S River Shore LakeChippewa County · 0.9 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BBack Bay Deep LakeChippewa County · 1.2 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BWharf 1 LakeChippewa County · 1.1 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Chippewa County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in Wisconsin
Cass County · Clarity: 7 ft
Leelanau County · Clarity: 9.5 ft
Iosco County · Clarity: 5.5 ft
Muskegon County · Clarity: 6.8 ft
Gladwin County · Clarity: 9 ft
Montmorency County · Clarity: 9 ft
Mesotrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2025-10-15
Monitoring stations: 1