Bass Lake
Oneida County, WisconsinLimited DataMesotrophic
The LakeGrade rubric puts Bass Lake at a C: clarity at 8.0 ft, phosphorus readings still being added, and a TSI of 47 signal an intermediate trophic state. Clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a all rate similarly, so there is no obvious single lever to pull on watershed management.
A TSI near 47 places Bass Lake in the mesotrophic band — moderate productivity, with seasonal swings between clearer spring water and richer late-summer conditions. Bass Lake is a shallow lake at 11 ft maximum depth, which means it warms quickly, mixes constantly, and amplifies nutrient inputs. At 38 acres, Bass Lake sits below the Wisconsin median: a small water where shoreline activity has an outsized effect on water quality. Among the 134 graded lakes in Oneida County, Bass Lake sits at rank 65, above the county median.
No invasive species are currently listed at Bass Lake — the lake remains off the Wisconsin infested-waters roster. The fishery is bass-led, with 2 documented species across the lake's records. 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 2023-07-27. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Bass Lake water quality
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Moderate clarity, visible to about 8 ft. Trophic State Index: 47.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 8 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 47 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 11 ft |
| Surface Area | 38 acres |
Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
→ Best fishing times for Bass Lake (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Bass Lake? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Bass Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 6 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -1.646 m/yr | 6 |
| Phosphorus | → Stable | +0.04 µg/L/yr | 6 |
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #65 of 134 lakes in Oneida County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Bass Lake holds Grade C. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
Nearby Lakes in Oneida County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in Wisconsin
Mesotrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
WI DNR Lake Profile
Authoritative data from the Wisconsin DNR LakePages. 1 station on file (most recent sample 1979).
Fish Species (DNR-rated)
EPA Impairment Status
Bass Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 5).
Causes of impairment
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit WI10007452 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (1.08 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
Fish and recreation data from Wisconsin DNR Lakes
Most recent sample: 2023-07-27
Monitoring stations: 1
Where to stay near Bass Lake
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