Bear Lake Southeast Basin
Kalkaska County, WisconsinOligotrophic
Bear Lake Southeast Basin is a cold, clear oligotrophic lake in Kalkaska County, MI. Water quality is graded A based on 2 sampling years through 2023. The lake supports 9 documented fish species including Bluntnose minnow, Central mudminnow, and Iowa darter. Compared to the 23 other monitored lakes in Kalkaska County, Bear Lake Southeast Basin ranks #9 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2023-09-16. 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 36.5 ft down. Chlorophyll-a: 2.4 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 32.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 36.5 ft | A |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 2.4 µg/L | A |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 32 | 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 Bear Lake Southeast Basin (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Bear Lake Southeast Basin? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Bear Lake Southeast Basin fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #9 of 24 lakes in Kalkaska County
Nearby Lakes in Kalkaska 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
Gogebic County · Clarity: 18 ft
Iron County · Clarity: 16 ft
Leelanau County · Clarity: 15.5 ft
Oligotrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2023-09-16
Monitoring stations: 1