Beaver Dam Lake

Beaver Dam Lake grades an F: every scored parameter (clarity and phosphorus) rates poorly, placing it among the most stressed lakes monitored in Wisconsin. clarity and phosphorus rate similarly, so there is no obvious single lever to pull on watershed management.

The hypereutrophic status — TSI 80 — reflects sustained heavy nutrient loading from the surrounding watershed and frequent algal pressure. The lake's maximum depth is not yet documented in state morphometric records — context for its physical structure remains limited. At 6,542 acres, Beaver Dam Lake is one of the larger lakes in Dodge County, with partial shoreline records supporting multiple distinct use patterns. Within Dodge County's 3 graded lakes, Beaver Dam Lake ranks 2 — below the local median, though not at the bottom.

No invasive species are currently listed at Beaver Dam Lake — the lake remains off the Wisconsin infested-waters roster. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Beaver Dam Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.