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LakeQuality
B

Big Twin Lake

Waushara County, WisconsinLimited DataEutrophic

On the LakeGrade scale Big Twin Lake grades a B, with clarity readings still being added and 28 µg/L of phosphorus placing it above the Wisconsin median. The three sub-grades — clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a — track close together, so no single parameter is dragging the average.

At a TSI of 52, Big Twin Lake reads as eutrophic — nutrient-rich enough that summer algal growth and reduced clarity are expected, not unusual. A maximum depth of just 13 ft means sediment-bound phosphorus releases back into the water column whenever wind stirs the bottom — a classic shallow-lake dynamic. At 93 acres, Big Twin Lake sits below the Wisconsin median: a small water where shoreline activity has an outsized effect on water quality. Big Twin Lake ranks 28 of 30 in Waushara County — at the lower end of the locally monitored distribution.

Eurasian watermilfoil has been documented at Big Twin Lake, requiring shoreline management to keep dense mats from crowding native vegetation. The fishery is bass-led, with 3 documented species across the lake's records. A documented public access point at Big Twin Lake makes the lake usable for shore fishing, paddle craft, and trailered boats. 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 2024-05-13. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

Swimming Safety

Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels

Water Quality Grade: B, Good

No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 28 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 52.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)No data
Phosphorus28 µg/LB
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)No data
Trophic State Index (TSI)52Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Lake Details

CharacteristicValue
Maximum Depth13 ft
Surface Area93 acres
Public AccessYes

Fish Species

Click a species to see all Wisconsin and Minnesota lakes where it is found.

→ Best fishing times for Big Twin Lake (14-day solunar calendar)

→ Is it safe to eat fish from Big Twin Lake? (mercury & PFAS guide)

Big Twin Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)

Invasive Species

Banded Mystery SnailEurasian Water-MilfoilPurple Loosestrife

Recreation & Access

1
Boat Landings
Yes
Public Access

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #28 of 30 lakes in Waushara County

Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles

Big Twin Lake holds Grade B. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.

See full comparison →

Nearby Lakes in Waushara County

State Parks Near Big Twin Lake

Eutrophic Lakes in Wisconsin

WI DNR Lake Profile

Authoritative data from the Wisconsin DNR LakePages. 2 stations on file (most recent sample 2025).

Fish Species (DNR-rated)

Panfish(Common)Northern Pike(Common)Largemouth Bass(Present)

DNR Reports & Resources

Wisconsin DNR Fisheries scientists publish multi-year survey reports for Big Twin Lake covering fish populations, stocking, water quality, and management. 1 report on file.

Data Sources

Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal

Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards

Fish and recreation data from Wisconsin DNR Lakes

Most recent sample: 2024-05-13

Monitoring stations: 1