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.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No data | |
| Phosphorus | 28 µg/L | B |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 52 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 13 ft |
| Surface Area | 93 acres |
| Public Access | Yes |
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
Recreation & Access
Location
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.
- ALong LakeWaushara County · 1.3 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- AGilbert LakeWaushara County · 2.2 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- ASpencer LakeWaupaca County · 4.2 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- AStratton LakeWaupaca County · 4.5 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- AKusel LakeWaushara County · 4.6 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
Nearby Lakes in Waushara County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Big Twin Lake
Other Grade B Lakes in Wisconsin
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)
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.
- 2023Big Twin Lake spring shocking survey, 2023Spring Shocking Survey · WI DNR · 2023 (PDF)
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