Carter Lake Northwest Basin
Barry County, WisconsinLimited DataEutrophic
Carter Lake Northwest Basin is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Barry County, MI. Water quality is graded D based on 1 sampling years through 2023. The lake supports 11 documented fish species including Black crappie, Bluegill, and Brown bullhead. Compared to the 13 other monitored lakes in Barry County, Carter Lake Northwest Basin ranks #14 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2023-09-14. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk
Water Quality Grade: D, Poor
Murky, only visible to about 4.5 ft. Trophic State Index: 55.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 4.5 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 55 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Fish Species
Click a species to see all Wisconsin and Minnesota lakes where it is found.
→ Best fishing times for Carter Lake Northwest Basin (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Carter Lake Northwest Basin? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Carter Lake Northwest Basin fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #14 of 14 lakes in Barry County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Carter Lake Northwest Basin holds Grade D. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ALong Lake Northeast Basin; Hope Twsp.Barry County · 8.3 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → A)
- ABarlow Lake Central Basin; Yankee Springs Township Sec6Barry County · 10.6 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → A)
Nearby Lakes in Barry County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade D Lakes in Wisconsin
Eutrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
EPA Impairment Status
Carter Lake Northwest Basin is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 4A).
Causes of impairment
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit MI040500070404-03 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (2.89 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
Most recent sample: 2023-09-14
Monitoring stations: 1