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B

Dunn Lake

Washburn County, WisconsinLimited DataOligotrophic

Dunn Lake carries a solid B grade — strong on most parameters, with measurements that hold up well across the summer season. Sub-grades cluster within a single letter of each other, which usually means the lake is in stable trophic balance rather than fighting one specific stressor.

A TSI value of 39 puts Dunn Lake in the oligotrophic range, where biological productivity stays low and the water column remains clear. The lake bottoms out at 39 ft — a moderate depth that supports a warm-water fishery without the year-round cold refuge a deeper basin provides. At 181 acres, Dunn Lake fits the Wisconsin median for monitored lakes, with partial shoreline records. Dunn Lake sits at rank 32 of 47 in Washburn County, in the lower half of the local distribution.

An invasive species record — Chinese Mystery Snail — has been logged at Dunn Lake; Wisconsin DNR maintains the official infested-waters list. Walleye are documented at Dunn Lake, one of 4 fish species on record for the lake. Public access is available — the lake is on the Wisconsin DNR public-access list. 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 2022-08-17. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

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Swimming Safety

Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels

Water Quality Grade: B, Good

Good clarity, visible to about 14.2 ft. Trophic State Index: 39.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)14.2 ftB
PhosphorusNo data
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)No data
Trophic State Index (TSI)39Oligotrophic

Low nutrients, clear water, excellent for swimming

Lake Details

CharacteristicValue
Maximum Depth39 ft
Surface Area181 acres
Public AccessYes

Fish Species

Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.

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

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

Dunn Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)

Invasive & Introduced Species

Red chips are ecologically harmful invasive species. Gray chips are stocked or introduced fish that aren't a current ecological concern.

Chinese Mystery SnailPurple Loosestrife

Water Quality Trend: Declining

Based on 2 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).

MetricTrendChange/YearYears
Water Clarity Declining-1.5 m/yr2

Recreation & Access

1
Boat Landings
Yes
Public Access

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #32 of 47 lakes in Washburn County

Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles

Dunn Lake holds Grade B. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.

Nearby Lakes in Washburn County

WI DNR Lake Profile

Authoritative data from the Wisconsin DNR LakePages. 2 stations on file (most recent sample 2022).

Fish Species (DNR-rated)

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

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

Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory

Most recent sample: 2022-08-17

Monitoring stations: 2

Where to stay near Dunn Lake

Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Dunn Lake in Washburn County, Wisconsin — live availability and prices for your trip.

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