Lake Lorraine
Walworth County, WisconsinLimited DataEutrophic
The LakeGrade rubric puts Lake Lorraine at a C: clarity readings still being added, 54 µg/L of phosphorus, and a TSI of 62 signal an intermediate trophic state. The three sub-grades — clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a — track close together, so no single parameter is dragging the average.
At a TSI of 62, Lake Lorraine reads as eutrophic — nutrient-rich enough that summer algal growth and reduced clarity are expected, not unusual. Lake Lorraine is a shallow lake at 8 ft maximum depth, which means it warms quickly, mixes constantly, and amplifies nutrient inputs. At 155 acres, Lake Lorraine fits the Wisconsin median for monitored lakes, with partial shoreline records. Within Walworth County's 35 graded lakes, Lake Lorraine ranks 24 — below the local median, though not at the bottom.
Eurasian watermilfoil is established at Lake Lorraine, which can dampen recreational access and pressure the native plant community. The fishery is bass-led, with 2 documented species across the lake's records. 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 2025-05-28. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Lake Lorraine water quality
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 54.1 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 62.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No data | |
| Phosphorus | 54.1 µg/L | C |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 62 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 8 ft |
| Surface Area | 155 acres |
| Public Access | Yes |
Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
→ Best fishing times for Lake Lorraine (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Lake Lorraine? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Lake Lorraine 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.
Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus | ↑ Improving | -8.35 µg/L/yr | 5 |
Recreation & Access
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #24 of 35 lakes in Walworth County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Lake Lorraine holds Grade C. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
Nearby Lakes in Walworth County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Lake Lorraine
Other Grade C Lakes in Wisconsin
Eutrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
WI DNR Lake Profile
Authoritative data from the Wisconsin DNR LakePages. Monitored by volunteers since 1995. 1 station on file (most recent sample 2025).
Fish Species (DNR-rated)
EPA Impairment Status
Lake Lorraine is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 5).
Causes of impairment
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit WI10001543 · Official waterbody report
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
Fish and recreation data from Wisconsin DNR Lakes
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2025-05-28
Monitoring stations: 1
Where to stay near Lake Lorraine
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