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LakeQuality
D

Lake Tomah

Monroe County, WisconsinEutrophic

Lake Tomah earns a D — measurements through 2025 show persistent nutrient pressure that limits clarity through the summer. 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.

At a TSI of 65, Lake Tomah reads as eutrophic — nutrient-rich enough that summer algal growth and reduced clarity are expected, not unusual. The lake bottoms out at 19 ft — a moderate depth that supports a warm-water fishery without the year-round cold refuge a deeper basin provides. Lake Tomah covers 245 acres alongside partial shoreline records — a mid-sized water that supports a working fishery without being so large that conditions diverge between basins.

Lake Tomah carries an invasive watermilfoil record — boat-launch decontamination and shoreline care matter more here than at uninfested lakes. Bass fishing is part of the appeal: the species list runs to 3, anchored by largemouth and/or smallmouth bass. A documented public access point at Lake Tomah 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 2025-09-01. 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 4.9 ft. Phosphorus level: 140 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 65.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)4.9 ftD
Phosphorus140 µg/LF
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)No data
Trophic State Index (TSI)65Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Lake Details

CharacteristicValue
Maximum Depth19 ft
Surface Area245 acres
Public AccessYes

Fish Species

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

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

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

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

Invasive Species

Chinese Mystery SnailCurly-Leaf PondweedEurasian Water-MilfoilRusty Crayfish

Water Quality Trend: Improving

Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).

MetricTrendChange/YearYears
Phosphorus Improving-52.61 µg/L/yr4
See year-by-year chart →

Recreation & Access

4
Boat Landings
Yes
Public Access

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #1 of 1 lakes in Monroe County

Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles

Lake Tomah holds Grade D. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.

See full comparison →

Nearby Lakes in Monroe County

Eutrophic Lakes in Wisconsin

WI DNR Lake Profile

Authoritative data from the Wisconsin DNR LakePages. Monitored by volunteers since 1986. 2 stations on file (most recent sample 2025).

DNR Assessment
Poor · Reservoir lake
Trophic State Index 78 (hypereutrophic) · 5-year average

Fish Species (DNR-rated)

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

DNR Reports & Resources

Wisconsin DNR Fisheries scientists publish multi-year survey reports for Lake Tomah covering fish populations, stocking, water quality, and management. 3 reports 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: 2025-09-01

Monitoring stations: 1