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.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 4.9 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | 140 µg/L | F |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 65 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 19 ft |
| Surface Area | 245 acres |
| Public Access | Yes |
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
Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus | ↑ Improving | -52.61 µg/L/yr | 4 |
Recreation & Access
Location
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.
- ARobinson PondJackson County · 15.4 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → A)
- AWazee LakeJackson County · 23.6 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → A)
- DDecorah LakeJuneau County · 25 mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Monroe County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Lake Tomah
Other Grade D Lakes in Wisconsin
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).
Fish Species (DNR-rated)
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.
- 2025Lake Tomah fish age and growth, 2025Fisheries Survey · WI DNR · 2025 (PDF)
- 2025Lake Tomah shocking and netting survey, 2025Netting Survey · WI DNR · 2025 (PDF)
- —Lake Tomah comprehensive survey, 2017-2022Comprehensive Survey · WI DNR (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: 2025-09-01
Monitoring stations: 1