Manistee Lake South
Manistee County, WisconsinLimited DataMesotrophic
Manistee Lake South is a mesotrophic lake in Manistee County, MI. Water quality is graded A based on 1 sampling years through 2025. The lake supports 7 documented fish species including Chestnut lamprey, Flathead catfish, and Golden shiner. Compared to the 11 other monitored lakes in Manistee County, Manistee Lake South ranks #5 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2025-10-07. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Excellent for swimming, crystal clear water with minimal algae
Water Quality Grade: A, Excellent
No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 18.8 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 46.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No data | |
| Phosphorus | 18.8 µg/L | A |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 46 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Fish Species
Click a species to see all Wisconsin and Minnesota lakes where it is found.
→ Best fishing times for Manistee Lake South (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Manistee Lake South? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Manistee Lake South fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #5 of 12 lakes in Manistee County
Nearby Lakes in Manistee County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade A Lakes in Wisconsin
Mecosta County · Clarity: 12.8 ft
Benzie County · Clarity: 13.5 ft
Clare County · Clarity: 15 ft
Kalkaska County · Clarity: 16 ft
Gogebic County · Clarity: 18 ft
Iron County · Clarity: 16 ft
Mesotrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
EPA Impairment Status
Manistee Lake South 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 MI040601030705-01 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (0.91 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: 2025-10-07
Monitoring stations: 1