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LakeQuality
A

North Twin Lake

Polk County, WisconsinLimited DataOligotrophic

North Twin Lake earns an A — water clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a all rate among the best monitored waters in Polk County. Clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a all rate similarly, so there is no obvious single lever to pull on watershed management.

Trophically, North Twin Lake reads as oligotrophic — nutrient-poor, clear, and ecologically more sensitive to disturbance than richer lakes. A maximum depth of 27 ft puts North Twin Lake in the middle of Wisconsin's depth distribution. At 129 acres, North Twin Lake fits the Wisconsin median for monitored lakes, with partial shoreline records. Within Polk County's 77 graded waters, North Twin Lake sits at rank 9, near the top of the local distribution.

Eurasian watermilfoil is established at North Twin Lake, which can dampen recreational access and pressure the native plant community. The fishery includes walleye alongside the lake's other 4 documented species — a notable draw for Wisconsin anglers. A documented public access point at North Twin Lake 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 2025-08-27. 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: 10.1 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 37.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)No data
Phosphorus10.1 µg/LA
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)No data
Trophic State Index (TSI)37Oligotrophic

Low nutrients, clear water, excellent for swimming

Lake Details

CharacteristicValue
Maximum Depth27 ft
Surface Area129 acres
Public AccessYes

Fish Species

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

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

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

North Twin Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)

Invasive Species

Chinese Mystery SnailCurly-Leaf PondweedEurasian Water-MilfoilPurple Loosestrife

Water Quality Trend: Improving

Based on 7 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).

MetricTrendChange/YearYears
Water Clarity Stable-0.079 m/yr6
Phosphorus Improving-15.92 µg/L/yr4
See year-by-year chart →

Recreation & Access

1
Boat Landings
Yes
Public Access

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #9 of 77 lakes in Polk County

Nearby Lakes in Polk County

WI DNR Lake Profile

Authoritative data from the Wisconsin DNR LakePages. 1 station on file (most recent sample 2025).

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

Most recent sample: 2025-08-27

Monitoring stations: 1