Perch Lake
Iron County, WisconsinLimited DataEutrophic
Perch Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Iron County, MI. Water quality is graded D based on 1 sampling years through 2022. The lake supports 1 documented fish species including Bluegill. Compared to the 38 other monitored lakes in Iron County, Perch Lake ranks #38 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2022-08-29. 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 6 ft. Trophic State Index: 51.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 6 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 51 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Fish Species
Click a species to see all Wisconsin and Minnesota lakes where it is found.
→ Best fishing times for Perch Lake (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Perch Lake? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Perch Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #38 of 39 lakes in Iron County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Perch Lake holds Grade D. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ASunset Lake West Central Basin; Bates TownshipIron County · 16.2 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → A)
- BSwan Lake North Central Basin; Crystal Falls Township Section 35Iron County · 18.6 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → B)
- CPerch Lake Central Basin; Bates TownshipIron County · 0.2 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
Nearby Lakes in Iron County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade D Lakes in Wisconsin
Eutrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
EPA Impairment Status
Perch Lake 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 MI040201040104-05 · 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
Most recent sample: 2022-08-29
Monitoring stations: 1