Pickerel Lake
Emmet County, WisconsinLimited DataMesotrophic
Pickerel Lake is a mesotrophic lake in Emmet County, MI. Water quality is graded C based on 1 sampling years through 2022. The lake supports 22 documented fish species including Bluegill, Bluntnose minnow, and Bowfin. Compared to the 9 other monitored lakes in Emmet County, Pickerel Lake ranks #9 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2022-09-08. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Moderate clarity, visible to about 9.5 ft. Trophic State Index: 45.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 9.5 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 45 | 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 Pickerel Lake (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Pickerel Lake? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Pickerel Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #9 of 10 lakes in Emmet County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Pickerel Lake holds Grade C. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ACrooked LakeEmmet County · 3.3 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- ASpring LakeEmmet County · 6.7 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
Nearby Lakes in Emmet County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in Wisconsin
Cass County · Clarity: 7 ft
Leelanau County · Clarity: 9.5 ft
Iosco County · Clarity: 5.5 ft
Muskegon County · Clarity: 6.8 ft
Gladwin County · Clarity: 9 ft
Montmorency County · Clarity: 9 ft
Mesotrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
EPA Impairment Status
Pickerel 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 MI040700040202-05 · 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: 2022-09-08
Monitoring stations: 1