Pickerel Lake
Lincoln County, WisconsinLimited DataMesotrophic
On the LakeGrade scale Pickerel Lake grades a B, with clarity readings still being added and 20 µg/L of phosphorus placing it above the Wisconsin median.
A TSI near 48 places Pickerel Lake in the mesotrophic band — moderate productivity, with seasonal swings between clearer spring water and richer late-summer conditions. At only 14 ft deep, Pickerel Lake is shallow — wind keeps the water column mixed and sediment resuspension drives phosphorus levels harder to manage. The lake is compact at 49 acres, with partial shoreline records and little volume to buffer nutrient inputs. Among the 18 graded lakes in Lincoln County, Pickerel Lake sits at rank 8, above the county median.
No invasive species are currently listed at Pickerel Lake — the lake remains off the Wisconsin infested-waters roster. The fishery is bass-led, with 3 documented species across the lake's records. 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 2025-08-25. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 20.3 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 48.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No data | |
| Phosphorus | 20.3 µg/L | B |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 48 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 14 ft |
| Surface Area | 49 acres |
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)
Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving
Based on 6 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↑ Improving | +0.329 m/yr | 6 |
| Phosphorus | ↑ Improving | -1.51 µg/L/yr | 6 |
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #8 of 18 lakes in Lincoln County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Pickerel Lake holds Grade B. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
Nearby Lakes in Lincoln County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Pickerel Lake
Other Grade B Lakes in Wisconsin
Mesotrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
WI DNR Lake Profile
Authoritative data from the Wisconsin DNR LakePages. Monitored by volunteers since 1998. 2 stations on file (most recent sample 2025).
Fish Species (DNR-rated)
EPA Impairment Status
Pickerel Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 5).
Causes of impairment
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit WI10007132 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (1.4 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: 2025-08-25
Monitoring stations: 1