Skip to main content
LakeQuality
A

Razorback Lake

Vilas County, WisconsinLimited DataOligotrophic

On the LakeGrade rubric, Razorback Lake pulls an A: clarity at 15.2 ft and phosphorus readings still being added put it in the top bracket for Wisconsin. Sub-grades cluster within a single letter of each other, which usually means the lake is in stable trophic balance rather than fighting one specific stressor.

A TSI value of 38 puts Razorback Lake in the oligotrophic range, where biological productivity stays low and the water column remains clear. A maximum depth of 35 ft puts Razorback Lake in the middle of Wisconsin's depth distribution. Razorback Lake covers 381 acres alongside partial shoreline records — a mid-sized water that supports a working fishery without being so large that conditions diverge between basins. Razorback Lake ranks 2 of 191 in Vilas County, putting it in the upper tier of locally monitored lakes.

Eurasian watermilfoil is established at Razorback Lake, which can dampen recreational access and pressure the native plant community. The fishery includes walleye alongside the lake's other 6 documented species — a notable draw for Wisconsin anglers. A documented public access point at Razorback 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 2021-08-03. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

Watch Razorback Lake water quality

Subscribe for LakeQuality updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Swimming Safety

Excellent for swimming, crystal clear water with minimal algae

Water Quality Grade: A, Excellent

Crystal clear, you can see 15.2 ft down. Trophic State Index: 38.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)15.2 ftA
PhosphorusNo data
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)No data
Trophic State Index (TSI)38Oligotrophic

Low nutrients, clear water, excellent for swimming

Lake Details

CharacteristicValue
Maximum Depth35 ft
Surface Area381 acres
Public AccessYes

Fish Species

Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.

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

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

Razorback Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)

Invasive & Introduced Species

Red chips are ecologically harmful invasive species. Gray chips are stocked or introduced fish that aren't a current ecological concern.

Banded Mystery SnailChinese Mystery SnailEurasian Water-Milfoil

Recreation & Access

1
Boat Landings
Yes
Public Access

Location

Loading map…

County Ranking

Ranked #2 of 191 lakes in Vilas County

Nearby Lakes in Vilas County

WI DNR Lake Profile

Authoritative data from the Wisconsin DNR LakePages. 1 station on file (most recent sample 2021).

Fish Species (DNR-rated)

Panfish(Common)Largemouth Bass(Common)Smallmouth Bass(Common)Northern Pike(Common)Walleye(Common)Musky(Present)

DNR Reports & Resources

Wisconsin DNR Fisheries scientists publish multi-year survey reports for Razorback Lake covering fish populations, stocking, water quality, and management. 1 report on file.

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

Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory

Most recent sample: 2021-08-03

Monitoring stations: 1

Where to stay near Razorback Lake

Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Razorback Lake in Vilas County, Wisconsin — live availability and prices for your trip.

Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.