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.
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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.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 15.2 ft | A |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 38 | Oligotrophic |
Low nutrients, clear water, excellent for swimming
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 35 ft |
| Surface Area | 381 acres |
| Public Access | Yes |
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.
Recreation & Access
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #2 of 191 lakes in Vilas County
Nearby Lakes in Vilas County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade A Lakes in Wisconsin
Washington County · Clarity: 11.8 ft
Washington County · Clarity: 12.6 ft
Walworth County · Clarity: 11 ft
Waukesha County · Clarity: 11.3 ft
Walworth County · Clarity: 20.2 ft
Kenosha County · Clarity: 10 ft
Oligotrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
WI DNR Lake Profile
Authoritative data from the Wisconsin DNR LakePages. 1 station on file (most recent sample 2021).
Fish Species (DNR-rated)
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.
- 2025Razorback Lake spring summary report, 2025Fisheries Survey · WI DNR · 2025 (PDF)
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
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