Sylvan Lake
Newaygo County, WisconsinLimited DataOligotrophic
Sylvan Lake is a cold, clear oligotrophic lake in Newaygo County, MI. Water quality is graded B based on 1 sampling years through 2022. The lake supports 14 documented fish species including Blacknose shiner, Bluegill, and Bluntnose minnow. Compared to the 16 other monitored lakes in Newaygo County, Sylvan Lake ranks #8 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2022-09-05. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Good clarity, visible to about 13.5 ft. Trophic State Index: 40.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 13.5 ft | B |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 40 | Oligotrophic |
Low nutrients, clear water, excellent for swimming
Fish Species
Click a species to see all Wisconsin and Minnesota lakes where it is found.
→ Best fishing times for Sylvan Lake (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Sylvan Lake? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Sylvan Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #8 of 17 lakes in Newaygo County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Sylvan Lake holds Grade B. One nearby lake has a higher grade.
See full comparison →Nearby Lakes in Newaygo County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade B Lakes in Wisconsin
Lapeer County · Clarity: 9.5 ft
Livingston County · Clarity: 13 ft
Manistee County · Clarity: 11 ft
Lake County · Clarity: 14 ft
Cass County · Clarity: 10.5 ft
Genesee County · Clarity: 10 ft
Oligotrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
EPA Impairment Status
Sylvan 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 MI040601020903-04 · 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: 2022-09-05
Monitoring stations: 1