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LakeQuality
D

Thunder Lake

Oneida County, WisconsinEutrophic

Thunder Lake earns a D — measurements through 2025 show persistent nutrient pressure that limits clarity through the summer. Secchi readings are the weakest of the three parameters, suggesting suspended sediment or algal biomass dominates the optical signal.

Eutrophic conditions are the baseline here: clarity drops noticeably in late summer, and dissolved oxygen near the bottom can become a concern. Thunder Lake is a shallow lake at 12 ft maximum depth, which means it warms quickly, mixes constantly, and amplifies nutrient inputs. The lake's 182 acres and partial shoreline records put it in the mid-range bucket — large enough for varied use, small enough that watershed inputs reach the whole basin. Thunder Lake ranks 103 of 134 in Oneida County — at the lower end of the locally monitored distribution.

Thunder Lake has no invasive species recorded in Wisconsin state databases as of 2025, though prevention practices still apply at all access points. Walleye are documented at Thunder Lake, one of 6 fish species on record for the lake. 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 2025-09-08. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

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Swimming Safety

Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk

Water Quality Grade: D, Poor

Very murky, less than 2.5 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 33.1 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 59.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)2.5 ftF
Phosphorus33.1 µg/LC
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)No data
Trophic State Index (TSI)59Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Lake Details

CharacteristicValue
Maximum Depth12 ft
Surface Area182 acres
Public AccessYes

Fish Species

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

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

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

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

Water Quality Trend: Declining

Based on 6 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).

MetricTrendChange/YearYears
Water Clarity Stable-0.046 m/yr6
Phosphorus Declining+3.75 µg/L/yr3
See year-by-year chart →

Recreation & Access

2
Boat Landings
Yes
Public Access

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #103 of 134 lakes in Oneida County

Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles

Thunder Lake holds Grade D. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.

See full comparison →

Nearby Lakes in Oneida County

WI DNR Lake Profile

Authoritative data from the Wisconsin DNR LakePages. Monitored by volunteers since 2014. 1 station on file (most recent sample 2025).

DNR Assessment
Good · Reservoir lake
Trophic State Index 54 (eutrophic) · 5-year average

Fish Species (DNR-rated)

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

DNR Reports & Resources

Wisconsin DNR Fisheries scientists publish multi-year survey reports for Thunder 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: 2025-09-08

Monitoring stations: 1

Where to stay near Thunder Lake

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

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