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.
Watch Thunder Lake water quality
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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.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 2.5 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | 33.1 µg/L | C |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 59 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 12 ft |
| Surface Area | 182 acres |
| Public Access | Yes |
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).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | → Stable | -0.046 m/yr | 6 |
| Phosphorus | ↓ Declining | +3.75 µg/L/yr | 3 |
Recreation & Access
Location
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.
- ADeep Hole LakeOneida County · mi · Two grade letters higher (D → A)
- CBass LakeOneida County · mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- CLake ThompsonOneida County · mi · Higher grade (D → C)
Nearby Lakes in Oneida County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade D Lakes in Wisconsin
Eutrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
WI DNR Lake Profile
Authoritative data from the Wisconsin DNR LakePages. Monitored by volunteers since 2014. 1 station on file (most recent sample 2025).
Fish Species (DNR-rated)
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.
- 2023Thunder Lake fisheries survey, 2023Fisheries Survey · WI DNR · 2023 (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: 2025-09-08
Monitoring stations: 1
Where to stay near Thunder Lake
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