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Torch Lake

Antrim County, WisconsinLimited DataOligotrophic

Torch Lake is a cold, clear oligotrophic lake in Antrim County, MI. Water quality is graded A based on 1 sampling years through 2022. The lake supports 3 documented fish species including Atlantic salmon, Deepwater sculpin, and Lake herring. Compared to the 5 other monitored lakes in Antrim County, Torch Lake ranks #1 for water quality.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2022-09-13. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

Swimming Safety

Excellent for swimming, crystal clear water with minimal algae

Water Quality Grade: A, Excellent

Crystal clear, you can see 27.5 ft down. Trophic State Index: 29.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)27.5 ftA
PhosphorusNo data
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)No data
Trophic State Index (TSI)29Oligotrophic

Low nutrients, clear water, excellent for swimming

Fish Species

Atlantic salmonDeepwater sculpinLake herring

Click a species to see all Wisconsin and Minnesota lakes where it is found.

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

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

→ Torch Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #1 of 6 lakes in Antrim County

Nearby Lakes in Antrim County

A
Birch Lake
Antrim County
A
Elk Lake
Antrim County
B
Clam Lake
Antrim County
B
Elk Lake
Antrim County
C
Lake Bellaire
Antrim County

More Wisconsin Lake Rankings

Cleanest lakes in Wisconsin

Top 25 by overall water quality score

Best swimming lakes in Wisconsin

Grade A/B + low algae filter

Family fishing lakes in Wisconsin

Panfish-rich, public access

All Wisconsin lakes

Full state directory

Other Grade A Lakes in Wisconsin

Chippewa Lake Northeast Basin; Chippewa Township

Mecosta County · Clarity: 12.8 ft

Lake Ann Southeast Basin; Almira Township Section 26

Benzie County · Clarity: 13.5 ft

Windover Lake South Basin; Freeman Township

Clare County · Clarity: 15 ft

Squaw Lake

Kalkaska County · Clarity: 16 ft

Moon Lake Central Basin; Watersmeet Township

Gogebic County · Clarity: 18 ft

Camp Lake

Iron County · Clarity: 16 ft

Oligotrophic Lakes in Wisconsin

Lake Ann Southeast Basin; Almira Township Section 26Windover Lake South Basin; Freeman TownshipSquaw LakeMoon Lake Central Basin; Watersmeet Township

EPA Impairment Status

Torch Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 5).

Causes of impairment

DioxinsMercuryPesticidesPCBs

A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.

Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit MI040601050305-01 · 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: 2022-09-13

Monitoring stations: 1