Van Etten Lake
Iosco County, WisconsinLimited DataEutrophic
Van Etten Lake is a 1,320-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Iosco County, MI. Water quality is graded D based on 1 sampling years through 2022. The lake supports 1 documented fish species including American eel. Compared to the 7 other monitored lakes in Iosco County, Van Etten Lake ranks #8 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2022-09-08. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk
Water Quality Grade: D, Poor
Murky, only visible to about 5.5 ft. Trophic State Index: 53.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 5.5 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 53 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 1.3K acres |
Fish Species
Click a species to see all Wisconsin and Minnesota lakes where it is found.
→ Best fishing times for Van Etten Lake (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Van Etten Lake? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Van Etten Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #8 of 8 lakes in Iosco County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Van Etten Lake holds Grade D. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- AJewell Lake West BasinAlcona County · 18.7 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → A)
- AChain Lakes East BasinIosco County · 24 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → A)
- BCedar Lake Central Basin; Greenbush Township Section 27Alcona County · 4 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → B)
- CVan Etten Lake North Central Basin; Oscoda TownshipIosco County · 0.4 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
Nearby Lakes in Iosco County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade D Lakes in Wisconsin
Newaygo County · Clarity: 4.5 ft
Chippewa County · Clarity: 1.5 ft
Alger County · Clarity: 6.2 ft
Chippewa County · Clarity: 1.3 ft
Cass County · Clarity: 6 ft
Gogebic County · Clarity: 4.5 ft
Eutrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Van Etten Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Van Etten Lake Dam (completed 1947), built primarily for recreation on the Pine River; earth-type dam, 9 ft tall and 150 ft long.
- Surface area
- 1,320 ac
- Normal storage
- 2,100 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 5,040 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 281.67 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- Iosco County
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID MI00737 · Operator website
EPA Impairment Status
Van Etten Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 5).
Causes of impairment
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit MI040700070609-04 · 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: 2022-09-08
Monitoring stations: 1