Vern Wolf Lake
Kenosha County, WisconsinLimited DataEutrophic
Vern Wolf Lake earns a D — measurements through 2024 show persistent nutrient pressure that limits clarity through the summer.
A TSI in the eutrophic range signals a lake doing what nutrient-loaded waters do — supporting an active algal community at the cost of clear water. At only 12 ft deep, Vern Wolf Lake is shallow — wind keeps the water column mixed and sediment resuspension drives phosphorus levels harder to manage. At 150 acres, Vern Wolf Lake fits the Wisconsin median for monitored lakes, with partial shoreline records. Vern Wolf Lake ranks 11 of 13 in Kenosha County — at the lower end of the locally monitored distribution.
Eurasian watermilfoil is established at Vern Wolf Lake, which can dampen recreational access and pressure the native plant community. The fishery includes walleye among the lake's 4 documented species — a notable draw for Wisconsin anglers. Monitoring depth is thin here: the LakeGrade rubric is applied to a small number of sample years, and the grade will be revised as more data accumulates.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Wisconsin DNR Surface Water, last sampled 2024-08-13. 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
Murky, only visible to about 6.5 ft. Trophic State Index: 50.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 6.5 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 50 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 12 ft |
| Surface Area | 150 acres |
Fish Species
Click a species to see all Wisconsin and Minnesota lakes where it is found.
→ Best fishing times for Vern Wolf Lake (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Vern Wolf Lake? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Vern Wolf Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Invasive & Introduced Species
Red chips are ecologically harmful invasive species. Gray chips are stocked or introduced fish that aren't a current ecological concern.
Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving
Based on 2 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↑ Improving | +1 m/yr | 2 |
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #11 of 13 lakes in Kenosha County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Vern Wolf Lake holds Grade D. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
Nearby Lakes in Kenosha County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Vern Wolf Lake
Other Grade D Lakes in Wisconsin
Eutrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
WI DNR Lake Profile
Authoritative data from the Wisconsin DNR LakePages. 1 station on file (most recent sample 2024).
Fish Species (DNR-rated)
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Vern Wolf Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Bong Recreation Area 8 (completed 1972), built primarily for recreation on the TR. BRIGHTON CREEK; earth-type dam, 10 ft tall and 100 ft long.
- Surface area
- 158 ac
- Normal storage
- 600 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 900 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 2.1 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID WI01149 · Operator website · Matched by proximity (0.44 km)
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2024-08-13
Monitoring stations: 1