Whitefish Lake
Vilas County, WisconsinLimited DataOligotrophic
Whitefish Lake carries a solid B grade — strong on most parameters, with measurements that hold up well across the summer season. Sub-grades cluster within a single letter of each other, which usually means the lake is in stable trophic balance rather than fighting one specific stressor.
The lake's low TSI puts it in oligotrophic territory — the cleanest of the four trophic classes, but also the most vulnerable to nutrient-driven shifts. Whitefish Lake reaches 40 ft at its deepest point — typical for Wisconsin mid-sized lakes, with seasonal stratification but limited cold-water refuge. At 200 acres, Whitefish Lake fits the Wisconsin median for monitored lakes, with partial shoreline records. Whitefish Lake ranks 86 of 191 in Vilas County — solidly in the upper half of the local distribution.
Whitefish Lake has no invasive species recorded in Wisconsin state databases as of 2022, though prevention practices still apply at all access points. The fishery includes walleye alongside the lake's other 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 2022-08-26. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Good clarity, visible to about 14 ft. Trophic State Index: 39.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 14 ft | B |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 39 | Oligotrophic |
Low nutrients, clear water, excellent for swimming
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 40 ft |
| Surface Area | 200 acres |
Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
→ Best fishing times for Whitefish Lake (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Whitefish Lake? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Whitefish Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #86 of 191 lakes in Vilas County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Whitefish Lake holds Grade B. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
Nearby Lakes in Vilas County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade B Lakes in Wisconsin
Oligotrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
WI DNR Lake Profile
Authoritative data from the Wisconsin DNR LakePages. 2 stations on file (most recent sample 2022).
Fish Species (DNR-rated)
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
Most recent sample: 2022-08-26
Monitoring stations: 1
Where to stay near Whitefish Lake
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