Spring Lake, Waupaca River Watershed (WR05)
Spring Lake, Waupaca River Watershed (WR05)
Spring Lake (267200)
38.17 Acres
Two-Story
2025
Poor
 
This springs-lake is impaired
High Phosphorus Levels
Total Phosphorus
 

Overview

Spring Lake is a clear, hard water lake located five miles southwest of Amherst. One inlet, Mack Creek, and numerous springs provide a good supply of cold vater to the lake. Mack Creek and Spring Creek, the outlet, are both important trout streams. Large portions of the lake bottom are covered with marl which appears to have been mined at one tire. Sand, silt, and rubble compose the remainder of the littoral bottom materials. The lake is managed for both warm and cold water species. Brook, brown, and rainbow trout make up the cold water fishery. Perch, largemouth bass, bluegills, rock bass, pumpkinseed, white sucker, and forage fish are the warm water species present. The most significant wildlife use of this lake is as a "duck factory." Several broods of mallard and teal were observed. Migratory waterfowl also use the lake. Developments are limited to eight dwellings, several of which are trailer houses. Two public access sites, one on the north and another on the south side, both with gravel boat launching ramps are available. Neither offers much parking space. No picnicking or other recreation facilities are present.

Source: 1972, Surface Water Resources of Portage County Spring Lake, T22N, R10E, Section 7, Surface Acres-36.5, S.D.F.- 2.61, Maximum Depth-42 feet.

Date  1972

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Natural communities (stream and lake natural communities) represent model results that use predicted flow and temperature based on landscape features and related assumptions. Ranges of flow and temperature associated with specific aquatic life communities (fish, macroinvertebrates) help biologists identify appropriate resource management goals. Wisconsin Natural Communities.
This is the most recent date of monitoring data stored in SWIMS. Additional surveys for fish and habitat may be available subsequent to this date.
Trout Waters are represented by Class I, Class II or Class III waters. These classes have specific ecological characteristics and management actions associated with them. For more information regarding Trout Classifications, see the Fisheries Trout Class Webpages.
Wisconsin has designated many of the state's highest quality waters as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs) or Exceptional Resource Waters (ERWs). Waters designated as ORW or ERW are surface waters which provide outstanding recreational opportunities, support valuable fisheries and wildlife habitat, have good water quality, and are not significantly impacted by human activities. ORW and ERW status identifies waters that the State of Wisconsin has determined warrant additional protection from the effects of pollution. These designations are intended to meet federal Clean Water Act obligations requiring Wisconsin to adopt an 'antidegradation' policy that is designed to prevent any lowering of water quality - especially in those waters having significant ecological or cultural value.
A water is polluted or 'impaired' if it does not support full use by humans, wildlife, fish and other aquatic life and it is shown that one or more of the pollutant criteria are not met.
The use the water currently supports. This is not a designation or classification; it is based on the current condition of the water. Information in this column is not designed for, and should not be used for, regulatory purposes.
Fish and Aquatic Life communities are not fully supported in this ecosystem.
The use that the investigator believes the water could achieve through managing "controllable" sources. Beaver dams, hydroelectric dams, low gradient streams, and naturally occurring low flows are generally not considered controllable. The attainable use may be the same as the current use or it may be higher.
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.
This is the water classification legally recognized by NR102 and NR104, Wis. Adm. Code. The classification determines water quality criteria and effluent limits. Waters obtain designated uses through classification procedures.
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.