Helen Lake, Upper Little Wolf River Watershed (WR07)
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Helen Lake, Upper Little Wolf River Watershed (WR07)
Helen Lake (287200)
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88.79 Acres
Natural Community
Shallow Seepage
Year Last Monitored
2025
Good
 
Portage
Trout Water 
No
Outstanding or Exceptional 
No
Impaired Water 
No

Fish and Aquatic Life

Current Use
Shallow Seepage
Attainable Use
Default FAL
Designated Use
Default FAL

Overview

Helen Lake, in the Upper Little Wolf River Watershed, is a 88.79 acre lake that falls in Portage County. This lake is managed for fishing and swimming and is currently not considered impaired.

Date  2011

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Historical Description

Source: 1972, Surface Water Resources of Portage County

Lake Helen, T25N, R10E, Sections 25, 26, Surface Acres-78.4,
S.D.F.-1.26, Maximum Depth-18 feet
Lake Helen is a moderately hard water seepage lake located two
miles east of Rosholt. The water is very clear and warm. The
littoral zone is extensive, covering approximately 80 percent of
the lake. Sand is the basic bottom material with small areas of
silt also present. Firm sand bottom next to shore provides good
swimming around most of the lake. There are no inlets, but an
intermittent outlet flows into Flume Creek. The lake appears to
have been very scenic at one time, however, the shoreline is now
platted with over 60 cottages already present. More are being
built and even lots in a field across the road which runs around
the lake are being developed. Population density will soon be one
of this lake's biggest problems. Other developments are one small
resort and one boat rental. A small public access and picnic area
are present; however, no boat launching site or swimming beach is
available. northern pike, perch, bluegill, and pumpkinseed are the
most common fish species. Others present include walleye,
largemouth bass, black crappie, and white sucker. The lake is
frequently subject to winterkill, the latest having occurred during
the winter of 1968-69. Use of the lake by wildlife is light. A
few muskrats are present and small numbers of migrating waterfowl
may use the lake.

Date  1972

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

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.
Shallow seepage lake describes the depth and location of the lake in a watershed. These variables affect the lakes response to watershed variables.
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.