Sheboygan
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Fish and Aquatic Life
Overview
GERBER'S LAKE
T16N, R21E, Section 35 (11, 12, 9); MWBIC - 0056600, Sheboygan County, Sheboygan Watershed
Surface Acres = 22, S.D.F. = 1.78, Maximum Depth = 37 feet
In actuality, the lake consists of two contiguous basins connected by a navigable channel. They are often referred to as Big Gerber (15.2 acres, 37 feet deep) and Little Gerber (6.8 acres, 21 feet deep). The lakes are spring fed, with some intermittent seepage from a nearby spring pond and a small tributary which drains the majority of the watershed. A wide navigable outlet on the south side gradually narrows to a small stream, which enters Otter Creek which drains to the Sheboygan River.
Moderate to severe amounts of agricultural runoff is contributing to the water quality problems of Little Gerber and is creating optimum conditions for carp. The water in the smaller basin is turbid compared to relatively clear water in the larger lake. However, both experience moderately heavy algae blooms in most summers. Both lakes were monitored between 1990 and 1992 as part of the Sheboygan River Priority Watershed Project. Based upon limited dissolved oxygen and temperature profiles the two lakes do not appear to turnover in the spring or fall of the year (i.e. amictic) (Wakeman 1996). This unusual characteristic may actually be helping to protect the water quality from the nonpoint source loadings which are entering the lakes.
The lakes are reputable for excellent largemouth bass and bluegill fishing; especially utilized since development of a public access on the north shore of Little Gerber. A local ordinance prohibits outboard motors. Surrounding lands are nearly in one ownership, limiting development to a point where the waters have attributes of wilderness lakes. Migratory waterfowl probably utilize the area during the spring and fall.
Aquatic Plants
The aquatic plant community was not evaluated as part of this study.
Water Quality
The dissolved oxygen and temperature profile of Upper and Lower Gerber Lakes was surveyed in 1994. A significant amount of monitoring was completed as part of the Sheboygan River Priority Watershed Appraisal Process (WDNR 1993).
The water quality of Upper Gerber Lake is significantly influenced by the fact that the lake is amictic (does not turnover) which is atypical of the lakes in southeastern Wisconsin. Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles of Upper and Lower Gerber Lake were measured on May 4, 1994. Typically during the spring the lakes should be well mixed, however the profiles indicated that the lake was still stratified. This characteristic has a strong influence on the overall observed water quality of Upper Gerber Lake.
Trophic Status Index
The Trophic Status Index of Upper Gerber Lake is shown in Figure 11. Based upon historical water quality information Upper Gerber Lake is considered to be Meso-Eutrophic. However because of amictic nature of this small lake the true level of productivity may be masked by the permanent stratification.
Date 2001
Author Aquatic Biologist
Historical Description
Source: 1968, Surface Water Resources of Sheboygan County
Gerber's Lake T16N, R21E, Section 35 (11, 12, 9)
Surface Acres = 22, S.D.F. = 1.78, Maximum Depth = 37 feet
In actuality, the lake consists of two contiguous basins connected
by a navigable channel. They are often referred to as Big Gerber (15.2
acres, 37 feet deep) and Little Gerber (6.8 acres, 21 feet deep). The
lakes are springfed, with some intermittent seepage from a nearby spring
pond. A wide navigable outlet on the south side gradually narrows to a
small stream which enters Otter Creek--then to the Sheboygan River.
Moderate to considerable amounts of agricultural fertility contributed by
the watershed to Little Gerber are creating optimum conditions for carp.
The water in the smaller basin is turbid compared to relatively clear
water in the larger segment. However, both experience moderately heavy
algae blooms in most summers. The lakes are reputable for excellent
largemouth bass and bluegill fishing; especially utilized since
development of a public access on the north shore of Little Gerber. A
local ordinance prohibits outboard motors. Surrounding lands are nearly
in one ownership, limiting development to a point where the waters have
attributes of wilderness lakes. Migratory waterfowl probably utilize the
area during the spring and fall, but none were observed at the time of
the visit.
Date 1968
Author Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin
Condition
Wisconsin has over 84,000 miles of streams, 15,000 lakes and milllions of acres of wetlands. Assessing the condition of this vast amount of water is challenging. The state's water monitoring program uses a media-based, cross-program approach to analyze water condition. An updated monitoring strategy (2015-2020) is now available. Compliance with Clean Water Act fishable, swimmable standards are located in the Executive Summary of Water Condition in 2018. See also the 'monitoring and projects' tab.
Reports
Management Goals
Wisconsin's Water Quality Standards provide qualitative and quantitative goals for waters that are protective of Fishable, Swimmable conditions [Learn more]. Waters that do not meet water quality standards are considered impaired and restoration actions are planned and carried out until the water is once again fishable and swimmable
Management goals can include creation or implementation of a Total Maximum Daily Load analysis, a Nine Key Element Plan, or other restoration work, education and outreach and more. If specific recommendations exist for this water, they will be displayed below online.
Monitoring
Monitoring the condition of a river, stream, or lake includes gathering physical, chemical, biological, and habitat data. Comprehensive studies often gather all these parameters in great detail, while lighter assessment events will involve sampling physical, chemical and biological data such as macroinvertebrates. Aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish communities integrate watershed or catchment condition, providing great insight into overall ecosystem health. Chemical and habitat parameters tell researchers more about human induced problems including contaminated runoff, point source dischargers, or habitat issues that foster or limit the potential of aquatic communities to thrive in a given area. Wisconsin's Water Monitoring Strategy was recenty updated.
Grants and Management Projects
| Project Name (Click for Details) | Year Started |
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Monitoring Projects
| WBIC | Official Waterbody Name | Station ID | Station Name | Earliest Fieldwork Date | Latest Fieldwork Date | View Station | View Data |
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| 56600 | Gerber Lake | 603482 | Gerber Lake - Outlet | 6/17/2003 | 10/15/2003 | Map | Data |
| 56600 | Gerber Lake | 10014826 | Gerber Lake And Little Gerber Lake | | | Map | Data |
| 56600 | Gerber Lake | 603091 | Big Gerber Lake - Deepest Point | 2/17/1977 | 8/17/2019 | Map | Data |
| 56600 | Gerber Lake | 10005807 | Gerber Lake | 6/1/1997 | 8/29/2019 | Map | Data |
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Watershed Characteristics
Gerber Lake is located in the Sheboygan River watershed which is 260.12 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily agricultural (47.30%), grassland (17.60%) and a mix of wetland (16.70%) and other uses (18.30%). This watershed has 340.24 stream miles, 4,345.33 lake acres and 27,968.05 wetland acres.
Nonpoint Source Characteristics
This watershed is ranked Not Available for runoff impacts on streams, Not Available for runoff impacts on lakes and High for runoff impacts on groundwater and therefore has an overall rank of High. This value can be used in ranking the watershed or individual waterbodies for grant funding under state and county programs.However, all waters are affected by diffuse pollutant sources regardless of initial water quality. Applications for specific runoff projects under state or county grant programs may be pursued. For more information, go to surface water program grants.