Beaver Lake, Oconomowoc River Watershed (UR09)
Return to Search
Beaver Lake, Oconomowoc River Watershed (UR09)
Beaver Lake (774400)
Go to Lakes Page
313.46 Acres
Natural Community
Deep Headwater
Year Last Monitored
2024
Excellent
 
Waukesha
Trout Water 
No
Outstanding or Exceptional 
No
Impaired Water 
No

Fish and Aquatic Life

Current Use
Deep Headwater
Attainable Use
Default FAL
Designated Use
Default FAL

Overview

Beaver Lake is a medium sized (316 acres), seepage fed lake in the kettle moraine. This lake has two basins of similar size. The outlet is impounded by a lowhead structure and flows intermittently to Pine Lake. The water is clear over a sand and marl bottom. WDNR has developed a walk-in access site on the southwest shoreline. The fishery consists of largemouth bass, northern pike and pan fish, notably yellow perch and bluegills. One boat livery provides a small amount of transient angler opportunity. The lake was treated for nuisance plant growth in 1958, but weeds are not considered a use problem. The lake is bordered by very irregular terrain, enhancing the aesthetic value of this waterbody. Waterfowl hunting is somewhat restricted due to extensive shore development of year round homes.

The Beaver Lake Yacht Club and Beaver Lake Environmental Protection Association are active on the lake, according to WDNR's 1994-95 Lake List. No lake management grants have been awarded to Beaver Lake and no volunteers are currently participating in the WDNR Self-Help Monitoring program.

Date  2002

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Historical Description

Source: 1963, Surface Water Resources of Waukesha County Beaver Lake T8N, R18E, Sections 27 and 28 Surface Acres = 316, S.D.F. = 1.45, Maximum Depth = 49 feet.

A medium-sized, seepage-fed lake in the kettle moraine. This lake has two basins of nearly equal size. The outlet is impounded by a low head structure and flows intermittently to Pine Lake. The water is clear over a sand and marl bottom. A state highway provides access without nearby parking. It is not considered as suitable for public use. The fishery consists of largemouth bass, northern pike, and pan fish, notably yellow perch and bluegills. One boat livery provides a small amount of transient angler opportunity. The lake was treated for weed control in 1958, but weeds are not considered as a use problem. The lake is bordered by land of very irregular terrain, enhancing the aesthetic value of dds body of water. Waterfowl hunting is somewhat restricted due to extensive shore development for year-round homes.

Date  1963

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.
Deep headwater 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.