Mud Lake, Eagle River Watershed (UW44)
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Mud Lake (1612500)
116.34 Acres
Natural Community
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.
Reservoir
Year Last Monitored
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.
2023
Poor
 
This is impaired
High Phosphorus Levels, Impairment Unknown
Total Phosphorus
 
Oneida
Trout Water 
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.
No
Outstanding or Exceptional 
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.
No
Impaired Water 
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.
Yes

Fish and Aquatic Life

Current Use
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.
Restricted Aquatic Life
Fish and Aquatic Life communities are not fully supported in this ecosystem.
Attainable Use
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.
Default FAL
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.
Designated Use
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.
Cold
Streams capable of supporting a cold water sport fishery, or serving as a spawning area for salmonids and other cold water fish species. Representative aquatic life communities, associated with these waters, generally require cold temperatures and concentrations of dissolved oxygen that remain above 6 mg/L. Since these waters are capable of supporting natural reproduction, a minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of 7 mg/L is required during times of active spawning and support of early life stages of newly-hatched fish.

Overview

Crystal Lake, T38N, R11E, Section 17 Surface Acres = 112.3, S.D.F. = 1.62, Maximum Depth = 7 feet.

A soft water drainage lake having slightly alkaline light brown water of low transparency. Muck is the principal littoral material (65 percent) with sand (30 percent) and some rock present. The shoreline is predominantly upland (90 percent) with a limited area of wetland adjoining the lake basin. Muskellunge, northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, perch, bluegill, crappie, rock bass, pumpkinseed, bullhead and sucker are found in this lake. Public access without parking as well as navigable water access are available. One resort and 11 dwellings are located on the lakeshore.

Date  

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Mud Lake, Eagle River Watershed (UW44) Fish and Aquatic LifeMud Lake, Eagle River Watershed (UW44) RecreationMud Lake, Eagle River Watershed (UW44) Fish Consumption

Impaired Waters

Mud Lake (WBIC 1612500) was placed on the impaired waters list for total phosphorus in 2016. The 2018 assessment showed continued impairment by phosphorus; new total phosphorus sample data exceeded 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use and Fish and Aquatic Life use; however, chlorophyll data do not exceed REC or FAL thresholds. Based on the most updated information, no change in the existing impaired waters listing was needed.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Mud Lake (WBIC 1612500) was assessed during the 2016 listing cycle; total phosphorus sample data overwhelmingly exceeded 2016 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use; however chlorophyll data did not exceed REC thresholds. Total phosphorus and chlorophyll data did not exceed Fish and Aquatic Life thresholds.

Date  2015

Author  Aaron Larson

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

2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments
Final Draft 2018 Impaired Waters List
Final Assessment Data from TSI Package and Assessment Units 2018
Comprehensive 2018 Lake/Impoundment Water Quality Assessments
AIS Early Detection 2013 Data Form Oneida Mud Lake 1612500
Comprehensive 2016 Lake Reservoir Assessments
Three Lakes Chain Comprehensive Management Plan Individual Lake Data 2014
Three Lakes Chain - Oneida County, Wisconsin - Comprehensive Management Plan - September 2013
Mud Lake, Oneida County (1612500) - Aquatic Plant Sampling Map (38 mpts)
Mud Lake, Oneida County (1612500) - Garmin Text File
Lake Bathymetry Map for Mud Lake

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
THREE LAKES WATERFRONT ASSOCIATION: Three Lakes Chain Mgt. Planning - Ph. 2 Big Stone Lake2011
THREE LAKES WATERFRONT ASSOCIATION: Three Lakes Chain Mgt. Planning Project - Ph. 1 Big Stone Lake2011
THREE LAKES WATERFRONT ASSOCIATION: Three Lakes Chain Mgt. Planning Project - Ph. 1 Crystal Lake2011
TOWN OF THREE LAKES: Town of Three Lakes Education Prevention & Planning Project2008
THREE LAKES WATERFRONT ASSOCIATION: Three Lakes Chain Mgt. Planning Project - Ph. 1 Deer Lake2011
THREE LAKES WATERFRONT ASSOCIATION: Three Lakes Chain Mgt. Planning Project - Ph. 3 Virgin Lake2011
THREE LAKES WATERFRONT ASSOCIATION: Three Lakes Chain Mgt. Planning Project - Ph. 1 Dog Lake2011
THREE LAKES WATERFRONT ASSOCIATION: Three Lakes Chain Mgt. Planning Project - Ph. 1 Laurel Lake2011
THREE LAKES WATERFRONT ASSOCIATION: Three Lakes Chain Mgt. Planning Project - Ph. 2 Laurel Lake2011
THREE LAKES WATERFRONT ASSOCIATION: Three Lakes Chain Mgt. Planning Project - Ph. 2 Crystal Lake2011
THREE LAKES WATERFRONT ASSOCIATION: HLR - Shoreland Restoration Project2021
THREE LAKES WATERFRONT ASSOCIATION: Three Lakes Chain Mgt. Planning Project - Ph. 2 Deer Lake2011
THREE LAKES WATERFRONT ASSOCIATION: Three Lakes Chain Environmental Monitoring Phase II - Crystal2021
Fish Propagation Actions2001
TOWN OF THREE LAKES: AIS Boat Inspection, Education, Rapid Response & Adopt a Shoreline Project2006
TOWN OF THREE LAKES: AIS Education, Prevention & Planning Project2007
THREE LAKES WATERFRONT ASSOCIATION: Three Lakes Chain Mgt. Planning Project - Ph. 2 Dog Lake2011

Monitoring Projects

WBICOfficial Waterbody NameStation IDStation NameEarliest Fieldwork DateLatest Fieldwork DateView StationView Data
1612300Deer Lake10004584Deer Lake7/27/19999/30/2017MapData
1612500Mud Lake10004585Mud Lake (Oneida County)7/27/19999/30/2017MapData
1612500Mud Lake443081Crystal (Mud) Lake - Deep Hole T38 R11 S177/30/19798/31/2023MapData
1612500Mud Lake10018922Mud Lake -- Access Nr Hwy 45MapData
1612400Crystal Creek10004585Mud Lake (Oneida County)7/27/19999/30/2017MapData
1599500Eagle River10004584Deer Lake7/27/19999/30/2017MapData
1612400Crystal Creek10004584Deer Lake7/27/19999/30/2017MapData

Watershed Characteristics

Mud Lake is located in the Eagle River watershed which is 181.70 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (55.60%), wetland (28%) and a mix of open (12.90%) and other uses (3.50%). This watershed has 146.13 stream miles, 15,720.03 lake acres and 32,094.84 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Not Ranked for runoff impacts on streams, High for runoff impacts on lakes and Low for runoff impacts on groundwater and therefore has an overall rank of Low. 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.

Natural Community

Mud Lake is considered a Reservoir under the state's Natural Community Determinations.

Natural communities (stream and lake natural communities) represent model results and DNR staff valiation processes that confirm or update predicted conditions based on flow and temperature modeling from historic and current landscape features and related variables. Predicated flow and temperatures for waters are associated predicated fish assemblages (communities). Biologists evaluate the model results against current survey data to determine if the modeled results are corect and whether biological indicators show water quaity degradation. This analysis is a core component of the state's resource management framework. Wisconsin's Riverine Natural Communities.