Sheboygan
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Fish and Aquatic Life
Overview
LITTLE ELKHART LAKE
T16N R21E Sec. 34, Sheboygan County, Sheboygan River Watershed
Surface Acres = 54, S.D.F. = 2.27, Maximum Depth = 25 feet
Little Elkhart Lake is a 54-acre seepage lake, with an irregular shape, bordering an end moraine. In 1986, a water control device was permitted to deal with severe high water conditions. A pipe was inserted about 25 feet underground to create an overflow outlet, which drains to the headwaters of Otter Creek. The lake underwent two complete chemical treatments, in 1961 and 1981, to eradicate an unbalanced fish population. The lake was stocked with northern pike, largemouth bass, walleye, perch, and golden shiners following the 1961 treatment. Largemouth bass and bluegill were restocked after the 1981 treatment. Currently, the fishery is composed of moderate to undersized largemouth bass, bluegills, perch and crappies. The YMCA of Racine, Wisconsin, which operates a camp on the lake, owns more than half of the shoreline. One public access site, with parking, toilets and a picnic area, is available. Hunting is allowed in the area with permission.
Major problems with the lake are the ever-present possibility of winterkill and an abundant aquatic plant community. In 1990, the DNR conducted a Sensitive Area Survey of the lake and identified areas of aquatic vegetation that provide unique fish and wildlife habitat and or had benefits to the water quality. As a result of the survey there are limitations on the use of aquatic herbicides and algaecides. The Little Elkhart lake Sanitary District has recently constructed sewers around the lake, with treatment provided by the Plymouth wastewater treatment plant.
Date 2001
Author Aquatic Biologist
Historical Description
Source: 1968, Surface Water Resources of Sheboygan County
Little Elkhart Lake T16N, R21E, Section 34
Surface Acres = 47.6, S.D.F. = 2.27, Maximum Depth = 21 feet
A fair-sized, seepage lake with an irregular shape bordering the end
moraine. After complete chemical treatment for elimination of an
unbalanced fish population in August 1961, the lake was stocked with
northern pike, largemouth bass, walleye, perch, and golden shiners.
Rehabilitation of this lake has resulted in an excellent game fishery.
Major problems with the lake are wide fluctuations in the water level and
the ever present possibility of winterkill. A township ordinance limits
outboard motor size to 7-1/2 horsepower, which serves to protect natural
habitat. Over half of the shoreline is owned by the Y.M.C.A. of Racine,
Wisconsin, who operate a Boys' Camp on the lake. Two public access sites
with parking and a picnic area, a boat livery, and one resort are
available. Hunting is allowed in the area by permission.
Date 1968
Author Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin
Recommendations
Lakes Planning Grant
Informational Meetings
Aquatic Plant Management Plan
update
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
Monitoring Projects
| WBIC | Official Waterbody Name | Station ID | Station Name | Earliest Fieldwork Date | Latest Fieldwork Date | View Station | View Data |
|---|
| 46000 | Little Elkhart Lake | 603441 | Little Elkhart Lake - Deep Hole | 8/6/1979 | 8/27/2024 | Map | Data |
| 46000 | Little Elkhart Lake | 10021775 | Little Elkhart Lake - C | 7/13/2007 | 7/13/2007 | Map | Data |
| 46000 | Little Elkhart Lake | 10021773 | Little Elkhart Lake - A | 7/13/2007 | 7/13/2007 | Map | Data |
| 46000 | Little Elkhart Lake | 10021781 | Little Elkhart Lake - I | 7/13/2007 | 7/13/2007 | Map | Data |
| 46000 | Little Elkhart Lake | 10017688 | Little Elkhart Lake -- Access - SW Side Of Lake -- Nr Schwaller Dr | 6/3/2003 | 6/26/2024 | Map | Data |
| 46000 | Little Elkhart Lake | 10021776 | Little Elkhart Lake - D | 7/13/2007 | 7/13/2007 | Map | Data |
| 46000 | Little Elkhart Lake | 10021777 | Little Elkhart Lake - E | 7/13/2007 | 8/17/2019 | Map | Data |
| 46000 | Little Elkhart Lake | 603468 | Little Elkhart Lake - Deep Hole | | | Map | Data |
| 46000 | Little Elkhart Lake | 604001 | Little Elkhart Lake - Little Elkhart Lake | | | Map | Data |
| 46000 | Little Elkhart Lake | 10021782 | Little Elkhart Lake - J | 7/13/2007 | 7/13/2007 | Map | Data |
| 46000 | Little Elkhart Lake | 10005796 | Little Elkhart Lake | 8/1/1977 | 3/10/2024 | Map | Data |
| 46000 | Little Elkhart Lake | 10021779 | Little Elkhart Lake - G | 7/13/2007 | 7/13/2007 | Map | Data |
| 46000 | Little Elkhart Lake | 10021778 | Little Elkhart Lake - F | 7/13/2007 | 7/13/2007 | Map | Data |
| 46000 | Little Elkhart Lake | 10021780 | Little Elkhart Lake - H | 7/13/2007 | 7/13/2007 | Map | Data |
| 46000 | Little Elkhart Lake | 10014873 | Little Elkhart Lake Electro | | | Map | Data |
| 46000 | Little Elkhart Lake | 10021774 | Little Elkhart Lake - B | 7/13/2007 | 7/13/2007 | Map | Data |
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Watershed Characteristics
Little Elkhart 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.