Washington
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No
Yes
Fish and Aquatic Life
Overview
Friess Lake is a small 117-acre drainage lake in Washington County. Much of its shoreline has been developed. The lake suffers from elevated phosphorus levels, excessive algae and occasional dissolved oxygen depletion (WDNR, 1994).
Date 2002
Author Aquatic Biologist
Historical Description
A small, blocked-drainage lake lying across the marshy valley of the upstream portion of the Oconomowoc River. Managed for trout, largemouth bass and panfish, with carp present in sufficient numbers to present a use problem. In 1959, rainbow and cutthroat trout were stocked by a
local sportsmen's group. In 1960, rainbows were stocked. Much of the surrounding area waslowland forest and open swamp before home site development. Five unmarked 15-foot rights-of-way provided limited access and provides water front activities for about 140 boys. Mallards, black ducks and blue-wing teal have been observed to nest here. Waterfowl hunting is permitted and large numbers of diving ducks, and moderate numbers of coots and dabblers are present during the spring and fall migrations. Source: 1963, Surface Water Resources of Washington County Friess Lake - T9N, R19E, See. 17, Surface Acres = 119, S.D.F. = 1.51, Maximum Depth = 51 feet.
A small, blocked-drainage lake lying across the marshy valley of the upstream portion of the Oconomowoc River. Managed for trout, largemouth bass and panfish, with carp present in sufficient numbers to present a use problem. In 1959, rainbow and cutthroat trout were stocked by a local sportsmen's group. In 1960, rainbows were stocked. Much of the surrounding area waslowland forest and open swamp before home site development. Five unmarked 15-foot rights-of-way provided limited access and provides water front activities for about 140 boys. Mallards, black ducks and blue-wing teal have been observed to nest here. Waterfowl hunting is permitted and large numbers of diving ducks, and moderate numbers of coots and dabblers are present during the spring and fall
migrations. Friess Lake - T9N, R19E, See. 17, Surface Acres = 119, S.D.F. = 1.51, Maximum Depth = 51 feet.
Date 1963
Author Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin
Impaired Waters
Friess Lake (WBIC 853200) was placed on the impaired waters list for total phosphorus and excess algal growth in 2016. The 2018 assessments showed continued excess algal growth; new chlorophyll-a sample data exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. Based on the most updated information, no change in the existing impaired waters listing was needed.
Date 2017
Author Ashley Beranek
Impaired Waters
This water was assessed during the 2016 listing cycle; total phosphorus and chlorophyll sample data exceeded 2016 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use, but 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
Recommendations
Lake Classification
Phase 3 of Lake Classification Project. Public Hearing and Ordinance revision adoption for the lakes in Washington County. Dissemination of proposed ordinance changes to the other local units of government. Enforcement of revised zoning provisions related to shorelands, wetlands, and floodlands through current channels. Information to public of changes in Washington County codes by meetings, publicity, pamphlets, and brochures.
Lake Classification
Through this project Washington County will develop a waterbody classification system; review and revise shoreland-wetland and floodplain ordinances; and refine the ordinance provisions governing shorelands, wetlands and floodlands, incorporating the waterbody classification into them.
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 |
|---|
| 853200 | Friess Lake | 10007166 | Friess Lake | 4/19/1965 | 8/14/2024 | Map | Data |
| 853200 | Friess Lake | 10033719 | Friess Lake - Wally and Bee's Landing | 4/6/2011 | 8/28/2023 | Map | Data |
| 853200 | Friess Lake | 673202 | Friess Lake - Deep Hole | 9/18/1980 | 8/28/2024 | Map | Data |
| 853200 | Friess Lake | 653290 | Friess Lake - Friess Lake | 9/17/2015 | 9/17/2015 | Map | Data |
|
Watershed Characteristics
Friess Lake is located in the Oconomowoc River watershed which is 130.86 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily agricultural (24.90%), forest (19.70%) and a mix of wetland (16.90%) and other uses (38.40%). This watershed has 136.99 stream miles, 2,858.66 lake acres and 11,105.19 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.