Sheboygan
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No
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Fish and Aquatic Life
Overview
Ellen Lake, in the North Branch Milwaukee River Watershed, is a 111.94 acre lake that falls in Sheboygan County. This lake is managed for fishing and swimming and is currently not considered impaired.
Date 2011
Author Aquatic Biologist
Historical Description
Lake Ellen Subwatershed is located in the northcentral portion of the watershed and consists of two intermittent
streams, a small pond and Lake Ellen.
Lake Ellen is a 121 acre, seepage lake maximum depth of 47 feet and a mean depth of 23 feet.
Lake Ellen stratiefies in both summer and winter. Hardwood swamp wetlands adjoin the southwestern portion of the
lake. The outlet of Lake Ellen discharges to the North Branch in the Cascade Swamp Subwatershed. Phosphorus
loading to the lake does not appear to be a significant problem, but contributes to moderate algal blooms and some
nuisance aquatic vegetation. A spring-fed tributary which flows through tely owned pond and discharges to the
north side of the lake has historical upstream manure storage problems, pasturing and a failing septic system
which have contributed to high bacteria and nutrient levels in the stream, and ultimately to Lake Ellen. I
Although these problems have been substantially corrected, perceived issues by area residents continue. Practically
speaking, low flows in this tributary and the pond's natural function as a sediment and nutrient trap, it may be some
time before the pond ceases discharge of accumulated pollutants to Lake Ellen. Conflicting use by boaters, skiers and
anglers is a major recreational use problem in the lake. To help reduce these conflicts, areas of the lake have been
designated for specific uses.
The intermittent tributary entering the east shore of Lake Ellen was not evaluated.
No toxic screening has been conducted on streams in this drainage system.
Fisheries. Lake Ellen supports a warm-water sport fishery and is currently managed for bass, panfish, northern pike
and walleye. Fisheries for the latter two species are supplemented by stocking because existing spawning habitat is
limited. Overharvest however, appears to be the most significant factor limiting sustainable fisheries for these species.
Survival of stocked walleye has been poor in this lake and is scheduled for reevaluation. Trout have also been stocked
in the distant past. Overall, surveys suggest that this lake may be best managed for the self-sustaining populations of
largemouth bass and panfish. Aquatic vegetation and insufficient spawning areas may also be important factors limiting
the current fishery and require further evaluation.
Date 1990
Author Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin
Historical Description
Source: 1968, Surface Water Resources of Sheboygan County Ellen Lake T14N, R21E, Section 29, 32 Surface Acres = 110, S.D.F. = 1.33, Maximum Depth = 48 feet.
One of the largest natural lakes in the county; fertile and highly productive water. Gradual decline of northern pike spawning grounds and no known natural reproduction of walleyes warrants periodic stocking of these species to supplement native population. Bass, bluegills, northern pike, and walleyes constitute the core of the fishery. The lake was formerly managed for trout. Conflicting use by boaters, water skiers, and fishermen presents a major use problem. Periodic algae blooms, turbid water, and minor fluctuations in water level are problems confronting the use and esthetic value of the resource. At times, the outlet functions as an inlet. Buoys have been placed in certain areas to help segregate and rectify conflicting activities. The presence of rough fish may impose future management problems. Three resorts, 2 boat rentals, camping area, and a public access with parking are available. Twenty-five acres of adjoining wetlands (mixed hardwood swamp) have significantvalue for wildlife in the area.
Date 1968
Author Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin
General Condition
Lake Ellen (WBIC 32500) was assessed during the 2018 listing cycle; new total phosphorus and chlorophyll-a sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use and the Fish and Aquatic Life use. This water was meeting these designated uses and was not considered impaired.
Date 2017
Author Ashley Beranek
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
Monitoring Projects
| WBIC | Official Waterbody Name | Station ID | Station Name | Earliest Fieldwork Date | Latest Fieldwork Date | View Station | View Data |
|---|
| 32500 | Lake Ellen | 603311 | Lake Ellen - Deep Hole | 8/20/1985 | 10/4/2024 | Map | Data |
| 32500 | Lake Ellen | 10005788 | Lake Ellen | 4/8/1980 | 8/29/2024 | Map | Data |
| 32500 | Lake Ellen | 10017684 | Lake Ellen -- Access - DNR Land - End Of Ellen View Rd | 6/18/2005 | 8/22/2024 | Map | Data |
|
Watershed Characteristics
Lake Ellen is located in the North Branch Milwaukee River watershed which is 149.67 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily agricultural (45.40%), grassland (20.30%) and a mix of wetland (15.50%) and other uses (18.80%). This watershed has 159.81 stream miles, 886.38 lake acres and 13,793.69 wetland acres.
Nonpoint Source Characteristics
This watershed is ranked High for runoff impacts on streams, High 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.