Cedar Lake, Sheboygan River Watershed (SH03)
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Cedar Lake, Sheboygan River Watershed (SH03)
Cedar Lake (45100)
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136.51 Acres
Natural Community
Shallow Seepage
Year Last Monitored
2025
Good
 
Manitowoc
Trout Water 
No
Outstanding or Exceptional 
No
Impaired Water 
No

Fish and Aquatic Life

Current Use
Shallow Seepage
Attainable Use
Default FAL
Designated Use
Default FAL

Overview

CEDAR LAKE
T17N, R21E, Sections 23,24, Manitowoc County, Sheboygan Watershed
Surface acres 139, S.D.F. = 1.97, Maximum depth = 26 feet

Cedar Lake is the largest lake in Manitowoc County, with a maximum depth of 21 feet and an average depth of nine feet. It is a landlocked seepage lake in the terminal moraine of the Lake Michigan glacier. The water is clear, hard and alkaline. The littoral bottom is composed of both gravel and muck. The lake is managed for largemouth bass, pan fish and northern pike. Panfish species include bluegill, crappie and common sunfish. This is the largest lake in Manitowoc County and the shoreline is highly developed. Access is available by two town roads, one of which has parking. About 70% of the 18 acres of adjoining wetland are wooded. Waterfowl make limited use of the lake.

Aquatic Plants

A general survey of the aquatic vegetation was conducted by boat. The aquatic plant community is considered to be moderate although there are some areas that have moderate to dense growth of submergents. The aquatic plant community is considered to be moderately diverse with a mixture of tolerant to intolerant species. Bulrushes are present in a limited number of areas, as are both yellow and White Water Lilies. The submergent community includes a variety of pondweeds (Potamogeton sp.), Eel Grass (Valisneria sp.), Najas sp., Water Buttercup (Ranunculus sp.), and Muskgrass (Chara sp.). Table 42 summarizes the species observed during the survey.

Table 32. Aquatic Plants in Cedar Lake, Manitowoc County
Common Name Scientific Name
Pondweed
Flatstemmed Pondweed
Largeleaf Pondweed
Robinson Pondweed
Sago Pondweed

Eel Grass
Bushy Pondweed
Water Buttercup
Bulrush
Sedges

Yellow Water Lily
White Water Lily
Musk Grass Potamogeton sp.
Potamogeton zosterformis
Potamogeton amplifolius
Potamogeton robinsii
Potamogeton pectinatus

Valisneria sp.
Najas sp.
Rannunculus sp.
Juncus sp.
Eleocharis sp.

Nuphar sp.
Nymphaea sp.
Chara sp.


Water Quality

The water quality of Cedar Lake was monitored on May 4 and August 24, 1994. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, pH, and total dissolved solids were measured in the water column. The temperature profiles showed only a slight temperature difference from top to bottom in May and August (Wakeman 1996). The dissolved oxygen profile is slightly more stratified in August than in May however the bottom water had a concentration of 4.2 ppm. The lack of any strong stratification during the summer and the aerobic conditions in the bottom waters will minimize the internal phosphorus load to the lake. The water clarity of Cedar Lake on May 4, 1994 was excellent, the secchi disk could be seen on the bottom in 6.5 meters (20 ft) of water. On August 24, 1994 the water clarity was still very good with a secchi disk reading of 3.5 meters (11.5 ft) (Wakeman 1996).

Trophic Status Index

The Trophic Status Index of Cedar Lake was calculated based upon the existing water quality data. The trophic status index for Cedar Lake is considered to be mesotrophic. A slight downward trend can be observed (Figure 12), however additional monitoring needs to be conducted to determine the significance of this trend.

Date  2001

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Historical Description

Source: 1968, Surface Water Resources of Manitowoc County Cedar Lake, T17N, R21E, Sections 23,24 Surface acres - 139, S.D.F. = 1.97, Maximum depth = 26 feet.

A landlocked seepage lake in the terminal moraine of the Lake Michigan glacier. The water is clear, hard and alkaline. The littoral bottom is composed of both ravel and muck. The lake is managed for largemouth bass, pang fish and northern pike. Panfish species include bluegill, crappie and common sunfish. This is the largest lake in Manitowoc County and has a high development of shoreline for cottages, including one resort, a Boy Scout camp, and two boat rental facilities. Access is available by two town roads, one of which has parking. A county owned access is in the planning stage. About 70% of the 18 acres of adjoining wetland are wooded. Waterfowl make limited use of the lake and hunting is permitted.

Date  1968

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.
Shallow seepage 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.