Lake Noquebay

{{Infobox body of water

| name = Lake Noquebay

| native_name =

| other_name =

| image = Lake Noquebay Loon Lake Realty.jpg

| caption = Lake Noquebay

| image_bathymetry =

| alt_bathymetry =

| caption_bathymetry =

| location = Marinette County, Wisconsin, United States

| coords = {{coord|45.25661650|-87.90839120|type:waterbody_region:US-WI|display=inline,title}}

| type = Drainage

| etymology =

| part_of =

| rivers =

| inflow = Middle Inlet, Lower Middle Inlet, Upper Inlet{{cite web |title=Lake Noquebay Rehabilitation District - Comprehensive Lake Management Plan for Lake Noquebay |url=https://www.marinettecounty.com/departments/land-information/lake-associations/lake-noquebay-rehabilitation-district-po-box-552-crivitz-wi-54114/ | pages=Main page, Comprehensive Lake Management Plan for Lake Noquebay, Comprehensive Lake Management Plan for Lake Noquebay App B | website=Marinette County Official Website |accessdate=13 November 2020}}

| outflow = Peshtigo River, The Outlet

| oceans =

| catchment =

| basin_countries = United States

| agency = Wisconsin DNR

| designation =

| length =

| width =

| area = {{convert|2398|acre|km2}}

| depth = {{convert|15|ft|m}}

| max-depth = {{convert|51|ft|m}}

| volume = {{convert|23985.54|acre.ft}}

| residence_time =

| salinity =

| shore = {{convert|9.8|mi|km}}

| elevation = {{convert|659|ft|abbr=on}}

| temperature_high =

| temperature_low =

| frozen =

| islands = East Island, Unnamed Island (designated "LN10")

| islands_category =

| sections =

| trenches =

| benches =

| cities = Crivitz

| pushpin_map = Wisconsin#USA

| pushpin_label_position =

| pushpin_map_alt = Location of Lake Noquebay in Wisconsin, USA.

| pushpin_map_caption =

| website =

| reference =

}}

Lake Noquebay ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|n|ɑː|k|ə|b|i|}} {{respell|NAH|kə|bee}}) is a large freshwater lake in northeastern Wisconsin. It is the largest lake in Marinette County. It is located north of Green Bay, Wisconsin, approximately {{convert|4|mi|km}} northeast of Crivitz, Wisconsin.Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. [http://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/maps/DNR/0525900a.pdf Lake Survey Map: Noquebay Lake, Marinette County].

Name

Lake Noquebay was spelled Noque Bay{{cite news|title=Wisconsin Men in Fire |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34420329/lake_noquebay/ |newspaper=The Watertown News |date=May 25, 1906 |page=2 |via = Newspapers.com |accessdate = July 31, 2019}} {{Open access}} or Nocque Bay{{cite news|title=Cancer of Face Causes Death of a Farmer|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9292869/joseph_mcvane_18461913/|newspaper=The Green Bay Gazette|date=April 25, 1913|page=9|via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = March 3, 2017 }} {{Open access}} in older sources. The name is believed to derive from Ojibwe noka or noke, meaning 'totem of the bear', and is likely a French interpretation to the names of Bay de Noc and the Noquet tribe. The implication of this naming would suggest that this area was important to the Noquet tribe's bear clan.{{cite book |last1=Vogel |first1=Virgil J. |title=Indian Names on Wisconsin's Map |date=1991 |publisher=University of Wisconsin Press |location=Madison |pages=19–20}}{{cite news|title=Indian Names Abound in State, Charlie Gives Meaning of Some |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34420282/lake_noquebay/ |newspaper=Appleton Post-Crescent |date=March 24, 1960 |page=10 |via = Newspapers.com |accessdate = July 31, 2019}} {{Open access}}

History

The Lake Noquebay Wildlife area was acquired by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) in 1960 from Marinette County. The WDNR manages the wildlife and structures within this area. Changes include creation of two flowages and removal of a control structure.{{cite web |title=Lake Noquebay wildlife area |url=https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lands/WildlifeAreas/lakenoquebay.html |website=Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |accessdate=13 November 2020}}

Statistics

The lake is approximately {{convert|2|mi|km}} by {{convert|4|mi|km}} and has an area of about {{convert|2410|acre|km2}}. The nearest settlement to the lake is Crivitz {{convert|4|mi|km}} to the southwest. There are three other nearby towns: Wausaukee {{convert|8|mi|km}} to the north, and Pound {{convert|12|mi|km}} and Coleman {{convert|13|mi|km}} to the south-southwest. The lake has three small tributaries: Upper Inlet, Middle Inlet, and Lower Middle Inlet. Smith Creek is a tributary of Lower Middle Inlet.

The Lake Noquebay Dam, constructed in 1929 at the southwest corner of the lake, maintains the water level between {{convert|664.95|ft|m}} and {{convert|666.2|ft|m}}; the dam is officially known as the Lake Noquebay WP301 Dam or SENW Dam. The Lake Noquebay Wildlife Area 2WP1975 Dam is located {{convert|1|mi|km|}} east of the lake on Upper Inlet.{{Cite web|title=Lake Noquebay WP301 Dam Topo Map in Marinette County, Wisconsin|url=https://www.anyplaceamerica.com/directory/wi/marinette-county-55075/dams/lake-noquebay-wp301-dam-1793449/|access-date=2020-11-19|website=www.anyplaceamerica.com}}

Boating is accessible via four landings, including a fishing pier at the north access.{{cite web |title=Lake Noquebay |url=https://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/LakePages/LakeDetail.aspx?wbic=525900 |website=Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |accessdate=13 November 2020}}{{cite web |title=Lake Noquebay - North Access details |url=https://dnrmaps.wi.gov/LF_ShowDetails/boats.aspx?ID=2064 |website=Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Maps |accessdate=13 November 2020}} The lake is historically noted for its large population of bluegills, making up approximately 70% of panfish. These bluegill are naturally maintained and require no intervention to sustain their size and abundance.{{cite news|title=Noquebay Means Bluegills |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34420143/lake_noquebay/ |newspaper=Green Bay Press-Gazette |date=June 17, 1992 |page=20 |via = Newspapers.com |accessdate = July 31, 2019}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=In Search of Noquebay Bluegills |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34420145/lake_noquebay/ |newspaper=Green Bay Press-Gazette |date=June 12, 1983 |page=43 |via = Newspapers.com |accessdate = July 31, 2019}} {{Open access}}

Water quality

Lake Noquebay's average summer trophic level is 49, based on the measurements taken in the past five years with a Secchi disk. This is considered to be average for this type of lake. Historical data beginning in 1993 show a rise in trophic level that has not culminated in any significant shift. The coloration of the water is slightly opaque, indicating that it is slightly alkaline. This is likely due to the chlorophyll averages of {{convert|6|µg/L|gr/USoz|sp=us|abbr=on}} in summer caused by algal blooms. Another indicator, total phosphorus, averaged {{convert|19.4|µg/L|gr/USoz|sp=us|abbr=on}} in summer, allowing for an insignificant but noticeable algal bloom. The Trophic state index measured suggests a mesotrophic lake, and all other data correlate with an average lake of this type.{{Cite web|url=https://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/lakepages/LakeDetail.aspx?wbic=525900&page=waterquality|access-date=2020-11-21|website=dnr.wi.gov|title=Lake Noquebay - Deep Hole}}{{Cite journal|last1=Wolf|first1=Veronika|last2=Kuhn|first2=Thomas|last3=Krämer|first3=Martina|date=2019-11-09|title=On the Dependence of Cirrus Parametrizations on the Cloud Origin|journal=Geophysical Research Letters|volume=46|issue=21|pages=12565–12571|doi=10.1029/2019gl083841|bibcode=2019GeoRL..4612565W |issn=0094-8276|doi-access=free}} The littoral substrate is composed of 5% exposed gravel/rock, 25% muck, and 70% sand.{{cite web |title=Lake Noquebay Facts & Figures |url=https://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/LakePages/LakeDetail.aspx?wbic=525900&page=facts |website=Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |accessdate=13 November 2020}}

Climate

Data from 1971 to 2000 have been collected showing average monthly high and low and temperatures along with average annual precipitation. The average temperature trend reaches its highest in July, at {{convert|79.9|F|C}}, and its lowest in January, at {{convert|0.1|F|C}}. The average precipitation trend is highest in September, at {{convert|3.71|in|cm}}, and lowest in February, at {{convert|0.89|in|cm}}.{{Cite web|title=Lake Noquebay WP301 Dam Topo Map in Marinette County, Wisconsin|url=https://www.anyplaceamerica.com/directory/wi/marinette-county-55075/dams/lake-noquebay-wp301-dam-1793449/|access-date=2020-11-21|website=www.anyplaceamerica.com}}

class="wikitable"

|+Climate of Lake Noquebay

!Month

!Avg High Temp {{ref|temps|A}}

!Avg Low Temp {{ref|temps|A}}

!Avg Precipitation {{ref|precip|B}}

Jan

|{{convert|23.9|F|C}}

|{{convert|0.1|F|C}}

|{{convert|1.18|in|cm}}

Feb

|{{convert|28.9|F|C}}

|{{convert|4.6|F|C}}

|{{convert|0.89|in|cm}}

March

|{{convert|39.1|F|C}}

|{{convert|16.1|F|C}}

|{{convert|1.88|in|cm}}

April

|{{convert|53.6|C|F}}

|{{convert|28.2|C|F}}

|{{convert|2.49|in|cm}}

May

|{{convert|67.9|F|C}}

|{{convert|39.5|F|C}}

|{{convert|3.26|in|cm}}

June

|{{convert|76.1|F|C}}

|{{convert|49.1|F|C}}

|{{convert|3.51|in|cm}}

July

|{{convert|79.9|F|C}}

|{{convert|53.8|F|C}}

|{{convert|3.29|in|cm}}

Aug

|{{convert|77.6|F|C}}

|{{convert|52.7|F|C}}

|{{convert|3.67|in|cm}}

Sept

|{{convert|68.6|F|C}}

|{{convert|43.4|F|C}}

|{{convert|3.71|in|cm}}

Oct

|{{convert|56.6|F|C}}

|{{convert|32.3|F|C}}

|{{convert|2.27|in|cm}}

Nov

|{{convert|40.5|F|C}}

|{{convert|21.0|F|C}}

|{{convert|2.19|in|cm}}

Dec

|{{convert|28.1|F|C}}

|{{convert|8.0|F|C}}

|{{convert|1.49|in|cm}}

{{note|temps|A}}The average temperatures were originally recorded in degrees Fahrenheit.

{{note|precip|B}}The average precipitation was originally recorded in inches.

Fish

A 2014 fish management report shows a sample of 8,941 fish representing 20 species and 1 hybrid in Lake Noquebay.{{cite web |last1=Long |first1=Christopher |title=2014 Fish Management Report |url=https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/documents/reports/MarinetteLakeNoquebay2014Comprehensive.pdf |website=Wisconsin DNR |publisher=LAKE NOQUEBAYMarinette County2014 Fish Management ReportChristopher C. Long – Senior Fisheries Biologist Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |access-date=12 December 2020}}

class="wikitable"

|+Fish Species Abundance {{ref|additional fish|A}}

!Name

!Amount collected {{ref|stocking|C}}

!Avg size

!Min size

!Max Size

Bluegill {{ref|age|B}}

|5,222 (58%)

|{{convert|6.3|in}}

|{{convert|2.4|in}}

|{{convert|10.1|in}}

Black crappie

|1,344 (15%)

|{{convert|7.6|in}}

|{{convert|4.6|in}}

|{{convert|12.5|in}}

Northern pike

|482 (5%)

|{{convert|18.4|in}}

|{{convert|9.5|in}}

|{{convert|34.5|in}}

Walleye

|287 (3%)

|{{convert|17|in}}

|{{convert|5.4|in}}

|{{convert|24.7|in}}

Largemouth bass

|200 (2%)

|{{convert|12.3|in}}

|{{convert|5.8|in}}

|{{convert|17.9|in}}

{{note|additional fish|A}} Additionally yellow perch, hybrid fish, bullhead species (yellow, black, and brown), various sucker and redhorse species were collected. The data above account for over 83% of fish sampled.

{{note|age|B}}Age ranged from 2 to 10 years.

{{note|stocking|C}} Fish populations have been maintained by stocking. It is noted, however, that natural reproduction of walleye was reported at very low levels. Warm waters cause walleye to move in and out of spawning areas for longer time periods.

Aquatic plants

There are about 32 aquatic plant species in Lake Noquebay according to a 2007 aquatic plant survey. The abundant plant species discovered at about 40% of the sample are bushy pondweed (Najas flexilis), variable-leaf watermilfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum), and muskgrass (Chara (alga) sp.) The aquatic species found at 18% of the sample include large-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton amplifolius), coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum), Illinois pondweed (Potamogeton illinoensis), variable-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton gramineus), and flat-stem pondweed (Potamogeton zosteriformis).{{Cite web|title=Aquatic Plant Sampling Maps|url=https://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/plants/samplingmaps/SamplingMapDetail.aspx?wbic=525900|access-date=2020-11-21|website=dnr.wi.gov}}

Attached to clam shells and attached to stems of variable-leaf milfoil are zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) throughout the lake. In shallow water there are banded mystery snails (Viviparus georgianus), feeding on algae and detritus in sediment.

Maintenance

A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the Lake Noquebay Anglers Partnership, is dedicated and committed to improving Lake Noquebay's public use by making improvement efforts toward fish population and habitat, water quality, public access (regular and handicap), and recreational use.{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/lakenoquebay/ |website=Lake Noquebay Anglers Partnership|title=Lake Noquebay Anglers Partnership - Facebook group |access-date=12 December 2020}} Lake Noquebay's Anglers Partnership Inc. was created in November 2013. The organization stocked 7,000 yellow perch ranging from 5 to 7 inches in October 2019. As of February 2020, over 10,000 yellow perch have been stocked. The Wisconsin Walleye Initiative, overseen by Lake Noquebay's Anglers Partnership and Wisconsin DNR, stocked 12,000 walleye in September 2016 and 12,000 walleye in October 2018. Walleye stocked were 6 to 8 inches.{{cite web |title=The Wisconsin Walley Initiative |url=https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/outreach/WalleyeInitiative.html |website=Wisconsin DNR}}

The funding provided to the Wisconsin Walleye Initiative is used in part with the Summer Tribal Youth Program, providing tribal youth opportunities to work with conservation projects such as the initiative.{{cite web |title=Summer Tribal Youth Program |url=https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/aid/STYP.html |website=Wisconsin DNR |access-date=12 December 2020}}

Additionally, in 2015 a handicap accessible fishing pier was repaired on the north shore of the lake. This was funded by donations through these organizations. A Boat launch was promoted by the installation of a handicap accessible public pier in 2017.

The non-profit organizations also created a man-made reef in March 2015, to promote walleye spawning.{{Cite web|title=Peshtigo Times Wisconsin Community Newspaper|url=http://www.peshtigotimes.net/?id=39361|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221023303/http://www.peshtigotimes.net/?id=39361|url-status=usurped|archive-date=February 21, 2020|access-date=2020-11-29|website=www.peshtigotimes.net}}

Environmental concerns

Lake Noquebay is confirmed to contain the banded mystery snail, rusty crayfish, and zebra mussel in its waters as well as non-native phragmites in the surrounding grounds.{{cite web |title=Lake Noquebay invasive species list |url=https://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/lakepages/LakeDetail.aspx?wbic=525900&page=invasive |website=Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |accessdate=November 13, 2020}} In addition, Aquatic forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) and Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) have been observed but not verified.

Over 270 homes and four resorts are located on the shorelines of Lake Noquebay. Since 1975 the Lake Noquebay Rehabilitation District manages the plants, pollution run-off, and water quality of the lake. Their responsibilities also include the operations and maintenance of the dam. Their efforts have greatly reduced the phosphorus runoff from nearby farmlands. Historical data show that for several decades phosphorus levels have been increasing with an unknown cause. Phosphorus levels in 2018 were {{convert|25-30|µg/L|gr/USoz|sp=us|abbr=on}}. The aquatic ecosystems of northeast Wisconsin, phosphorus water levels average about 19 micrograms per liter. A nutrient study had been planned for 2018 by the Lake Rehabilitation District to measure the amounts of phosphorus entering the aquatic system and possibly locate the source. The study could take three years to complete and will be partly funded by Wisconsin DNR Lake Management Planning program grant.{{Cite web|last=Myszka|first=Amber|date=2018-04-17|title=Study to Examine Lake Noquebay Phosphorus Levels {{!}} Bay Cities Radio|url=https://thebaycities.com/bay-cities/study-to-examine-lake-noquebay-phosphorus-levels/|access-date=2020-11-19|language=en-US}} In June 2020, PFAS-contaminated biosolids were tested in water wells of nearby agricultural fields, which seem to be approaching Lake Noquebay. Four water wells in the area had samples reflecting detection levels above 20 parts per trillion of PFOA and/or PFOS. Two additional water wells had PFAS positive detections that show levels between reporting limit and 20 parts per trillion. Although, these were detected nearby, actual testing of Lake Noquebay was not determined at that time.{{Cite web|last=Myszka|first=Amber|date=2020-06-24|title=PFAS Detected at high levels in wells Near Lake Noquebay {{!}} Bay Cities Radio|url=https://thebaycities.com/updates/pfas-detected-at-high-levels-in-wells-near-lake-noquebay/|access-date=2020-11-19|language=en-US}}

Recreation

Lake Noquebay is popular year round with boating, fishing, snowmobiling, water skiing. Lake Noquebay County Park lies on the south shore of the lake and includes picnic areas with grills, a playground, restrooms, a boat launch (with rentals), a sandy beach, and an indoor pavilion with changing booths for swimmers. The Crivitz Ski Cats Waterski Club performs weekly in the summer.{{cite web |title=Crivitz Ski Cats website |url=http://www.crivitzskicats.org/ |website=Crivitz Ski Cats Water Ski Show Team Official Website}}

In addition, there is a 1,300-acre wildlife area, including a 662-acre sedge meadow officially designated as a natural area, on the east side of the lake. This area consists mostly of marshy, lowland vegetation with some cedars also present in the swamps. This area is popular for birding, fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing, and edible plant gathering. In addition, it is used for cross-country skiing, hiking, and snowmobiling, but there is only a defined trail for snowmobiling.{{cite web |title=Lake Noquebay Wildlife Area |url=https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lands/WildlifeAreas/lakenoquebay.html |website=Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |accessdate=13 November 2020}}{{cite web |title=Lake Noquebay Sedge Meadow |url=https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Lands/naturalareas/index.asp?SNA=561 |website=Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |accessdate=13 November 2020}}

Wisconsin lakes are popular for ice fishing. Lake Noquebay's Fish-O-Rama has been a popular event, that has previously taken place in the brisk cold month of February. This ice fishing event has awarded cash prizes for the catch of the longest fish in seven fish categories. Double prizes have been given for the live release of fish catches.

References

{{gnis|1570331}}

Category:Bodies of water of Marinette County, Wisconsin

Category:Lakes of Marinette County, Wisconsin

Category:Reservoirs in Wisconsin

Category:Protected areas of Marinette County, Wisconsin