Lake Wolf

Lake Wolf is a very shallow (6 feet), mucky-bottomed, naturally stained 'transition' type lake located in Western Highlands County, north of SR 66.  Based on Lakewatch data, water quality in this lake is poor due to high levels of nutrients, which are probably of a natural origin.  Phosphorus levels in Lake Wolf range from an 100 to an extremely high 273 ppb (parts per billion) and average an extremely high 191 ppb.  Nitrogen levels are also fairly high, though generally still within expected limits for a lake of this type, ranging from 670 to 1550 ppb and averaging 1096 ppb.  Despite the high nutrient levels, algae populations, as estimated by the chlorophyll concentration in the water, are low in this lake.  This may be due to heavy natural staining of the water that reduces light penetration needed for algal growth.  Chlorophyll concentrations range from 5 to 27 ppb and average only 14 ppb, much less than expected for a lake with such high nutrient levels.  Water clarity, as measured by the depth to which a standardized 'secchi' disc can be seen when lowered into the water, is quite low in spite of low algae levels due to the deeply stained water.  Secchi depths range from 0.1 to 2 feet and average only 0.9 feet.  There is insufficient data to determine whether there has been a change in water quality since Lakewatch sampling began in 1999.  Click here to view water quality data by year.

The boat ramp on Lake Wolf is located at the west end of the lake.  Take State Road 66 west from US 27 to Orange Blossom Blvd (on the north side of the road).  At the end of Orange Blossom Road, turn left and follow the road through several turns.  The boat ramp is to the right, just off of Lakeside Drive West.

Historic aerial photo gallery 1944-2002

Lakewatch water quality data through 1999