Lakes are generally clear, deep and free of weeds or large algae blooms. Though beautiful, they are low in nutrients and do not support large fish populations. However, oligotrophic lakes often develop a food chain capable of sustaining a very desirable fishery of large game fish.

Lakes lie between the oligotrophic and eutrophic stages. Devoid of oxygen in late summer, their hypolimnions limit cold water fish and cause phosphorus cycling from sediments.

Lakes are high in nutrients and support a large biomass. They are usually either weedy or subject to frequent algae blooms, or both. They often support large fish populations, but are also susceptible to oxygen depletion. Small, shallow, eutrophic lakes are especially vulnerable to winterkill which can reduce the number and variety of fish. Rough fish are commonly found in these lakes.