Larks Lake
Larks Lake in Emmet County, Michigan is not rated for water quality — its monitoring record does not meet the evidence bar. Phosphorus: 12.3 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 4.6 µg/L. Maximum depth: 9 ft. Surface area: 591.5 acres.
- Typical in July
- 76°F
- Max depth
- 9 ft
- Area
- 592 acres
- Trend
- ↑ Improving
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Free interactive depth-contour map of Larks Lake, reaching a maximum surveyed depth of 9 ft. Toggle Depth contours to overlay the bathymetric survey lines. Contour data from Michigan DNR.
Why Larks Lake has no grade
We grade a lake only when the monitoring record supports a letter: at least three phosphorus or chlorophyll-a samples in the last ten years, scored against EPA National Lakes Assessment thresholds for this lake’s ecoregion. For Larks Lake, no nutrient or algae measurement meets the evidence bar (at least 3 samples within 10 years). Sampling here has recorded phosphorus and algae (chlorophyll-a), but not water clarity.
Not Rated is not an F. It is EPA Integrated Reporting Category 3 — insufficient information. The water here may be excellent or poor; nobody has measured enough of it to say. Everything below that has been measured is still reported on this page.
Sampling is run by EGLE and volunteer programs, and published through the EPA Water Quality Portal. Read the full grading methodology.
Larks Lake is a 592-acre lake in Emmet County, Michigan with a maximum depth of 9 feet. Overall water quality is improving over recent sampling years.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, EGLE, last sampled 2021-10-20. Grade methodology: LakeQuality methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Not ratedLimited data
Not rated for swimming — there is not enough monitoring data to judge this lake
Water quality measurements for Larks Lake
These readings exist but are not enough for an A–F grade — see why.
No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 12.3 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 4.6 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 43.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No recent samples | |
| Phosphorus | 12.3 µg/L | Not graded |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 4.6 µg/L | Not graded |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 43 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Where to stay near Larks Lake
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Larks Lake in Emmet County, Michigan — live availability and prices for your trip. Switch the map to Satellite to see the lake and how close each stay is to the water.
Top-rated places to stay near Larks Lake
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Water Temperature
Larks Lake typically sits around 76°F at the surface in July. Summer average is about 76°F. Usually warmest in Jul (about 76°F) and coldest in Feb (about 39°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 9 field readings (2015–2021) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Larks Lake water temperature breakdown →
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 9 ft |
| Surface Area | 592 acres |
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS).
Fishing Larks Lake
Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving
Based on 2 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus | ↑ Improving | -3.8 µg/L/yr | 2 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↑ Improving | -1.5 µg/L/yr | 2 |
Graded lakes near Larks Lake
Larks Lake has no grade, but these lakes within a short drive do.
Nearby Lakes in Emmet County
Frequently asked questions about Larks Lake
Where is Larks Lake?
- Larks Lake is a lake in Emmet County, Michigan. LakeQuality has not rated this lake (UNRATED) — there is not enough recent sampling to assign a letter.
What is the water quality grade for Larks Lake?
- Larks Lake in Emmet County, Michigan is not rated for water quality — its monitoring record does not meet the evidence bar. Phosphorus: 12.3 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 4.6 µg/L. Maximum depth: 9 ft. Surface area: 591.5 acres.
Is Larks Lake safe to swim in?
- Not rated for swimming — there is not enough monitoring data to judge this lake. Larks Lake is not rated for water quality — its monitoring record does not meet the evidence bar. Algae concentration (chlorophyll-a) is 4.6 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
What is the water temperature of Larks Lake?
- Larks Lake typically sits around 76°F at the surface in July, from 9 EPA Water Quality Portal field readings (2015–2021). That is a typical value for the month, not a live reading.
How deep is Larks Lake?
- Larks Lake has a maximum depth of 9 feet. The lake covers 591.5 acres.
Explore Larks Lake across LakeQuality
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Where this data comes from
14 measurements from 1 monitoring station, 2018–2021. Retrieved from the EPA Water Quality Portal on 2026-08-26.
Collected and reported by
- Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
LTBBWATR_WQX14 samples · 2018–2021
Analytical methods
- Total Phosphorus After Block Digestion
- 4500 P F ~ Phosphorus in Water by Colorimetry Automated Ascorbic Acid Method
- 10200 H ~ Chlorophyll a-b-c Determination
Monitoring station identifiers (1)
Grade thresholds from the EPA National Lakes Assessment (EPA 841-R-24-006, Table 6-3), applied by ecoregion. See how grades are calculated and data sources.
Other records on this page
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)