Torch Lake
Torch Lake in Antrim County, Michigan is not rated for water quality — its monitoring record does not meet the evidence bar. Water clarity: 30 ft visibility. Maximum depth: 250 ft. Surface area: 18713.5 acres.
- Clarity
- 30 ft
- Max depth
- 250 ft
- Area
- 18,714 acres
- Trend
- → Stable
- Public access
- Yes
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Free interactive depth-contour map of Torch Lake, reaching a maximum surveyed depth of 250 ft. Toggle Depth contours to overlay the bathymetric survey lines. Contour data from Michigan DNR.
Why Torch 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 Torch Lake, the only measurement available is water clarity, which is not a water-quality indicator on its own — EPA's National Lakes Assessment does not grade clarity. Sampling here has recorded water clarity, but not phosphorus and algae (chlorophyll-a).
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.
Torch Lake is a 18,714-acre lake in Antrim County, Michigan with a maximum depth of 250 feet. The lake supports 3 documented fish species including Atlantic salmon, Deepwater sculpin, and Lake herring. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, EGLE, last sampled 2022-09-13. Grade methodology: LakeQuality methodology.
Watch Torch Lake water quality
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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 Torch Lake
These readings exist but are not enough for an A–F grade — see why.
Crystal clear, you can see 30 ft down. Trophic State Index: 28.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 30 ft | Not graded |
| Phosphorus | No recent samples | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No recent samples | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 28 | Oligotrophic |
Low nutrients, clear water, excellent for swimming
Where to stay near Torch Lake
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Torch Lake in Antrim 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 Torch Lake
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Planning a trip? Cabins and lodging at Torch Lake → · more Michigan lake trips
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 250 ft |
| Surface Area | 18,714 acres |
| Public Access | Yes |
Recreation & Access
- Maplehurst Natural AreaPublic
Named access points in the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory, within about 3 miles. More lakes with boat ramps
Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Torch Lake
Invasive & Introduced Species
Red chips are ecologically harmful invasive species. Gray chips are stocked or introduced fish that aren't a current ecological concern.
Source: USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Database. Hover a chip to see scientific name, ecological context, status, and first-observed year.
Water Quality Trend: → Stable
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | → Stable | -0.108 m/yr | 5 |
EPA Impairment Status
Torch Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 5).
Causes of impairment
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit MI040601050305-01 · Official waterbody report
Graded lakes near Torch Lake
Torch Lake has no grade, but these lakes within a short drive do.
Nearby Lakes in Antrim County
Frequently asked questions about Torch Lake
Where is Torch Lake?
- Torch Lake is a lake in Antrim 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 Torch Lake?
- Torch Lake in Antrim County, Michigan is not rated for water quality — its monitoring record does not meet the evidence bar. Water clarity: 30 ft visibility. Maximum depth: 250 ft. Surface area: 18713.5 acres.
Is Torch Lake safe to swim in?
- Not rated for swimming — there is not enough monitoring data to judge this lake. Torch Lake is not rated for water quality — its monitoring record does not meet the evidence bar. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
How deep is Torch Lake?
- Torch Lake has a maximum depth of 250 feet. The lake covers 18713.5 acres.
What fish are in Torch Lake?
- Fish species found in Torch Lake include Atlantic salmon, Deepwater sculpin, Lake herring. Torch Lake is located in Antrim County, Michigan.
Are there boat ramps on Torch Lake?
- Torch Lake has 1 documented boat landing in the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory. Named access points include Maplehurst Natural Area. Public access is listed as yes.
Explore Torch Lake across LakeQuality
Depth, room, public access, and the state wake-sport rules
Fish species and top-graded lakes across Michigan
Fish species and best lakes in Antrim County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
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Where to stay at Michigan's top lakes, each with its grade
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Where this data comes from
96 measurements from 1 monitoring station, 2016–2022. Retrieved from the EPA Water Quality Portal on 2026-08-26.
Collected and reported by
- North American Lake Management Society
NALMS96 samples · 2016–2022
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
Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database
Named boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory