Updated August 2026
Best Lakes For…
Six rankings, each one a filter on measured data rather than an opinion: a lake only appears if the readings behind it clear that activity’s bar. Every list also breaks down by state, across the 38 jurisdictions LakeQuality grades.
Safe Swimming Lakes
Ranked by water-quality grade, algae, and E. coli bacteria testing — the three things that decide whether water is safe to swim, not how it looks.
30 states · see the ranking →
Cleanest Lakes
Secchi clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a on one uniform A–F scale, so lakes in different states are actually comparable.
35 states · see the ranking →
Kayaking Lakes
Grade A and B water, no known access restrictions, and 50–2,000 acres — big enough for a route, small enough to cross.
26 states · see the ranking →
Cabin Lakes
Grade A or B water, 100–5,000 acres, 20+ ft deep, with documented game fish. The lakes worth buying on.
2 states · see the ranking →
Family Fishing Lakes
Panfish-rich water — bluegill, crappie, perch — with public access and safe water quality. Built for kids and beginners.
3 states · see the ranking →
Ice Fishing Lakes
Walleye, crappie, perch and panfish, plus public access and ice-season data.
2 states · see the ranking →
Looking for something else? Browse every graded lake, pick a state, or read how we grade.