Hernando County Lake Quality
Florida, 16 lakes, average grade C (Fair)
There are 16 graded lakes in Hernando County. The mix is varied enough that the county-level average tells you the broad strokes, not the choose-this-cabin specifics. The county average is C — the middle of the rubric, with one or two lakes pulling the average up or down depending on year.
Most of the county's monitored lakes are shallow — under 50 feet — which means wind keeps the water column mixed all summer and sediment-bound phosphorus releases back into the surface layer whenever the bottom is disturbed. Lindsey Lake (B) is the cleanest in the county.
Where to stay near Hernando County
Top-rated places to stay near Hernando County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Hernando County?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Hernando County — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Quick Answers for Hernando County
Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Lindsey Lake — or check the official Florida fishing regulations.
All Lakes in Hernando County
16 lakes · 8 graded, 8 not rated8 graded lakes · 8 not rated, hidden
| # | Lake | Grade | Clarity | Phosphorus | Algae | Trophic | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BLindsey LakeHernando | B | 3.9 ft | 32 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | ✓ Public |
| 2 | BHernando-Hunter LakeHernando | B | 6.3 ft | 14 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded |
| 3 | BHighland Lake CenterHernando | B | 1.6 ft | 22 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded |
| 4 | CMckethan LakeHernando | C | 3.3 ft | 52 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded |
| 5 | DIrvin LakeHernando | D | 1.3 ft | 180 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded |
| 6 | DHernando-Mountain LakeHernando | D | 2.3 ft | 163 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded |
| 7 | DSparkman Lake @ CenterHernando | D | 1 ft | 175 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded |
| 8 | DBlue Sink LakeHernando | D | 2.3 ft | 112.5 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded |
| NRHernando-Sparkman LakeHernando | NR | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded | |
| NRHighland LakeHernando | NR | 0.8 ft | 16 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded | |
| NRHernando-Bystre LakeHernando | NR | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded | |
| NRHernando-Spring LakeHernando | NR | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded | |
| NRTank LakeHernando | NR | 5.1 ft | 18 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded | |
| NRSilver LakeHernando | NR | 2 ft | 85 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | ✓ Public | |
| NRSpring LakeHernando | NR | 7.2 ft | 11 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded | |
| NRMckethan Lake EastHernando | NR | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded |
NR = not rated: there is not enough recent sampling to support a letter. That is EPA Integrated Reporting Category 3 (insufficient information), not a failing grade. How grading works.
Lake Match
Which lake suits how you actually use one?
Six questions — swimming, fishing, quiet, cabins, drive time — and a shortlist of graded lakes that fit, with the water quality behind each one.
Other Counties in Florida
See how Hernando County stacks up in the national county water-quality rankings, or browse the full directory of graded lakes across all 49 states and 2 Canadian provinces.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.