Shelby County Lake Quality
Iowa, 6 lakes, average grade F (Very Poor)
Shelby County has 6 graded lakes — a thin enough sample that one or two stressed lakes can move the county average noticeably. Use the per-lake pages below for what actually matters. The county average is F — the most-stressed bracket in our rubric. Most monitored lakes here show persistent nutrient loading and algal pressure.
The county's lakes lean shallow, which makes the grades sensitive to wind, sediment-resuspension, and any nutrient inputs from the watershed. The cleanest lake on the books is Manteno Lake (D); the most-stressed is Prairie Rose Lake (F).
Quick Answers for Shelby County
Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Manteno Lake — or check the official Iowa fishing regulations.
All Lakes in Shelby County
| Rank | Lake | Grade | Clarity | Phosphorus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manteno Lake | D | 2.7 ft | - |
| 2 | Prairie Rose Lake | F | 1.6 ft | - |
Other Counties in Iowa
See how Shelby County stacks up in the national county water-quality rankings, or browse the full directory of graded lakes across all 15 states.
Where to stay near Shelby County
Top-rated places to stay near Shelby 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 Shelby County?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Shelby County — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.