Benzie County Lake Quality
Michigan, 35 lakes, average grade B (Good)
There are 35 graded lakes in Benzie County. The mix is varied enough that the county-level average tells you the broad strokes, not the choose-this-cabin specifics. With an average grade of B, Benzie County sits comfortably above the Michigan median.
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. Sanford Lake (A) is the cleanest in the county.
Quick Answers for Benzie County
Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Sanford Lake, whether the fish are safe to eat, and the best times to fish — or check the official Michigan fishing regulations.
Fishing in Benzie County
All Lakes in Benzie County
| Rank | Lake | Grade | Clarity | Phosphorus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanford Lake | A | 15.8 ft | - |
| 2 | Round Lake | A | 15 ft | - |
| 3 | Crystal Lake | A | 32 ft | - |
| 4 | Round Lake | A | 15 ft | - |
| 5 | Lake View; Almira Twp | A | 18 ft | - |
| 6 | Lower Herring Lake East Basin; Blaire Township | A | 16 ft | - |
| 7 | Lake View | A | 18 ft | - |
| 8 | Lime Lake | A | 17.5 ft | - |
| 9 | Ransom Lake | A | 15 ft | - |
| 10 | Loon Lake | A | 12.1 ft | 15 µg/L |
| 11 | Otter Lake | A | 12 ft | - |
| 12 | Pearl Lake Central Basin | A | 13 ft | - |
| 13 | Upper Woodcock Lake; Almira Twp | A | 11 ft | - |
| 14 | Loon Lake; Lake Twp | A | 12 ft | - |
| 15 | Lake Ann | B | 13.8 ft | - |
| 16 | Pearl Lake | B | 13 ft | - |
| 17 | Long Lake | B | 11.5 ft | - |
| 18 | Otter Lake | B | 12 ft | - |
| 19 | Turtle Lake | B | 10.8 ft | - |
| 20 | Turtle Lake South Basin; Inland Township | B | 13 ft | - |
| 21 | Loon Lake | B | 12 ft | - |
| 22 | Lower Herring Lake | B | 13.8 ft | - |
| 23 | Lower Woodcock Lake | B | 12.3 ft | - |
| 24 | Lower Woodcock Lake; Almira Twp | B | 12.3 ft | - |
| 25 | Sanford Lake | B | 14.5 ft | - |
| 26 | Upper Woodcock Lake | B | 11 ft | - |
| 27 | Upper Herring Lake; Central Basin; Blaine Township | B | 8 ft | - |
| 28 | Little Platte Lake North Basin | B | 6.5 ft | - |
| 29 | Upper Herring Lake | C | 7.5 ft | - |
| 30 | Betsie River Lake | C | 8 ft | - |
| 31 | Little Platte Lake | D | 6.5 ft | - |
Other Counties in Michigan
See how Benzie 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 Benzie County
Top-rated places to stay near Benzie 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 Benzie County?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Benzie County — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.