Isabella County Lake Quality
Michigan, 2 lakes, average grade B (Good)
Only 2 lakes in Isabella County carry an active grade. The county-level summary is therefore representative of those specific lakes, not necessarily of every water body in the county. The county-wide average lands at B — solid water quality with most lakes carrying clear summer transparency and low-to-moderate phosphorus.
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 Coldwater Lake Southeast Basin; Nottawa Township (A); the most-stressed is Coldwater Lake (B).
Quick Answers for Isabella County
Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Coldwater Lake Southeast Basin; Nottawa Township, whether the fish are safe to eat, and the best times to fish — or check the official Michigan fishing regulations.
Fishing in Isabella County
All Lakes in Isabella County
| Rank | Lake | Grade | Clarity | Phosphorus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coldwater Lake Southeast Basin; Nottawa Township | A | 10.5 ft | - |
| 2 | Coldwater Lake | B | 10 ft | - |
Other Counties in Michigan
See how Isabella 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 Isabella County
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Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.