Late afternoon sun over Slim Lake, scattering a bright path across wind-textured water

Stearns County Lake Quality

Minnesota, 145 lakes, measured by Minnesota PCA

Stearns County in Minnesota carries 145 monitored lakes — one of the lake-richer counties in our dataset. Coverage that dense usually reflects active lake-association sampling alongside state-agency monitoring. 32 of those lakes carry recent nutrient and algae readings. The county-level summary describes that subset, not every water body listed. Most monitored lakes in Stearns County are productive, shallow basins; each lake page shows its own phosphorus and chlorophyll-a readings beside the EPA condition class.

The county's lakes lean shallow, which makes the readings sensitive to wind, sediment-resuspension, and any nutrient inputs from the watershed. The cleanest measured lake is Long Lake.

Loading map…

Where to stay near Stearns County

Top-rated places to stay near Stearns County

Prices for Oct 9–11, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.

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 Stearns County?

Get lake water-quality updates plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Stearns County — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Quick Answers for Stearns County

Cleanest lakes in Stearns County →Cleanest lakes in Minnesota →Best swimming lakes in Minnesota →

Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Long Lake, whether the fish are safe to eat, and the best times to fish — or browse the full Minnesota regulations index.

Fishing in Stearns County

Stearns County Fishing Guide

Fish species and the cleanest lakes in Stearns County

DNR Reports (40)

Minnesota DNR LakeFinder resources for lakes in Stearns County. browse all reports →

These links open on the official state DNR websites (Wisconsin DNR survey PDFs · Minnesota DNR LakeFinder).

—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Zumwalde
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Watab
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Warner
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Uhlenkolts
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Two Rivers
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Sylvia
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — School Section
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Schneider
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Sauk
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Sand
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Sagatagan
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Rice
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Pleasant
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Pelican
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Pearl
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Otter
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Ochotto
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — North Brown's
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Vails
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Middle Spunk
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Marie
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Lower Spunk
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Louisa
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Long
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Long
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Fuller
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Kreigle
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Krays
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Kraemer
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Koronis (main lake)
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Knaus
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Kings
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Horseshoe
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Great Northern
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Grand
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Goodners
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — George
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Eden
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Crooked
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
—
Fisheries Lake Survey — Cedar Island
Fisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder

All Lakes in Stearns County

145 lakes · 32 ranked on readings, 113 without enough sampling32 lakes ranked on readings · 113 without enough sampling, hidden

Include not-rated lakes (113)

#	Lake	Clarity	Phosphorus	Algae	Trophic	Max Depth	Access
1	Long LakeStearns	13.5 ft	19 µg/L	4.4 µg/L	No recent samples	28 ft	Carry-in
2	Big Spunk LakeStearns	10 ft	14 µg/L	3.7 µg/L	No recent samples	38 ft	✓ Public
3	Crooked LakeStearns	15.5 ft	16 µg/L	2.2 µg/L	No recent samples	35 ft	✓ Public
4	Big Fish LakeStearns	20 ft	9 µg/L	1.8 µg/L	No recent samples	70 ft	✓ Public
5	School Section LakeStearns	9.8 ft	14 µg/L	2.1 µg/L	No recent samples	14 ft	✓ Public
6	Big LakeStearns	6.9 ft	26.5 µg/L	10.7 µg/L	No recent samples	42 ft	✓ Public
7	Otter LakeStearns	9 ft	15 µg/L	9.4 µg/L	No recent samples	51 ft	✓ Public
8	Pirz LakeStearns	12 ft	26 µg/L	6.1 µg/L	No recent samples	No recent samples	Carry-in
9	Kraemer LakeStearns	6.9 ft	22 µg/L	11.6 µg/L	No recent samples	30 ft	Carry-in
10	George LakeStearns	7.3 ft	23 µg/L	10.7 µg/L	No recent samples	32 ft	✓ Public
11	Koronis LakeStearns	6 ft	27 µg/L	13.8 µg/L	No recent samples	132 ft	✓ Public
12	Grand LakeStearns	8 ft	27 µg/L	8.5 µg/L	No recent samples	34 ft	✓ Public
13	Augusta LakeStearns	5.3 ft	25.5 µg/L	13.4 µg/L	No recent samples	82 ft	✓ Public
14	Pearl LakeStearns	3.9 ft	20.5 µg/L	13 µg/L	No recent samples	17 ft	✓ Public
15	Warner LakeStearns	6 ft	22 µg/L	12.8 µg/L	No recent samples	38 ft	✓ Public
16	Sauk LakeStearns	3.9 ft	52 µg/L	22.3 µg/L	No recent samples	61 ft	✓ Public
17	Goodners LakeStearns	5 ft	71 µg/L	24 µg/L	No recent samples	24 ft	✓ Public
18	Krays LakeStearns	3.5 ft	150 µg/L	21 µg/L	No recent samples	40 ft	Carry-in
19	Louisa LakeStearns	5.7 ft	65 µg/L	24.9 µg/L	No recent samples	44 ft	Carry-in
20	Schneider LakeStearns	12 ft	64 µg/L	18 µg/L	No recent samples	52 ft	Carry-in
21	Eden LakeStearns	3 ft	179.5 µg/L	27 µg/L	No recent samples	77 ft	✓ Public
22	Mud LakeStearns	3 ft	166 µg/L	59.5 µg/L	No recent samples	20 ft	✓ Public
23	Horseshoe LakeStearns	4 ft	120 µg/L	44.5 µg/L	No recent samples	57 ft	✓ Public
24	Long LakeStearns	2.5 ft	61 µg/L	41 µg/L	No recent samples	35 ft	✓ Public
25	Rice LakeStearns	3 ft	50 µg/L	39.5 µg/L	No recent samples	41 ft	✓ Public
26	North Brown'S LakeStearns	4 ft	67.5 µg/L	31 µg/L	No recent samples	41 ft	✓ Public
27	Cedar Island LakeStearns	3.5 ft	63.5 µg/L	44 µg/L	No recent samples	75 ft	✓ Public
28	Knaus LakeStearns	2.5 ft	143 µg/L	31 µg/L	No recent samples	20 ft	✓ Public
29	Marie LakeStearns	5.1 ft	75 µg/L	42.1 µg/L	No recent samples	36 ft	✓ Public
30	Uhlenkolts LakeStearns	0.7 ft	187 µg/L	205 µg/L	No recent samples	18 ft	✓ Public
31	Bolfing LakeStearns	6.3 ft	59 µg/L	51.6 µg/L	No recent samples	36 ft	Carry-in
32	Mccormic LakeStearns	No recent samples	67 µg/L	44 µg/L	No recent samples	No recent samples	✓ Public
	Pelican LakeStearns	13.5 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	46 ft	✓ Public
	Long LakeStearns	14 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	46 ft	✓ Public
	Unnamed LakeStearns	10 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Carry-in
	Unnamed LakeStearns	3.4 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Bear LakeStearns	6 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Carry-in
	Carnelian LakeStearns	12 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	36 ft	✓ Public
	Sand LakeStearns	2.5 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	15 ft	✓ Public
	Sylvia LakeStearns	10 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	56 ft	✓ Public
	Middle Spunk LakeStearns	12 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	81 ft	✓ Public
	Pleasant LakeStearns	13 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	33 ft	✓ Public
	Zumwalde LakeStearns	2.3 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	23 ft	Carry-in
	Big Watab LakeStearns	20.5 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	123 ft	✓ Public
	Two Rivers LakeStearns	11.2 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	63 ft	✓ Public
	Kreighle LakeStearns	18 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	66 ft	Carry-in
	Black Oak LakeStearns	10 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	19 ft	✓ Public
	Kings LakeStearns	7.4 ft	45 µg/L	31.4 µg/L	No recent samples	44 ft	✓ Public
	Great Northern LakeStearns	4.5 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	16.2 ft	Carry-in
	Sagatagan LakeStearns	17 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	42 ft	Carry-in
	Ochotto LakeStearns	13 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	40 ft	✓ Public
	Lower Spunk LakeStearns	9.5 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	27.5 ft	✓ Public
	Becker LakeStearns	5.7 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	20 ft	✓ Public
	Henry LakeStearns	0.5 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Carry-in
	Watab LakeStearns	10.5 ft	5 µg/L	No recent samples	No recent samples	54 ft	Carry-in
	Thein LakeStearns	10.5 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Carry-in
	Willow LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Maria LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	15 ft	Not recorded
	Dallas LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	22 ft	Not recorded
	Fuller LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	27.9 ft	Not recorded
	Bunt LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	6.6 ft	Not recorded
	Swamp LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Achman LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	25 ft	Not recorded
	Lake AnnaStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	27 ft	Not recorded
	Pine LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	70 ft	✓ Public
	Englemeier LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Linneman LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	12 ft	Not recorded
	Minnie LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Fifth LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Pitts LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	17.9 ft	Not recorded
	Little Rice LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	23.7 ft	Not recorded
	Koop LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	50 ft	Not recorded
	Kalla LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	47.5 ft	Not recorded
	Schmid LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	29.5 ft	Not recorded
	Long LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Island LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	40 ft	Not recorded
	Stump LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	36 ft	Not recorded
	Rossier LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	30.8 ft	Not recorded
	Bakers LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Mud LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Rausch LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Mund LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	19 ft	Not recorded
	Lake LuraStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Murray LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	21 ft	Not recorded
	Days LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	23.9 ft	Not recorded
	Beaver LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	27 ft	✓ Public
	Mud LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Fink LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	School LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Island LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Mud LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Schackman LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Park LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	7 ft	Not recorded
	Mud LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	35 ft	Not recorded
	Krons BayStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	31.5 ft	Not recorded
	East LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	13.8 ft	Not recorded
	Koetter LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	30.3 ft	Not recorded
	Byer LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	17 ft	Not recorded
	Little Watab LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	21 ft	Not recorded
	Mud LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Sand LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	School LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Clear LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	40 ft	✓ Public
	Mud LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Big Rice LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Roschien LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Schroeder LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	42 ft	Not recorded
	Flint LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Ganzer LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Meyers LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Big LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	30 ft	✓ Public
	Deep LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	53.9 ft	Not recorded
	Mud LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	131.2 ft	Not recorded
	Krueger LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Lake HenryStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	4.7 ft	Not recorded
	Isabelle LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Lake IsabelleStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Elrings LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	26.4 ft	Not recorded
	Frevels LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Getchell LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Gravel LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Kranz LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Jopp LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Mud LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Sand LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	North LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Lake MariaStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	40 ft	Not recorded
	Long LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	60 ft	✓ Public
	Freeport LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Fish LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Vos LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Saint Anna LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	105 ft	Not recorded
	Lake BeautifulStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Mary LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	58 ft	Not recorded
	Mud LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Lovell LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Hartnette LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Cedar LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	35 ft	✓ Public
	Stub LakesStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Cedar LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	5.2 ft	Not recorded
	Raymond LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Crow LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Tamarack LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Grass LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Fish LakeStearns	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded

NR = no nutrient or algae reading on record. The measurements are published as the authority reports them. Where the data comes from.

Lake Match

Which lake suits how you actually use one?

Six questions — swimming, fishing, quiet, cabins, drive time — and a shortlist of lakes that fit, with the water quality behind each one.

Take the quiz →

Other Counties in Minnesota

43 lakes

52 lakes

178 lakes

397 lakes

469 lakes

320 lakes

Browse every Minnesota lake, or the full directory of lakes across all United States (49 states), Canada (Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador), and 38 other country hubs..

Source: the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota DNR. See data sources.