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

Herkimer County Lake Quality

New York, 110 lakes, measured by NY DEC

Herkimer County in New York carries 110 monitored lakes — one of the lake-richer counties in our dataset. Coverage that dense usually reflects active lake-association sampling alongside state-agency monitoring. 6 of those lakes carry recent nutrient and algae readings. The county-level summary describes that subset, not every water body listed. Taken together, the monitored lakes of Herkimer County sit near the low-nutrient end of the New York range.

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. South Lake has the lowest nutrient and algae readings in the county.

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Cleanest lakes in Herkimer County →Cleanest lakes in New York →Best swimming lakes in New York →

Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for South Lake — or check the official New York fishing regulations.

All Lakes in Herkimer County

110 lakes · 6 ranked on readings, 104 without enough sampling6 lakes ranked on readings · 104 without enough sampling, hidden

Include not-rated lakes (104)

#	Lake	Clarity	Phosphorus	Algae	Trophic	Max Depth	Access
1	South LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	4 µg/L	1.1 µg/L	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
2	West PondHerkimer	No recent samples	10 µg/L	3.3 µg/L	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
3	Squash PondHerkimer	No recent samples	11 µg/L	2 µg/L	No recent samples	No recent samples	✓ Public
4	Willys LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	4 µg/L	1 µg/L	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
5	Windfall PondHerkimer	No recent samples	9 µg/L	1.6 µg/L	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
6	Loon Hollows PondHerkimer	No recent samples	5 µg/L	1 µg/L	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Fulton Chain LakesHerkimer	10.3 ft	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Young LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Weaver LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	11 ft	Not recorded
	East Canada LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Kyser LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	91.9 ft	Not recorded
	Ilion Reservoir Number ThreeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	52.5 ft	Not recorded
	Spruce LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	13.1 ft	Not recorded
	Boyer LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	23 ft	Not recorded
	Klondike ReservoirHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	39.4 ft	Not recorded
	Little Salmon LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	13.1 ft	Not recorded
	Black Creek LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	13.1 ft	Not recorded
	Mill Creek LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Swan LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Hinckley ReservoirHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	41 ft	Not recorded
	Chub PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	26.2 ft	Not recorded
	Gull LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	9.8 ft	Not recorded
	Granny MarshHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	6.6 ft	Not recorded
	Gull LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	26.2 ft	Not recorded
	Tamarack LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Nelson LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	13.1 ft	Not recorded
	Bear LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	16.4 ft	Not recorded
	Woodhull LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	89.9 ft	Not recorded
	Green LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	First LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Second LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Chamber LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Canachagala LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Third LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Fourth LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Sand LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Little Woodhull LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	6.6 ft	Not recorded
	North LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	58.1 ft	Not recorded
	South LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	60 ft	Not recorded
	Baby LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Honnedaga LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Horn LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	19.7 ft	Not recorded
	Pico LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Moss LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	49.9 ft	Not recorded
	Bubb LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	14.1 ft	Not recorded
	Dart LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	58.1 ft	Not recorded
	Big Moose LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	80.4 ft	Not recorded
	South PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	29.5 ft	Not recorded
	Twitchell LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	32.8 ft	Not recorded
	Silver LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	59.1 ft	Not recorded
	Thirsty PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	13.1 ft	Not recorded
	Hitchcock LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	44.9 ft	Not recorded
	Independence LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	16.4 ft	Not recorded
	Safford PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	19.7 ft	Not recorded
	Lake RondaxeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	33.1 ft	Not recorded
	West LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	23 ft	Not recorded
	East PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Little Moose LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Panther LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Twin PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	9.8 ft	Not recorded
	Fulton Chain LakesHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Gray LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	9.8 ft	Not recorded
	Nicks LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	10.5 ft	Not recorded
	Blackfoot PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	9.8 ft	Not recorded
	Gibbs LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	13.1 ft	Not recorded
	Little Safford LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	9.8 ft	Not recorded
	Big Otter LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	26.2 ft	Not recorded
	East PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	26.2 ft	Not recorded
	Lake EaskaHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	19.7 ft	Not recorded
	Middle Settlement LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	36.1 ft	Not recorded
	Middle Branch LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	16.4 ft	Not recorded
	Hitchcock PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	6.6 ft	Not recorded
	Grass PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	6.6 ft	Not recorded
	Fifth Creek PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	13.1 ft	Not recorded
	Pepperbox PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Sunshine PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	49.2 ft	Not recorded
	Moshier ReservoirHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	75.5 ft	Not recorded
	Stillwater ReservoirHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	32.8 ft	✓ Public
	Mud LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	6.6 ft	Not recorded
	Woods LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	33.1 ft	Not recorded
	Falls LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	19.7 ft	Not recorded
	Salmon LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	49.2 ft	Not recorded
	Evergreen LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	59.1 ft	Not recorded
	Peaked Mountain LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	39.4 ft	Not recorded
	Shallow PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	78.7 ft	Not recorded
	Lyon LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	39.4 ft	Not recorded
	Twin PondsHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	6.6 ft	Not recorded
	Diana PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	39.4 ft	Not recorded
	Bear PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	95.1 ft	Not recorded
	Middle South PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	9.8 ft	Not recorded
	Lower South PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	16.4 ft	Not recorded
	Dismal PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	16.4 ft	Not recorded
	Hawk PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	38.1 ft	Not recorded
	Beaverdam PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	16.4 ft	Not recorded
	Little Rock PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Witchhopple LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	29.5 ft	Not recorded
	Clear LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	65.6 ft	Not recorded
	Walker LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	52.5 ft	Not recorded
	Crooked LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	15.1 ft	Not recorded
	Oven LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	Gull LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	49.9 ft	Not recorded
	Cracker PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	19 ft	Not recorded
	Wolf PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	18 ft	Not recorded
	Sand LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	29.9 ft	Not recorded
	Rock LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	17.1 ft	Not recorded
	Cage LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	24.9 ft	Not recorded
	Big FiveHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	7.9 ft	Not recorded
	Negro LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	88.6 ft	Not recorded
	Rock LakeHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	Not recorded
	East PondHerkimer	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	No recent samples	26.2 ft	Not recorded

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

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Source: the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. See data sources.