Yates County Lake Quality
New York, 2 lakes, average grade A (Excellent)
Yates County has 2 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. On average, Yates County lakes grade an A. That puts it near the top of the New York county ranking.
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 Keuka Lake (A); the most-stressed is Seneca Lake (B).
Quick Answers for Yates County
Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Keuka Lake, whether the fish are safe to eat, and the best times to fish — or check the official New York fishing regulations.
Fishing in Yates County
All Lakes in Yates County
| Rank | Lake | Grade | Clarity | Phosphorus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keuka Lake | A | 23.6 ft | - |
| 2 | Seneca Lake | B | 10.3 ft | - |
Other Counties in New York
See how Yates 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 Yates County
Top-rated places to stay near Yates County
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Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.