
Kay County Lake Quality
Oklahoma, 11 lakes, average grade D (Nutrient-rich)
Kay County holds 11 monitored lakes. With a sample that small the county-level summary describes those specific waters, not necessarily every water body in the county. 3 of those lakes carry an A–F grade. The county-level summary describes that subset, not every water body listed. The county-wide average grade is D — water quality issues are persistent across most of the monitored basins. 0 lakes fall into the F bracket outright.
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 Sarge Creek Lake (C); the most-stressed is Washunga Bay Lake (D).
Where to stay near Kay County
Top-rated places to stay near Kay County
Prices for Sep 11–13, 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 Kay County?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Kay County — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Quick Answers for Kay County
Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Sarge Creek Lake — or check the official Oklahoma fishing regulations.
All Lakes in Kay County
11 lakes · 3 graded, 8 not rated3 graded lakes · 8 not rated, hidden
| # | Lake | Grade | Clarity | Phosphorus | Algae | Trophic | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CSarge Creek LakeKay | C | No recent samples | 313.5 µg/L | 7.4 µg/L | No recent samples | ✓ Public |
| 2 | DWashunga Bay LakeKay | D | No recent samples | 283 µg/L | 15.7 µg/L | No recent samples | ✓ Public |
| 3 | DCoon Creek LakeKay | D | No recent samples | 359 µg/L | 24 µg/L | No recent samples | Not recorded |
| NRLake PoncaKay | NR | 2.7 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | ✓ Public | |
| NRKaw LakeKay | NR | 2.4 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | ✓ Public | |
| NRPonca Lake AKay | NR | No recent samples | 237 µg/L | 9.1 µg/L | No recent samples | ✓ Public | |
| NRPonca Lake BKay | NR | No recent samples | 666.5 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded | |
| NRBear Creek LakeKay | NR | No recent samples | 697.5 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | ✓ Public | |
| NRNewkirk Country Club LakeKay | NR | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded | |
| NRLake BlackwellKay | NR | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded | |
| NRHorseshoe LakeKay | NR | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded |
NR = not rated: there is not enough recent sampling to support a letter. That is EPA Integrated Reporting Category 3 (insufficient information), not a failing grade. How grading works.
Lake Match
Which lake suits how you actually use one?
Six questions — swimming, fishing, quiet, cabins, drive time — and a shortlist of graded lakes that fit, with the water quality behind each one.
Other Counties in Oklahoma
See how Kay County stacks up in the national county water-quality rankings, or browse the full directory of graded lakes across all United States (49 states), Canada (Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador), and 38 other country hubs..
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.