Antelope Lake is a 2,560-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Pierce County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 24 feet (13-foot average). Water quality is graded D based on 2 sampling years through 2025. Overall water quality is declining over recent sampling years. The lake supports 2 documented fish species including Walleye and Yellow Perch. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 2 other monitored lakes in Pierce County, Antelope Lake ranks #2 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2025-10-01. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Antelope Lake water quality
Subscribe for LakeQuality updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Swimming Safety
Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk
Water Quality Grade: D, Poor
Murky, only visible to about 3.5 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 43.6 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 63.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3.5 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 43.6 µg/L | F |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 63 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 24.3 ft |
| Average Depth | 12.6 ft |
| Surface Area | 2,560 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 21.8 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Antelope Lake
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Antelope Lake in Pierce County, North Dakota — live availability and prices for your trip. Switch the map to Satellite to see the lake and how close each stay is to the water.
Top-rated places to stay near Antelope Lake
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 Antelope Lake?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Antelope Lake — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Planning a whole trip? See where to stay at North Dakota’s top lakes →
Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Antelope Lake
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 2 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -0.068 m/yr | 2 |
Recreation & Access
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #2 of 3 lakes in Pierce County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Antelope Lake holds Grade D. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ARound LakeMcHenry County · 9.7 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → A)
- CHarvey Dam LakeWells County · 15.9 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- CBalta Dam LakePierce County · 14 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- CLake GeorgeMcHenry County · 18.7 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
Nearby Lakes in Pierce County
Explore Antelope Lake across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across North Dakota
Fish species and best lakes in Pierce County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at North Dakota's top lakes, each with its grade
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
North Dakota's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
More North Dakota Lake Rankings
Other Grade D Lakes in North Dakota
Eutrophic Lakes in North Dakota
Compare Antelope Lake With Nearby Lakes
More records, surveys & data sources
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS). Mean depth is a modeled estimate.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Depth, fish, and access data from North Dakota Game & Fish
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2025-10-01
Monitoring stations: 2