Arnegard Dam Lake is a 24-acre mesotrophic lake in McKenzie County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 12 feet (4-foot average). Water quality is graded A based on 1 sampling years through 2023. The lake supports 5 documented fish species including Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 2 other monitored lakes in McKenzie County, Arnegard Dam Lake ranks #1 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2023-07-15. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Excellent for swimming, crystal clear water with minimal algae
Water Quality Grade: A, Excellent
No clarity data. Chlorophyll-a: 3.1 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 42.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No data | |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 3.1 µg/L | A |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 42 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 12.2 ft |
| Average Depth | 3.7 ft |
| Surface Area | 24 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 3.2 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Arnegard Dam Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Arnegard Dam Lake
Recreation & Access
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #1 of 3 lakes in McKenzie County
Nearby Lakes in McKenzie County
Explore Arnegard Dam Lake across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across North Dakota
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at North Dakota's top lakes, each with its grade
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
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Mesotrophic Lakes in North Dakota
More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Arnegard Dam Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Arnegard Dam (completed 1935), built primarily for recreation on the Timber Creek; earth-type dam, 14 ft tall and 1,700 ft long.
- Surface area
- 24.2 ac
- Normal storage
- 85.5 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 287.4 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 18.8 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- McKenzie County WRB
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00195 · Operator website
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
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: 2023-07-15
Monitoring stations: 3