Ashland Lake is a 29-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Boone County, Missouri. Water quality is graded F based on 3 sampling years through 2023. Water clarity is declining over recent sampling years. Limited fish-species data available. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 11 other monitored lakes in Boone County, Ashland Lake ranks #11 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Missouri DNR, last sampled 2023-08-10. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Avoid swimming, very poor water quality, potential algae toxins
Water Quality Grade: F, Very Poor
Very murky, less than 1.9 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 90.2 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 39 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 68.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 1.9 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | 90.2 µg/L | F |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 39 µg/L | F |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 68 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 29 acres |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Ashland Lake
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Fishing Ashland Lake
Water Quality Trend: → Stable
Based on 3 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -0.045 m/yr | 3 |
| Phosphorus | → Stable | +0.5 µg/L/yr | 3 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↑ Improving | -6.2 µg/L/yr | 3 |
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Ashland Lake averages about 82°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 85°F) and coldest in Apr (about 66°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 31 field readings (2012–2023) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Ashland Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #11 of 12 lakes in Boone County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Ashland Lake holds Grade F. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- CMckee PondBoone County · 6.5 mi · Two grade letters higher (F → C)
- CPhillips LakeBoone County · 10.8 mi · Two grade letters higher (F → C)
- CBethel LakeBoone County · 12.5 mi · Two grade letters higher (F → C)
- DBinder LakeCole County · 11.8 mi · Higher grade (F → D)
- FLittle Dixie Lk. LakeCallaway County · 11.4 mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Boone County
Explore Ashland Lake across LakeGrade
More Missouri Lake Rankings
Other Grade F Lakes in Missouri
Eutrophic Lakes in Missouri
More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Ashland Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Ashland Wildlife Area Dam (completed 1937), built primarily for other on the BRUSHY CREEK; earth-type dam, 44 ft tall and 270 ft long.
- Surface area
- 29 ac
- Normal storage
- 429 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 429 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 3.87 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
All listed purposes: Other;Recreation.
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID MO10036 · Operator website · Matched by proximity (0.04 km)
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
4 EPA-permitted facilities operate within about 5 miles of Ashland Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits. 3 facilities have a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Adventures In Learning Childcare WwtpAshland · 2.5 mi away · NPDES MO0117366Recent violation
- Ashland WwtpAshland · 2.7 mi away · NPDES MO0106844Recent violation
- Columbia Regional Airport WwtfColumbia · 3.1 mi away · NPDES MO0092924Recent violation
- Ashland Christian Church WwtfAshland · 4.4 mi away · NPDES MO0129135
Facilities permitted to discharge under the Clean Water Act within ~5 miles; proximity does not by itself mean a facility affects this lake. Source: EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES), as of 2026-07.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Regulated discharger data from EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2023-08-10
Monitoring stations: 2