Bader Lake is a 239-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Stutsman County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 20 feet (12-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2024. The lake supports 3 documented fish species including Walleye, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 6 other monitored lakes in Stutsman County, Bader Lake ranks #4 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2024-10-01. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Very murky, less than 1.3 ft of visibility. Chlorophyll-a: 4 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 58.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 1.3 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 4 µg/L | A |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 58 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 20.1 ft |
| Average Depth | 12.4 ft |
| Surface Area | 239 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 5.4 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Bader Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Bader Lake
Recreation & Access
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #4 of 7 lakes in Stutsman County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Bader Lake holds Grade C. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- BClark LakeStutsman County · 25 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BLake WilliamsKidder County · 26.3 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BJamestown ReservoirStutsman County · 28.1 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Stutsman County
Explore Bader Lake across LakeGrade
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Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
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High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
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Eutrophic Lakes in North Dakota
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: 2024-10-01
Monitoring stations: 1