Barnes Lake is a 552-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Stutsman County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 12 feet (10-foot average). Water quality is graded D based on 2 sampling years through 2021. The lake supports 2 documented fish species including Walleye and Northern Pike. Public access is available with 2 public boat landings. Compared to the 6 other monitored lakes in Stutsman County, Barnes Lake ranks #7 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2021-10-04. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk
Water Quality Grade: D, Poor
Murky, only visible to about 6.4 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 24 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 56.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 6.4 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 24 µg/L | D |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 56 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 12 ft |
| Average Depth | 9.5 ft |
| Surface Area | 552 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 6.7 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Barnes Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Barnes Lake
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Barnes Lake averages about 62°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 70°F) and coldest in May (about 48°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 12 field readings (2021–2021) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Barnes Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #7 of 7 lakes in Stutsman County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Barnes Lake holds Grade D. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- BClark LakeStutsman County · 7.6 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → B)
- BLake WilliamsKidder County · 17.4 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → B)
- CFrettum Dam LakeKidder County · 21.7 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- CBader LakeStutsman County · 28.1 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
Nearby Lakes in Stutsman County
Explore Barnes Lake across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across North Dakota
Fish species and best lakes in Stutsman 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
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Eutrophic Lakes in North Dakota
Compare Barnes 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: 2021-10-04
Monitoring stations: 1