Bisbee-Big Coulee Dam Lake is a 240-acre mesotrophic lake in Towner County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 27 feet (9-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 1 sampling years through 2025. The lake supports 4 documented fish species including Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 1 other monitored lakes in Towner County, Bisbee-Big Coulee Dam Lake ranks #1 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2025-10-01. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Moderate clarity, visible to about 8 ft. Trophic State Index: 47.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 8 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 47 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 26.9 ft |
| Average Depth | 9.1 ft |
| Surface Area | 240 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 9.8 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Bisbee-Big Coulee Dam Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Bisbee-Big Coulee Dam Lake
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Bisbee-Big Coulee Dam Lake averages about 68°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 72°F) and coldest in May (about 53°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 15 field readings (2015–2025) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Bisbee-Big Coulee Dam Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #1 of 2 lakes in Towner County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Bisbee-Big Coulee Dam Lake holds Grade C. One nearby lake has a higher grade.
Nearby Lakes in Towner County
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Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
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Moderate nutrients, good water quality
North Dakota's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
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Other Grade C Lakes in North Dakota
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More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Bisbee-Big Coulee Dam Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Big Coulee Dam (completed 1968), built primarily for recreation on the Big Coulee; earth-type dam, 39 ft tall and 1,170 ft long.
- Surface area
- 240 ac
- Normal storage
- 2,222.8 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 5,103 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 108 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Significant
- Owner
- City of Bisbee
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00015 · Operator website · Matched by proximity (0.14 km)
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: 1