Boot Lake
Anoka County, MinnesotaEutrophic
The LakeGrade rubric puts Boot Lake at a C: clarity at 6.7 ft, 31 µg/L of phosphorus, and a TSI of 52 signal an intermediate trophic state. The two scored sub-grades — clarity and phosphorus — track close together, so neither one is dragging the average down.
At a TSI of 52, Boot Lake reads as eutrophic — nutrient-rich enough that summer algal growth and reduced clarity are expected, not unusual. The lake bottoms out at 19 ft — a moderate depth that supports a warm-water fishery without the year-round cold refuge a deeper basin provides. Boot Lake is small — 91 acres alongside 2.6 miles of shoreline — which makes it sensitive to even modest changes in watershed runoff or recreational pressure. Boot Lake ranks 9 of 24 in Anoka County — solidly in the upper half of the local distribution.
No invasive species are currently listed at Boot Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Boot Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. No formal public access is documented at Boot Lake — most use is by shoreline residents and their guests. Monitoring depth is thin here: the LakeGrade rubric is applied to a small number of sample years, and the grade will be revised as more data accumulates.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2021-09-16. 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 6.7 ft. Phosphorus level: 31 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 52.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 6.7 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | 31 µg/L | C |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 52 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 19 ft |
| Surface Area | 91.39 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 2.6 mi |
| Public Access | No |
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -0.028 m/yr | 5 |
| Phosphorus | ↓ Declining | +3.83 µg/L/yr | 2 |
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #9 of 24 lakes in Anoka County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Boot Lake holds Grade C. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ANetta LakeAnoka County · mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BHoffman LakeIsanti County · mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BHam LakeAnoka County · mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- CCoon LakeAnoka County · mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Anoka County
More Minnesota Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Boot Lake
Other Grade C Lakes in Minnesota
Eutrophic Lakes in Minnesota
DNR Fisheries Survey Summary
1 survey on file from MN DNR Fisheries. Most recent: 1959-06-30 (Standard Survey).
Top Species by Catch Rate
| Species | Avg CPUE | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Bullhead | 80.75 | 0.36 lb |
| Yellow Perch | 8.85 | 0.21 lb |
| Bluegill | 8.35 | 0.19 lb |
| Black Crappie | 5.55 | 0.23 lb |
| Pumpkinseed | 4.55 | 0.22 lb |
| Black Bullhead | 2.55 | 0.26 lb |
CPUE = catch per unit effort, averaged across surveys (excludes juvenile shoreline seining). Higher CPUE = more abundant in standardized sampling.
From the 1959-06-30 survey
This lake is entirely within the boundaries of a Scientific and Natural Area and as such: It is CLOSED to any fishing or boating activity. There is NO public access on the lake.
DNR Reports & Resources
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder publishes lake survey, fish stocking, water access, and aquatic plant data for Boot Lake. 2 reports on file.
- —Fisheries Lake Survey — BootFisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
- —Aquatic Plant Report — Boot (1368)Aquatic Plant Report · MN DNR LakeFinder
EPA Impairment Status
Boot Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 4A).
Causes of impairment
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit MN02-0026-00 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (1.72 km)
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Lake details from Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Most recent sample: 2021-09-16
Monitoring stations: 1