Bylin Dam Lake is a 60-acre mesotrophic lake in Walsh County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 23 feet (9-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 1 sampling years through 2025. The lake supports 2 documented fish species including Northern Pike and Yellow Perch. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 1 other monitored lakes in Walsh County, Bylin Dam Lake ranks #2 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2025-10-22. 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 7.2 ft. Trophic State Index: 49.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 7.2 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 49 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 22.5 ft |
| Average Depth | 9.1 ft |
| Surface Area | 60 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 3.2 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Bylin Dam Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Bylin Dam Lake
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Bylin Dam Lake averages about 67°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jun (about 68°F) and coldest in Oct (about 46°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 Bylin Dam Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #2 of 2 lakes in Walsh County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Bylin Dam Lake holds Grade C. One nearby lake has a higher grade.
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Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
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Moderate nutrients, good water quality
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More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Bylin Dam Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Bylin Dam (completed 1964), built primarily for flood risk reduction on the North Branch Forest River; earth-type dam, 60 ft tall and 760 ft long.
- Surface area
- 59.9 ac
- Normal storage
- 708.1 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 5,850 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 22.1 sq mi
- Hazard class
- High
- Owner
- Walsh County WRB
All listed purposes: Flood Risk Reduction;Recreation.
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00036 · Operator website
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
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: 2025-10-22
Monitoring stations: 1