Channel Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Lake County, Illinois. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2022. Limited fish-species data available. Public access is available with 5 public boat landings. Compared to the 15 other monitored lakes in Lake County, Channel Lake ranks #7 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Illinois DNR, last sampled 2022-10-25. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Channel Lake water quality
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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. Phosphorus level: 34.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 51.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 8 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | 34.5 µg/L | C |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 51 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Channel Lake
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Fishing Channel Lake
Recreation & Access
Current Conditions
Latest reading Jul 6, 2026, 4:45 AM from USGS gauge 05547000. See live data ↗ — readings update every 15–60 minutes; this page refreshes on each build.
Water Temperature
Channel Lake averages about 73°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 77°F) and coldest in May (about 57°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 401 field readings (2012–2022) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Channel Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #7 of 16 lakes in Lake County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Channel Lake holds Grade C. One nearby lake has a higher grade.
See full comparison →Nearby Lakes in Lake County
Explore Channel Lake across LakeGrade
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Top lakes and where to stay in the Chain O'Lakes area
Where to stay at Illinois's top lakes, each with its grade
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Illinois's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
More Illinois Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in Illinois
Eutrophic Lakes in Illinois
More records, surveys & data sources
EPA Impairment Status
Channel Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 5).
Causes of impairment
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit IL_RTI · Official waterbody report
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
Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2022-10-25
Monitoring stations: 2