Chickenbone Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Keweenaw County, Michigan. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2024. Overall water quality is declining over recent sampling years. The lake supports 1 documented fish species including Blackchin shiner. Compared to the 18 other monitored lakes in Keweenaw County, Chickenbone Lake ranks #17 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2024-09-03. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Chickenbone Lake water quality
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Murky, only visible to about 6.1 ft. Phosphorus level: 28.2 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 52.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 6.1 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | 28.2 µg/L | B |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 52 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Chickenbone Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Chickenbone Lake
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 2 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -1.24 m/yr | 2 |
| Phosphorus | ↓ Declining | +21 µg/L/yr | 2 |
Water Temperature
Chickenbone Lake averages about 69°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Aug (about 72°F) and coldest in Jun (about 65°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 113 field readings (2010–2024) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Chickenbone Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #17 of 19 lakes in Keweenaw County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Chickenbone Lake holds Grade C. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ASargent LakeKeweenaw County · 2.8 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- ALake HarveyKeweenaw County · 4.1 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- ASiskiwit LakeKeweenaw County · 5.9 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BLake RichieKeweenaw County · 1.9 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BBeaver LakeKeweenaw County · 2.3 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Keweenaw County
Explore Chickenbone Lake across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across Michigan
Fish species and best lakes in Keweenaw County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
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Where to stay at Michigan's top lakes, each with its grade
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Michigan's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
More Michigan Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in Michigan
Marquette County · Clarity: 9 ft
Iron County · Clarity: 6 ft
Iron County · Clarity: 7.3 ft
Iron County · Clarity: 7.5 ft
Ontonagon County · Clarity: 6.5 ft
Gogebic County · Clarity: 8.3 ft
Eutrophic Lakes in Michigan
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
Most recent sample: 2024-09-03
Monitoring stations: 1