Clausen Springs Lake is a 43-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Barnes County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 29 feet (14-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 1 sampling years through 2020. The lake supports 3 documented fish species including Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 3 other monitored lakes in Barnes County, Clausen Springs Lake ranks #4 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2020-10-13. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Clausen Springs Lake water quality
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
No clarity data. Chlorophyll-a: 12.6 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 55.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No data | |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 12.6 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 55 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 29.1 ft |
| Average Depth | 14 ft |
| Surface Area | 43 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 1.7 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Clausen Springs Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Clausen Springs Lake
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Clausen Springs Lake averages about 63°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 65°F) and coldest in Jan (about 35°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 53 field readings (2019–2020) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Clausen Springs Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #4 of 4 lakes in Barnes County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Clausen Springs Lake holds Grade C. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
Nearby Lakes in Barnes County
Explore Clausen Springs Lake across LakeGrade
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Fish species and best lakes in Barnes County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at North Dakota's top lakes, each with its grade
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
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Other Grade C Lakes in North Dakota
Eutrophic Lakes in North Dakota
More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Clausen Springs Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Clausen Springs Dam (completed 1967), built primarily for recreation on the Spring Creek; earth-type dam, 52 ft tall and 700 ft long.
- Surface area
- 42.7 ac
- Normal storage
- 639.6 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 1,274.6 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 86 sq mi
- Hazard class
- High
- Owner
- Barnes County WRB
All listed purposes: Recreation;Fish and Wildlife Pond.
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00029 · Operator website
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: 2020-10-13
Monitoring stations: 1