Custer Mine Pond is a 11-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in McLean County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 24 feet (11-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2024. The lake supports 2 documented fish species including Channel Catfish and Northern Pike. Public access is available with 6 public boat landings. Compared to the 2 other monitored lakes in McLean County, Custer Mine Pond ranks #3 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2024-10-08. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Very murky, less than 2.2 ft of visibility. Chlorophyll-a: 3.3 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 54.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 2.2 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 3.3 µg/L | A |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 54 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 23.7 ft |
| Average Depth | 10.8 ft |
| Surface Area | 11 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 0.6 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Custer Mine Pond
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Custer Mine Pond
Recreation & Access
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #3 of 3 lakes in McLean County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Custer Mine Pond holds Grade C. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- AQacmainstfbk LakeMercer County · 9.9 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BQacmainstdup LakeMercer County · 9.9 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BVelva Sportsmans Dam LakeWard County · 26.6 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BLake AudubonMcLean County · 6.7 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BNorth Carlson LakeWard County · 22.2 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
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High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
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Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Custer Mine Pond is a man-made reservoir impounded by the De Trobriand Gma 1 (completed 1986), built primarily for fish and wildlife pond on the Lake Sakakawea-TR; earth-type dam, 17 ft tall and 265 ft long.
- Surface area
- 10.7 ac
- Normal storage
- 55.8 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 55.8 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 1.89 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- US Corps Of Engineers
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00427 · Operator website · Matched by proximity (0.77 km)
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
1 EPA-permitted facility operate within about 5 miles of Custer Mine Pond under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits. 1 facility has a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Snake Creek Pumping PlantColeharbor · 1.9 mi away · NPDES ND0023892Recent violation
Facilities permitted to discharge under the Clean Water Act within ~5 miles; proximity does not by itself mean a facility affects this lake. Source: EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES), as of 2026-07.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Regulated discharger data from EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES)
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: 2024-10-08
Monitoring stations: 1