Devils Lake is a 110,763-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Benson County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 58 feet (26-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2025. The lake supports 5 documented fish species including Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. Public access is available. Compared to the 3 other monitored lakes in Benson County, Devils Lake ranks #4 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2025-10-09. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Murky, only visible to about 3.7 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 13.9 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 57.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3.7 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 13.9 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 57 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 58.1 ft |
| Average Depth | 25.5 ft |
| Surface Area | 110,763 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 531 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Devils Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Devils Lake
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #4 of 4 lakes in Benson County
Nearby Lakes in Benson County
Explore Devils Lake across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across North Dakota
Fish species and best lakes in Benson County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Top lakes and where to stay in the Devils Lake Region area
Where to stay at North Dakota's top lakes, each with its grade
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
North Dakota's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
More North Dakota Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in North Dakota
Eutrophic Lakes in North Dakota
Compare Devils Lake With Nearby Lakes
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
Depth, fish, and access data from North Dakota Game & Fish
Most recent sample: 2025-10-09
Monitoring stations: 2