Emily Lake

Emily Lake grades an F: water clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a all rate poorly, placing it among the most stressed lakes monitored in Minnesota. Sub-grades cluster within a single letter of each other, which usually means the lake is in stable trophic balance rather than fighting one specific stressor.

At a TSI of 66, Emily Lake reads as eutrophic — nutrient-rich enough that summer algal growth and reduced clarity are expected, not unusual. A maximum depth of 37 ft puts Emily Lake in the middle of Minnesota's depth distribution. At 300 acres, Emily Lake fits the Minnesota median for monitored lakes, with 6.5 miles of shoreline. Within Le Sueur County's 14 graded lakes, Emily Lake ranks 10 — below the local median, though not at the bottom.

No invasive species are currently listed at Emily Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. Walleye are documented at Emily Lake, one of 14 fish species on record for the lake. Public access is available — the lake is on the Minnesota PCA public-access list. The lake has a partial ice record — 13 observed ice-outs, centered near Mar 30. The grade is supported by multiple sampling years from Minnesota PCA volunteers and partner agencies, giving the letter a reasonably stable foundation.