Esquagamah Lake

Esquagamah Lake earns a D — measurements through 2024 show persistent nutrient pressure that limits clarity through the summer.

A TSI in the eutrophic range signals a lake doing what nutrient-loaded waters do — supporting an active algal community at the cost of clear water. A maximum depth of 31 ft puts Esquagamah Lake in the middle of Minnesota's depth distribution. At 842 acres, Esquagamah Lake fits the Minnesota median for monitored lakes, with 6.2 miles of shoreline. Within the 53 graded lakes of Aitkin County, Esquagamah Lake sits at rank 44, near the bottom of the county list.

Esquagamah Lake has no invasive species recorded in Minnesota state databases as of 2024, though prevention practices still apply at all access points. The fishery includes walleye among the lake's 14 documented species — a notable draw for Minnesota anglers. Public access is available — the lake is on the Minnesota PCA public-access list. The lake has a long ice-out record — 42 observations on file, with a median ice-out around Apr 15. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.