Fisher Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Black Hawk County, Iowa. Water quality is graded D based on 2 sampling years through 2024. Water clarity is improving over recent sampling years. Limited fish-species data available. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 6 other monitored lakes in Black Hawk County, Fisher Lake ranks #3 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Iowa DNR, last sampled 2024-09-11. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Based on E. coli testing, Fisher Lake frequently exceeded the EPA safe-swimming threshold (235 MPN/100mL) — on 19.4% of 98 samples across 7 seasons.
This is a historical summary of past testing, not a current condition — bacteria levels change quickly, especially after rain. Always check Iowa’s current beach and health-department advisories before swimming.
Water Quality Grade: D, Poor
Very murky, less than 2.6 ft of visibility. Chlorophyll-a: 25.7 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 63.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 2.6 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 25.7 µg/L | D |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 63 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Fisher Lake
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Fisher Lake in Black Hawk County, Iowa — live availability and prices for your trip. Switch the map to Satellite to see the lake and how close each stay is to the water.
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Fishing Fisher Lake
Water Quality Trend: → Stable
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↑ Improving | +0.036 m/yr | 5 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↓ Declining | +2.98 µg/L/yr | 5 |
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Fisher Lake averages about 78°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 81°F) and coldest in May (about 68°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 60 field readings (2010–2023) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Fisher Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #3 of 7 lakes in Black Hawk County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Fisher Lake holds Grade D. One nearby lake has a higher grade.
See full comparison →Nearby Lakes in Black Hawk County
Explore Fisher Lake across LakeGrade
More Iowa Lake Rankings
Other Grade D Lakes in Iowa
Eutrophic Lakes in Iowa
More records, surveys & data sources
EPA Impairment Status
Fisher Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 5).
Causes of impairment
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit IA 02-CED-465 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (1.25 km)
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2024-09-11
Monitoring stations: 1