Fox Lake

On the scoring rubric Fox Lake grades a D: clarity at 3.7 ft and phosphorus readings still being added keep it in the lower bracket for Pine County.

At a TSI of 58, Fox Lake reads as eutrophic — nutrient-rich enough that summer algal growth and reduced clarity are expected, not unusual. A maximum depth of just 15 ft means sediment-bound phosphorus releases back into the water column whenever wind stirs the bottom — a classic shallow-lake dynamic. At 200 acres, Fox Lake fits the Minnesota median for monitored lakes, with 4.5 miles of shoreline. Fox Lake ranks 17 of 19 in Pine County — at the lower end of the locally monitored distribution.

Fox Lake has no invasive species recorded in Minnesota state databases as of 2021, though prevention practices still apply at all access points. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Fox Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. No formal public access is documented at Fox Lake — most use is by shoreline residents and their guests. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.